Organic Amla Powder (Indian Gooseberry) – Sun-Dried & Heavy Metal Tested | USDA Certified Organic
Organic Amla Powder — made from sun-dried Indian gooseberries (Phyllanthus emblica), traditionally known as Amalaki in Ayurveda — is one of the most revered plants in Indian traditional medicine. The Indian gooseberry is extraordinary among plant foods: it contains one of the highest natural concentrations of Vitamin C of any fruit in the world, remains stable through drying (unlike most Vitamin C-rich fruits), and has been used in Ayurvedic hair care, skincare, and wellness preparations for over 5,000 years. Sourced from certified organic farms in India, sun-dried to preserve its natural tart potency, finely ground, and tested for heavy metals. USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO.
✓ USDA Certified Organic | ✓ Non-GMO | ✓ Heavy Metal Tested | ✓ No Preservatives or Additives | ✓ Sun-Dried — Vitamin C Preserved | ✓ Sourced from India
What is amla — and why has it been used for 5,000 years?
Amla (Indian gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica) is a small, pale green fruit native to the Indian subcontinent. In Sanskrit, amalaki means "the sustainer" — a name that reflects its central role in Ayurvedic medicine as one of the most important rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs. It is one of three fruits in the celebrated Ayurvedic formula Triphala, used for centuries as a comprehensive wellness preparation.
What makes amla scientifically remarkable is its Vitamin C profile. Fresh amla fruit contains 600–900mg of Vitamin C per 100g — compared to approximately 50mg in oranges — making it one of the most concentrated natural sources available. Crucially, amla's Vitamin C is unusually heat-stable due to its tannin content (tannins protect the ascorbic acid during processing and drying), meaning the powder retains meaningful Vitamin C levels even after sun-drying and grinding.
Amla for hair care — the Ayurvedic tradition
Amla has been used in South Asian hair care for thousands of years — as an oil infusion, hair mask, scalp treatment, and rinse. Its Vitamin C content and natural tannins are believed to support scalp health, strengthen hair strands, and promote shine. Here are the most widely used traditional preparations:
Classic amla hair mask (for all hair types):
- 2 tbsp amla powder + enough warm water to form a smooth paste (approximately 3–4 tbsp)
- Apply to scalp and hair roots, massaging gently for 2–3 minutes
- Leave on 30–45 minutes under a shower cap
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as normal
- Use once weekly for best results. Note: amla powder has a deep green-brown color that may temporarily tint very light or grey hair — rinse thoroughly.
Amla, neem, and aloe vera scalp treatment:
- 1 tbsp amla powder + 1 tbsp neem powder + 1 tsp aloe vera powder + enough water to form a workable paste (approximately 4–5 tbsp)
- Apply to scalp with fingertips, focusing on areas of concern
- Leave 30 minutes, rinse and shampoo twice to fully remove
- Use once weekly. This combination is the classic Ayurvedic triple-herb scalp formula. Pairs with our Organic Neem Leaf Powder and Organic Aloe Vera Powder.
Amla and shikakai hair mask (traditional South Indian formula):
- 2 tbsp amla powder + 1 tbsp shikakai powder + enough warm water or hibiscus tea to form a paste (approximately 4–5 tbsp)
- This is one of the most traditional Indian hair care preparations — used for centuries as a natural cleansing and conditioning treatment
- Apply from roots to ends, leave 30–45 minutes, rinse and shampoo
- The shikakai provides mild cleansing; amla conditions and strengthens
Amla-infused hair oil:
- Heat 1 cup coconut or sesame oil in a small saucepan over very low heat
- Add 2 tbsp amla powder
- Simmer on lowest possible heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Remove from heat, cool completely, then strain through a fine mesh
- The strained amber-colored oil is traditional amla hair oil — apply to scalp and hair before washing, leave 1–2 hours or overnight, then shampoo out
Internal use — amla as a wellness food
Amla has been consumed as a food and wellness ingredient in India for millennia — eaten fresh, dried, pickled, juiced, and as powder. Here are the most common internal uses:
- Morning wellness tonic: Stir ½–1 tsp amla powder into a glass of warm water with honey and a squeeze of lemon. The tartness of amla and the brightness of lemon are complementary — the honey balances the natural astringency. A traditional morning Ayurvedic ritual.
- Smoothies and juices: Add ½ tsp to fruit smoothies — amla pairs especially well with mango, apple, and citrus. Its tartness adds a pleasant brightness without dominating.
- Amla chyawanprash-style blend: Mix 1 tsp amla powder with 1 tsp raw honey, ¼ tsp ashwagandha powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Take as a daily tonic. This combination mirrors the classic Ayurvedic Chyawanprash formula in a simple homemade version. Pairs with our Organic Ashwagandha Powder.
- Indian cooking: Amla powder is used as a souring agent in chutneys, raitas, and traditional North Indian preparations where its tartness functions similarly to tamarind or dry mango powder (amchur).
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for therapeutic guidance.
Sourced from India — amla's native homeland
The Indian gooseberry is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been cultivated across India for thousands of years. Major growing regions include Uttar Pradesh (particularly the Pratapgarh district, which produces the majority of India's commercial amla), Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Our amla is sourced from certified organic farms in these regions — hand-harvested at peak ripeness in winter (October–February, when Vitamin C content is highest), then sun-dried using traditional methods that preserve the fruit's natural tannin profile and active compounds before fine milling.
