Bhumi Amla

Bhumi Amla, or Phyllanthus niruri, falls under the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a low-growing, annual herb. Thus, it is named after "Bhumi," meaning "Earth," in Sanskrit, and "Amla," which means Indian gooseberry, for it somewhat resembles the Amla fruit. This is a highly valued plant in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine practices like Siddha and Unani, where it is applied to manage a wide range of problems such as disorders in the liver, jaundice, urinary tract infections, and skin diseases.

Bhumi Amla has been in scientific interest mainly because of its properties as a hepatoprotective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent. Traditionally, it is used widely in powders, juices, tablets, and extracts. Researchers have associated significant benefits of Bhumi Amla with wellness in the liver, digestive system, and immune health, making it highly important for natural remedies in both traditional and modern medicine.

Bhumi Amla is known by different names in various localities and alternative medication practices. Some of its alternative names are:

• Phyllanthus niruri (Botanical name)
• Dukong anak (Malay)
• Bhumi Amalaki (Sanskrit)
• Stonebreaker, seed-under-leaf (English)
• Bhui amla, jar amla, jangli amli (Hindi)
• Keezharnelli (Malayalam)

Thereby, this herb's wide popularity and recognition were shown by different names in various regions and traditional forms of medicine.

Bhumi Amla contains all the critical nutrients that provide it with its medicinal properties. The following is a summary of the nutrient composition of every 100 grams of Bhumi Amla:

Combining the nutrients with the bioactive compounds in Bhumi Amla forms numerous restorative remedies against various health issues.

Bhumi Amla is an herb with many medicinal properties, making it very valuable for traditional and modern medicine. The principal medicinal values of Bhumi Amla are as follows:

• Hepatoprotective: Bhumi Amla generally protects the liver and elevates its functioning power. It is mainly used as a traditional treatment for jaundice, hepatitis, etc.
• Antiviral: The herb was studied for its efficacy in antiviral properties and potential to fight hepatitis B and other viral infections.
• Antioxidant: Bhumi Amla has antioxidant properties, and it helps to eradicate free radicals from the body, thus lessening oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Diuretic: It is a natural diuretic by which the unwanted fluids and toxins in the body are flushed out.
• Anti-inflammatory: Its anti-inflammatory property makes it useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, skin disorders, and digestive problems related to inflammation.

Bhumi Amla is one plant known to deliver various health benefits, most of which are supported by traditional uses and modern scientific studies. Here are some of the notable health benefits.

1. Supports Liver Health

Bhumi Amla is also called a "liver tonic" in Ayurveda. It is believed to detoxify the liver, enhance liver function, and may help with ailments like hepatitis B and fatty liver. Prolonged consumption of Bhumi Amla can help reduce liver inflammation and control fat deposition within the liver, thus saving the liver.

3. Supports Kidney Health

The first known advantage of Bhumi Amla is the stone-dissolving property that prevents the recurrence of the formation of kidney stones. Being a natural diuretic, this herb helps to remove toxins and excess minerals that tend to build up in the kidneys and, thus, from the body, reduces the chances of stones forming and removes discomfort and pain from kidney stones.

3. Immunity Support 

Bhumi Amla is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, flavonoids, and tannins, which help build the immune response in the body. It contains compounds that eliminate free radicals and eradicate oxidative stress, strengthening the body to fight infections. Regularly consuming Bhumi Amla may improve resistance to common diseases such as cold and flu.

4. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Bhumi Amla has also derived medicinal benefits concerning normalising blood sugar levels. It may assist in controlling medical conditions like diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and enhancing glucose metabolism. This may help patients with diabetic symptoms from having a sudden increase in blood sugar.

5. Improves Digestive Health

Bhumi Amla is used for improving digestion. It stimulates the discharge of digestive juices and causes easy stool expulsion. Bhumi Amla is also administered for constipation, indigestion, or gas in the digestive tract. It is also believed to reduce the inflammation in the stomach in the case of gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or other digestive disorders.

6. Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties

As per the research findings, Bhumi Amla is believed to be very antiviral, particularly against the hepatitis B virus. The virus is inhibited, and this herb helps manage viral infections. Furthermore, the herb has antibacterial properties that also aid in handling bacterial infections.

7. Skin and Hair Health Booster

Bhumi Amla is applied in different skin treatments due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help soothe various conditions associated with the skin, like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It also helps heal wounds, later reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes on the skin. Bhumi amla has been traditionally used in various hair oils to promote healthy hair growth and to control hair fall.

8. Cardiovascular Health

Bhumi Amla can help reduce cholesterol level and improve heart health. Antioxidant properties could reduce oxidative stress in the heart and blood vessels, hence preventing the risk factor due to heart diseases.

9. Respiratory Health

Bhumi amla, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and kapha-pitta pacifying properties, may help ease lung conditions by promoting easy breathing and assist in the recovery of many diseases like bronchitis, phthisis, dyspnoea etc.

