Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Medicinal plants, such as amla, are considered valuable resources in the healthcare systems of developing nations. They provide natural remedies for various diseases and are believed to be safer alternatives to conventional medicines. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healthcare system. Amla fruit is particularly significant due to its high vitamin C content, making it a potent source of this essential nutrient. It also contains water, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, carotene, thiamine, and riboflavin. The plant contains various chemical compounds, including tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, emblicol, phyllemblin, lupeol, essential oil, and fixed oil. In this article, we will discuss whether it is okay to consume amla juice in the morning with cold and cough. We will also discuss the ways in which amla juice can help in relieving the symptoms of cold and cough.
Is it true that consuming amla juice can cause colds and coughs?
The answer is uncertain but in many research papers Amla fruit is utilised for its diuretic, laxative, liver tonic, antipyretic, ulcer-preventive, and common cold and cough-relieving properties. It is used alone or in combination with other plants. Research has also revealed several beneficial properties of amla, such as analgesic (pain-relieving), antitussive (cough-suppressing), cardioprotective (protecting the heart), cytoprotective (protecting cells), immunomodulatory (modulating the immune system), chemopreventive (preventing cancer), antioxidant, memory-enhancing, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties.
How amla juice helps in cold and cough relief?
Amla’s antitussive activity can be attributed to multiple factors.
Firstly, its antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways, which are known to contribute to coughing. By reducing these factors, Amla may help alleviate cough symptoms.
Secondly, Amla exerts antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscles of the airways. Smooth muscle spasms in the airways can lead to coughing episodes, and Amla’s ability to relax these muscles helps reduce spasms and subsequent coughing.
Moreover, Amla influences mucus secretion in the airways. It is believed to promote the production of protective mucus that coats the airway passages. This coating of mucus can help reduce the stimulation of irritant receptors, which are responsible for triggering the cough reflex.
When Amla is administered orally at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, it has demonstrated a notable decrease in cough frequency in both irritated areas of the airways. However, the reduction in coughing appears to be more pronounced in the laryngopharyngeal area, which encompasses the upper part of the airways near the throat. This suggests that Amla may have a targeted effect on the specific regions associated with heightened cough reflex sensitivity.
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