What Is Amla Oil?

Amla oil is made by drying the fruit and soaking it in a base oil such as mineral oil. It is grown in tropical and subtropical countries like India, China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Amla oil is said to boost hair growth and prevent hair loss. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support this claim. Amla oil is usually either applied directly to the scalp or consumed in an oral form.

Purported Uses of Amla Oil

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Research on the potential health benefits of amla oil is limited. While the amla fruit has undergone lab and animal studies for certain health conditions—including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome  (a group of diseases that can lead to stroke, heart disease, and diabetes), cancers, and gastrointestinal disorders, and for antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (destroying the growth of bacteria or viruses)—there is not enough evidence to support its use for any of these conditions due to a lack of human research.1 More research is needed.

Hair Loss

Androgenic alopecia is characterized by the gradual loss of hair from the top and front of the scalp. Despite it often being called male pattern hair loss   , this condition can affect people of any sex and gender.

Amla oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine (an alternative medicine that’s the traditional system of medicine of India) to help with hair nourishment and promote a healthy scalp.1 However, there is limited research on the use of amla oil for hair care. There are some studies suggesting it may help with hair loss, but these were conducted primarily in labs and not in human populations.

What Are the Side Effects of Amla Oil?

Amla oil has not been thoroughly researched. It may lead to side effects in some individuals. It is unknown whether amla oil has a negative effect on or from other medications taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of short- or long-term use of amla oil. Stop using it and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects.