How to Use Amla Powder to Look Younger

Amla powder is made from the powdered dried fruit of the Indian Gooseberry tree. It is often used in tanning and dying wool and silk and in Indian medicine. Amla can be used on your hair to slow hair loss, increase thickness and slow graying. It also leaves hair soft, silky and shiny. As a facial, it can tighten and tone the skin and balance redness. Amla is a wonderful exfoliant as it has natural astringent properties which help to remove dead skin cells without the chemicals of commercial products.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 4 tsp Amla powder
• 4 tsp conditioner
• Olive oil
• Fork or whisk
• Pastry bag or zip close sandwich bag
• Plastic shower cap
• Towel
• Scissors
• Comb
• Bowl
• Spoon
• 1.5 tsp Amla powder
• 1 tsp water
• 1 tsp facial lotion
• Fork or whisk
• Towel
• Bowl

Hair

1. Pour all of the Amla powder into a deep bowl. Slowly add the olive oil and mix with a fork or whisk until it makes a stiff paste, similar to art paste used in elementary school. Add all of the conditioner, mix until all ingredients are blended.
2. Let this mixture stand for 15 minutes.
3. Spoon into either a pastry bag or a sandwich bag. If using a pastry bag, twist end and cut small diagonal opening with scissors, enough to pipe the mixture into your hair. If using a sandwich bag, zip it shut and twist upper corner like you would the pastry bag, again cut a small diagonal hole in the tip with scissors.
4. Comb and section your hair. Squeeze Amla mixture along the sections until you cover your whole head. Use your fingers to massage it into your scalp. Use the remaining paste to cover the rest of your hair. Pile your hair on top of your head.
5. Cover your head with the plastic shower cap, then, cover that with a towel twisted on your hair like you would when you leave the shower.
6. Wait 15 minutes. If deep conditioning is desired, you may leave it on for up to 1 hour.
7. Wash out with your favorite shampoo until the water runs clear.

Skin

8. Pour all of the Amla powder into a deep bowl. Slowly add enough water and mix with a fork or whisk until it makes a thick, firm paste. It will feel a little gritty. Add your favorite facial lotion to make it creamy.
9. Let this mixture stand for 15 minutes.
10. Apply the mixture to your face with your fingertips. Use upward and outward motions as you massage it into your skin. Apply an even coat to your face and neck.
11. Allow mixture to stay on your skin for five to 10 minutes.
12. Rinse with warm water until all of the Amla mixture has been removed.
13. Towel dry skin by patting gently. Never tug or pull on your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Amla can be mixed with henna and indigo to make a cool brunette hair dye.
• For a neater clean up, pour all ingredients into a zip close bag, zip it closed, then massage the bag with your hand to thoroughly mix ingredients. When done, just throw the bag out. No mess!
• Amla used alone on blond or gray hair may leave a slight cool blond tone.
• Although Amla powder does not usually cause allergic reactions, they can always occur. Test a patch of skin on the inside of your arm and leave it on for 10 minutes, wash off and wait an hour for any reaction. If you should have any kind of allergic reaction, please contact your doctor immediately.
• Avoid sensitive areas such as eyes, nose and mouth.