Natural Remedies: Amla

Insulin-Resistance and Obesity with PCOS
We saw in the post on Fenugreek the connection between insulin-resistance and obesity in women suffering from PCOS. To counter the insulin-resistance due to PCOS, a multi-pronged attack is required. Fenugreek, honey, Amla, Bitter Gourd, Ivy Gourd, Indian Broad Beans and Bermuda Grass are very good natural remedies that improve sugar metabolism, reverse insulin-resistance and obesity and provide holistic nourishment to support fertility, healthy pregnancies and longevity. In this post we will study Amla. Other posts will provide the treatment protocol for the other listed remedies.

Remedy: Amla
Amla (Amalaki, Indian Gooseberry, Emblica Officinalis) fruit is very well established as a remedy for a variety of disorders including diabetes, atherosclerosis, acidity, asthma, constipation, inflammation, obsesity, etc. It is very rich in anti-oxidants and abundant in vitamin C. It contains chromium which is believed to give it the ability to temper diabetes. It also contains nutrients that promote healthy hair growth - Amla is highly beneficial for women who suffer from alopecia areata (hair loss) due to PCOS. It is very effective in shedding weight when supplemented by good diet, nutritional supplements and a healthy lifestyle. Amla also stimulates the liver and helps it to flush out accumulated toxins efficiently; this is particularly useful in patients whose symptoms are side-effects of long-term use of birth-control pills and other hormonal drugs.

Treatment methodology
Amla is a seasonal fruit. It may not be available round the year. However frozen/processed fruit is an excellent alternative to fresh fruit. Unlike many other fruits/vegetables, Amla still retains majority of its healing abilities despite freezing/processing. Frozen fruit is cheap and easily available in many Indian stores in the USA and India.

Patients are advised to consume one Amla fruit everyday. If fresh fruit is not available, frozen fruit may be thawed and consumed either on an empty stomach or with meals. The seed is not to be consumed.

The fruit is a mixture of several tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent. If taste of the raw fruit is not agreeable, the following recipe, which is well-tailored to PCOS patients may be tried.
Amla Raita
-Amla: 1 fruit (seed-removed)
-Curds/Yoghurt: 1/2 cup (100-150 ml)
-Coriander/Cilantro leaves: 20 grams
-Mint leaves: 20 grams
-Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp.
-Salt for taste

Beat all of the above ingredients in a mixer. And your Amla Raita is ready! The curds/yoghurt temper the sour and bitter tastes in the fruit.

Processed fruit is available in many forms - pickled, dried, etc. Usually the fruit is processed with other ingredients such as oil, sugar, honey, chilly, etc. Since the accompanying ingredients may not suit the PCOS patient, processed forms are best avoided.

Amla supplements (tablets/capsules) are available and may be substituted for the fruit.

The treatment takes about 8-10 weeks to show improvements in clinical tests (blood sugar/hormonal assays) and weight loss.