What is Amba haldi & its benefits
Amba haldi is type of turmeric also known as mango ginger. It has got the name this name as it looks like ginger but tastes like raw mango. Amba haldi benefits includes the skin problems, joint pain, cough and in wound healing.
Latin Name: Curcuma amada
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Ama haldi, karpura haldi
- Bengali: Amada
- Tamil: Kasturi mangal
- Telugu: Mamodi alam
- Kannada: Ambarasina
- Malayalam: Manga inji
- Marathi: Amba hadh
- Gujarati: Safed halder
- English : Mango Ginger
Sanskrit Name:
AmraNisha, Karpura haridra, Vanya haridra, Aranyaharidra, sugandha, Brihat kandali
Amba haldi Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
The plant of Amba haldi is similar to that of turmeric ( haridra). It is small in size and grows upto 2 to 3 feet. The leaves are oblong and 1 to 2 feet long, smooth with white coloured dot in it. The Rhizomes can grow upto 10 to 12 inches and have a pleasant aroma of raw mango.
Ras ( Taste)
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Madhur (Sweet)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet ( cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur(Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Classical Categorization
Bhavprakash nighantu – Haritakyadi varga ( group)
Kaiyadev Nighantu – Aushadi varga
Benefits of Amba haldi
Helps to relieve inflammation
Amba haldi has long been used in traditional Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, and recent research suggests it may have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
It contains high levels of compounds called terpenoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on Amba haldi shown that it stops the release of cytokines, a chemical that causes inflammation.
This herb has been used medicinally since ancient times and the potential health benefits can help in treating chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
Useful to boost digestion
Amba haldi, known for its various health benefits, can also act as a digestive aid, providing relief for gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, bloating and gas.
One way Amba haldi help with digestion is by stimulating the production of Pachak pitta, that helps in digestion
In Ayurveda Pachak pitta play a crucial role in breaking down food and allowing the body to absorb nutrients more effectively.
Moreover Amba haldi has anti inflammatory properties that help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and provide relief from chronic gastritis, colitis and ulcerative colitis.
Benefits Skin health
Amba haldi is a natural and ancient remedy renowned for its numerous benefits to skin health. The antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties makes it highly beneficial for skin health.
It not only helps to cure skin problems such as Acne but also combat the signs of aging.
In addition to this it also helps in reducing wrinkles by maintaining skin softness. Moreover Amba haldi paste helps to reduce blackish discoloration of skin (dark spot) and promotes a more balanced and radiant skin tone.
As a versatile and time-tested remedy, Amba haldi offers various benefits to improve skin health, making it a valuable addition to one’s skincare routine.
To boost respiratory health
Amba Haldi is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems.
Its various properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effect that may help reduce inflammation and provide relief from asthma symptoms as well as bronchitis ( an inflammation of bronchial tubes) contribute to supporting respiratory health.
In addition to this Amba haldi helps to fight sinus infections, also known as sinusitis because of it’s anti microbial properties, while its anti-inflammatory effects may help in reducing the inflammation.
Sinusitis occur when the sinuses become inflamed or blocked, leading to symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and headaches.
Anti Cancer
Some studies suggest that wild turmeric has anti-cancer properties due to its high curcumin content. It may help slow the growth of cancer cells and reduce the spread of tumors, though more research is needed in this area.
Useful in respiratory Allergies
Amba haldi may have some unique anti-allergic properties.
Researchers have begun to look into its potential benefits in the treatment of allergies.
The research shows that Amba haldi contains chemicals like quercetin, gallic acid, and kaempferol, which can help fight inflammation and reduce allergic reactions.
These compounds work by stopping the release of histamine, which is what causes an allergic attack to cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
Advantages of Amra haridra in Ayurveda
Sheetala : It is cooling in nature.
Vrushya: Helps improve vigor, vitality and strength
Kandhuhar: Relieves all types of itching
Sannipathar : helps in balancing all three dosha.
Chemical composition
Presence of cucrmin and phytosterol is reported in the rhizome of this plant. The rhizome also contains essential oil, resin, gum, starch, sugar, albuminoids, crude fiber, and organic acid d camphor,1 beta curcumene, mycerene and cacimene
How to use Amba haldi
Wild turmeric is available in different forms to suit various applications. The most common forms include:
- Powder: Wild turmeric is often dried and ground into a fine powder, which is used in cooking, skincare products, and for medicinal purposes. This powder can be added to teas, smoothies, or used topically.
- Oil: Wild turmeric oil is extracted from the plant’s roots. It contains active compounds that can be used for massage, aromatherapy, and for treating skin conditions.
- Capsules: For those not willing to take it in powder form,they can opt for a concentrated form of wild turmeric’s active ingredients, extracts and capsules which are also available in the market. 1-2 capsule two times a day .
- Part used : Rhizome
Home Remedies of Amba haldi
For relief from itching : Take 1/2 teaspoon of amba haldi powder and cummin seed powder add ghee to it and mix well. Apply this mixture on part affected by itching.
For Worms: Take powder of amba haldi and saindhav (rock salt) and consume this powder with warm water . This is excellent remedy for worms infestation.
To Relieve sprain : Make a paste from 1 teaspoon of ambahaldi and rakthbol ( extract from aloevera) in hot water and apply of the affected part. This gives quick relief from pain and swelling in sprain.
For skin pigmentation : Take 1 teaspoon of Ambahaldi, 1 teaspoon honey,1 teaspoon lime juice. Mix all together and make a face mask. Apply it on face and leave it for 15 to 20 min. Wash with water to get bright and glowing skin
Cautions And Contraindications
While amba haldi has many benefits and is generally safe, however excess consumption may cause
- Gastrointestinal Problems: seeds Consuming too much amba haldi can increase acidity in the gut. This, in turn, can lead to heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, and gastric ulcers.
- Bleeding Disorders: One Curcumin ,the active compound in wild turmeric can have blood thinnig effect which may interfere with blood clotting. People who are on blood-thinning medications or have bleeding disorders should consult a healthcare professional before using wild turmeric.
- Allergic reaction: . Some people may be sensitivity to Amba haldi and may see skin rashes, itching and swelling.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Amba haldi take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly Amba haldi works.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Conclusion
Amba haldi has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. It is beneficial in many health conditions especially skin problems such as acne, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation. Along with this is can used to get relief from inflammatory diseases like arthritis , bronchitis and asthma. However it should be used with caution in persons having bleeding problems.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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