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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




AMALAKI
aka Asam Melaka, Emblic, Indian Gooseberry, Laka laka, Melaka tree
(Phyllanthus emblica syn Emblica officinalis)
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A tree of Asia found growing in villages and lowland forests. The fruits are round, juicy and somewhat sour.

PART USED: In Ayurvedic medicine the fruit is used; in Chinese medicine the root is used. Berries are eaten fresh, dried or stewed. It is usually taken in the form of an herb jelly which is combined with the fruit of Terminalis bellirica and T. chebula to form a tonic combination called triphala. It is said to be rejuvenative.

MEDICINAL USES:
Considered to be tonic and laxative.
Ayurvedic uses are for coughs, eating disorders, to normalize bowel function; also used for skin diseases and tumors.
Used for the elderly in cases of confusion and forgetfulness (yin tonic). Used to treat senility.
In Chinese medicine the roots are used as a purgative.





©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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