The Nelli Fruit Is Rich In Protein, Fibre, Calcium, Vitamin C and riboflavin
amla (Phyllanthus em-blica) also Known as the
Indian Gooseberry in English is a medium sized
tree reaching 8 to 18 meters in height which naturally grows in forests of the tropical Asian countries
In Sri Lanka, the Nelli trees are used as attractive ornamental plants to decoratee avenues, streets, parks and riverbanks. lt is easy to grow, fire resistant and pest free.
The fruits of the Nelli tree come into bearing in Sri Lanka from December to March. The Nelli fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite Smooth and hard on appearance, with SIX vertical stripes and tastes sour, bitter and
astringent, and it is quite fibrous. Containing 30 – 50 percent of pulp, the Nelli fruit is rich in protein, fibre, calcium, vitamin C and riboflavin.
A paste made from the leaves is used for eczema and wounds. An infusion of leaves with fenugreck seed is given to patients with chronic diarrhoea. Like the fruits, the barks and the roots are also used to make traditional medicines. The seeds are used to treat asthma and bronchitis.
Gooseberry is a multi-purpose tree used for medicinal purposes and is commercially used to produce herbal shampoos and nair oils as it is traditionally believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature grey hair.
Product diversihication of gooseberry is taking place mainly due to its rich nutrilional composition.gooseberry available in the international market in capsule and tablet form.It is used also in the preparation of indigenous and modem medicine.
TRADITIONAL MEDICAL USES
The dried fruit is used as one of the ingredients which constitute the well-known Ayurvedic blend
known as Trippala. The importance of the Nelli fruit for the practice of the tradilional Sri Lankan Veda healing system has been wcll recognized.
According to Ayurvedic medicine , all parts of the plant are used as various herbal preparations,
including the fruit, seed, leaves,root, bark and flowers. The fruit is sour and astringentin the taste with Sweet, bitter and pungent secondary tastes. Its qualities are light and dry, the post digestive effect is sweet and its energy is cooling
With balancing of all three doshas, aamla is remarkable thus containing five out of the six tastes recognized by Ayurveda. It is most important to recognize the effects of the potency and post-digestive effect. Considered in this light ,
aamla is particularly helpful in reducing pitta (airy element) due to its cooling energy and in the meantime balancing both pitta and vata (hery element) by virtue of its sweet taste The kapha (waterlyment) is balanced primarily due to its drying action. It may be used as a rejuvenation to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion trat constipation, reduce fever, purity the blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthima, strengthen the heart, beneht the eyes,simulate hair growth, enliven the body and enhance intellect. Boiled Neli leaves are also very effective for skin eruptions.
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