Why Spicy Organic amla powder
- USDA Certified Organic, every batch: Cert #0847519, Texas Department of Agriculture. No synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
- Heavy metal tested: Third-party laboratory tested for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury — an extra quality step beyond organic certification that most amla powder brands do not perform.
- Sun-dried — not spray-dried: Traditional sun-drying preserves the natural tannin-Vitamin C complex that makes amla's Vitamin C unusually stable compared to other dried fruits.
- No preservatives, additives, or fillers: 100% pure amla fruit powder — nothing added.
- India-sourced from peak-harvest fruit: Harvested at winter peak when Vitamin C concentration is highest.
- Non-GMO certified: Clean supply chain from organic Indian farms.
- Resealable stand-up pouch: Airtight seal protects the powder's natural Vitamin C and tannin content from oxidation and moisture.
- Packed fresh in McKinney, Texas.
Available size and Ayurvedic companions
Available in an 8 oz resealable stand-up pouch.
Amla powder pairs naturally with the other Ayurvedic wellness powders in our catalog:
- Organic Neem Leaf Powder — the classic amla + neem scalp treatment combination
- Organic Aloe Vera Powder — for triple-herb hair masks and face formulations
- Organic Ashwagandha Powder — for traditional Ayurvedic wellness blends and Chyawanprash-inspired tonics
Need bulk quantities for your Ayurvedic brand, hair care line, or supplement business? Visit our wholesale page for 5 lb to 44 lb pricing.
Storage and shelf life
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep the resealable pouch tightly sealed — amla powder's natural Vitamin C content oxidizes on prolonged exposure to air and light. Properly stored, organic amla powder retains peak quality for 2 years. Avoid humid storage environments — moisture causes clumping (the powder is still usable if clumped; break apart with a dry spoon). Always use a completely dry measuring spoon to prevent moisture entering the pouch.
Product details
- Botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis)
- Common names: Amla, Indian gooseberry, amalaki (Sanskrit), aonla (Hindi)
- Plant part used: Whole fruit (sun-dried and ground)
- Processing: Sun-dried, traditionally processed
- Origin: India (Uttar Pradesh — Pratapgarh district)
- Form: Fine green-brown powder
- Flavor profile: Intensely tart, astringent, slightly bitter — classic Indian gooseberry character
- Primary uses: Hair care (masks, oil infusions), internal wellness (tonic, smoothies), culinary (souring agent in chutneys)
- Testing: Heavy metal tested by third-party laboratory
- Certifications: USDA Organic (Cert #0847519), Non-GMO
- Packaging: 8 oz resealable stand-up pouch
- Certifying body: Texas Department of Agriculture
- Packed in: McKinney, Texas, USA
- Shelf life: 2 years, properly stored
Frequently asked questions
What is amla powder and what is it used for?
Amla powder is made from sun-dried Indian gooseberries (Phyllanthus emblica), one of the most Vitamin C-rich fruits in the world. It has two primary use areas: hair care (applied topically in masks and oil infusions as part of traditional Ayurvedic beauty routines) and internal wellness (consumed as a tonic, in smoothies, or as a culinary souring agent). It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for over 5,000 years under the Sanskrit name Amalaki.
How do I use amla powder for a hair mask?
Mix 2 tablespoons amla powder with enough warm water to form a smooth paste (approximately 3–4 tbsp). Apply to scalp and hair roots, leave 30–45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo. Use once weekly. For an enhanced treatment, combine with neem powder and aloe vera powder for the classic triple-herb Ayurvedic scalp formula. Note: amla's green-brown color may temporarily tint very light or grey hair — rinse thoroughly to remove.
How much amla powder should I consume per day?
For internal use, ½ to 1 teaspoon per day in water, juice, or smoothies is a commonly used range. Stir into warm water with honey and lemon for a traditional morning tonic. Amla is intensely tart — start with ½ tsp and adjust to taste. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for therapeutic guidance. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Why is amla powder so tart?
Amla's intense tartness comes from its extraordinarily high Vitamin C content (600–900mg per 100g of fresh fruit) combined with natural tannins and organic acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid). The tartness is the taste of genuine, unprocessed amla — it is the quality indicator that tells you the Vitamin C is intact. Sweetened or mild-tasting amla products have typically been processed in ways that reduce the active compound concentration.
Why is heavy metal testing important for amla powder?
Like aloe vera, amla can absorb compounds from the soil it grows in. Third-party heavy metal testing (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) confirms the powder meets safety standards before packaging. This is an additional quality step beyond organic certification — organic certification covers farming practices but not necessarily the mineral profile of the final product. Our testing gives you confidence in what goes into your hair and body.
Is Spicy Organic amla powder USDA certified organic?
Yes. Our Organic Amla Powder is USDA Certified Organic under Regulations 7 CFR Part 205, Certificate Number 0847519, issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Sourced from certified organic farms in Uttar Pradesh, India. Non-GMO, heavy metal tested, and 100% pure amla fruit powder with no preservatives, additives, or fillers.