Bhumi Amla is an herb that is used as a supportive formula for many health disorders. Some of the most common uses of Bhumi Amla are as follows:

• Liver Health: Bhumi Amla has been believed to be a hepatoprotective agent for a long time. It is used in traditional medical practices for addressing liver problems such as jaundice, fatty liver, and hepatitis by cleansing and keeping the liver healthy and functioning correctly.
• Kidney Stones: Bhumi amla, commonly referred to as 'stone breaker,' has been traditionally used to support kidney stone management. 
• Digestive Health: Bhumi Amla is helpful with disorders related to digestive system health, which improves intestinal motility and relieves constipation.
• Immune Support: Bhumi Amla is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals and helps boost the immune system, thereby improving the body's ability to resist infections.
• Skin Conditions: It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to ease conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

While Bhumi Amla is generally considered relatively safe for use by most people, the following precautions are noted:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Bhumi Amla is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless taken under medical supervision.
• Diabetic Patients: Bhumi Amla lowers the blood sugar level. So, diabetic patients should check their blood sugar levels when it is used.
• Heart Diseases: Patients with heart diseases should get a prescription from a doctor before taking Bhumi Amla, as it can cause adverse reactions to some medicines.
• Kidney diseases: Although Bhumi Amla helps break the stones in the kidneys, it should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease.
• Alcoholism: Drinking alcohol with Bhumi Amla is not recommended as it will increase the damaging effect of Bhumi Amla on the liver, and it will nullify the positive impact of the herb on the liver.

1. For Healthy Liver (Fatty Liver)

Bhumi Amla is powerfully therapeutic and has been applied in traditional Ayurvedic treatments of various liver-related diseases, such as fatty liver. It helps improve the detoxification processes of the organ and enhances its functioning.

How to use:

• Mix one teaspoon of Bhumi Amla powder with a glass of warm water
• Drink this liquid preparation on an empty stomach in the morning.
• You can also take Bhumi Amla juice by drinking 10-20 ml daily for maximum advantages.

This may help control liver dysfunction and also detoxify.

2. For Healthy Kidneys (Kidney Stones)

Bhumi Amla is a diuretic that flushes away all toxins and minerals, causing stones in the kidney. It dissolves the stones, thereby preventing them from reoccurring.

How to use:

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of Bhumi Amla powder with a glass of warm water.
• Drink it once or twice a day.
• Bhumi Amla tablets may also be taken as advised by a healthcare professional.

Everyday consumption may help control the formation of renal stones and keep the body free from urinary disorders.

3. For Immunity Boosting

Bhumi Amla contains rich antioxidants that may help enhance the immune system and enable the body to avoid infections and maintain health.

How to use:

• Drink one tablespoon of Bhumi Amla juice per day for better immunity.
• You can add it to the water or any other juice you want.
• Take it daily so your immunity stays robust to fight infections.

4. Hair Care

Bhumi Amla accelerates hair growth, reduces dandruff, strengthens hair roots, and provides healthy light-coloured hair.

How to use:

• Prepare Bhumi Amla powder into a paste by adding water or coconut oil.
• Apply it on the scalp, leaving overnight, then wash with shampoo for 30 minutes.
• It may be applied once a week for stronger, healthy hair and to get rid of dandruff.

5. For Skin Care (Anti-inflammatory and Healing)

Bhumi Amla contains anti-inflammatory agents that may be of excellent therapeutic help in cases against acne, inflammation, or blemishes in the skin.

How to use:

• Mix Bhumi Amla powder with water or aloe vera gel to create a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste to the skin area where treatment is to be given, leave it there for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it off.
• Do it twice a week for effective and healthy-looking skin.

6. For Digestive Health

Bhumi Amla is used to enhance digestion and relieve constipation and gastric disorders. It improves digestive activity and helps to maintain the health of the intestine.

How to use:

• 1 tsp of Bhumi Amla powder with a glass of water after food.
• Alternatively, administer Bhumi Amla tablets as directed.
• If taken daily, the intake of the Bhumi Amla tablets will regulate digestive disorders and smoothen digestion.

The dosage depends on the intake form and the health problem to target. General dosage guidelines are as follows:

• Bhumi Amla Powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons per day diluted in water or juice.
• Bhumi Amla Juice: 10 to 20 ml daily, preferably on an empty stomach.
• Bhumi Amla Tablets: 1 or two tablets a day, as a healthcare professional recommends.
• Bhumi Amla Extract: Dosage is mainly on a doctor's prescription, but it can be taken once or twice a day, 1-2 ml.

Discuss with your healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Bhumi Amla may interact with some medicines, and hence, you should seek proper advice from a doctor before using it, more so if you are on drugs. Possible Interactions include:

• Antidiabetic Drugs: Due to its antidiabetic activity, Bhumi Amla is required to monitor the blood sugar levels of a patient very closely on either insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs.
• Anti-hypertensive Drugs: Patients on antihypertensive drugs should exercise caution since Bhumi Amla also reduces blood pressure.
• Antiviral Medications: Since Bhumi Amla is an antiviral component, it can improve the effectiveness of antiviral medications to a considerable extent, especially when there is hepatitis B.

• Bhumi Amla, scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, is one of the most potent Ayurvedic herbs valued for its health benefits. 
• Most often, people use powders, juices, tablets, and extracts of Bhumi Amla. 
• Apart from this, most will say that Bhumi Amla is also a safe herb, but anybody who has some kind of pre-existing condition or those on medication will need to approach a doctor before ingesting it.

Conclusion

Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) is valued for its powerful hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and immunity-boosting properties. Widely recognised for supporting liver health, it is also beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels and balancing the body's doshas, particularly Kapha and Pitta. With its increasing acceptance in modern medicine, Bhumi Amla continues to bridge the gap between traditional healing and contemporary wellness practices. Its availability, natural origin, and broad therapeutic effects make it a trusted remedy for promoting overall health and well-being.