How to Make Homemade Amla Oil

Amla oil is one of the world's oldest beauty secrets.

Amla, also known as gooseberry (or Emblica officinalis), has been used for centuries to beautify hair, face and body on the subcontinent of India. Amla can be purchased in various forms, but the powdered herb is available in bulk online. The most common way amla is used in beauty applications is in an herbal oil infusion. The infusion is prepared gradually by adding oil to the powdered raw herb. The mixture is slowly warmed to allow the oil to extract the essential properties from the herb. The resulting oil is strained, decanted and applied to the scalp, face or body. Proponents of amla oil prize it for its ability to condition and improve the appearance and overall texture of hair and skin. Amla contains high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural exfoliating agents to revitalize the scalp and protect against UV exposure. Making your own homemade amla oil will take one week to a month. The method that follows will make about a pint of oil.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup dried amla powder
• 1 pint natural oil (100% extra virgin coconut or almond oil is ideal)
• Glass jar with lid
• Bowl
• Strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter
• Funnel
• Jars or containers for storage

Instructions

1. Measure 1/2 cup of dried amla powder. Open a glass jar and pour in the powder.

2. Add a pint of natural oil to the powder in the jar. Replace the lid on the jar. Shake the jar gently to mix the powder throughout the oil.

3. Place the closed jar in a sunny window. Leave the jar for a minimum of 7 days, although 10 to 30 days will yield a stronger infusion. Shake the jar lightly every three days, and put it back in the window while the oil is being infused with the amla powder.

4. Take the jar of infused oil from the window. Place a bowl on a flat surface and put a strainer lined with a cheesecloth or coffee filter over it. Pour the contents of the jar into the lined strainer, allowing the filtered oil to be collected in the bowl below.

5. Discard the cheesecloth or filter containing the remnants of the herbal powder. The reserved oil collected in the bowl should be as clear as possible.

6. Use a funnel to add portions of the oil to one or more additional jars or containers for storage and later use.

References

• Amla Powder: Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair and Skin
• Garry & Sun: 100% Natural Amla Hair Oil
• Indian Food Forever: Amla & Common Ailments
• Mehandi: Amla Powder

Resources

• Home Remedies: Amla (Gooseberry)