Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Gooseberry, particularly Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica or amla), has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda, amla is considered a "rasayana" (rejuvenative) and is used for a wide range of health conditions, including as a general tonic to promote overall well-being and balance in the body. While it is not the primary herb traditionally recommended for insomnia (such as ashwagandha or jatamansi), amla is sometimes included in herbal formulations intended to promote sleep or reduce stress, due to its purported adaptogenic and calming effects. The rationale is often that by supporting the body's stress response, digestive health, and overall vitality, amla may indirectly help to improve sleep quality. However, direct references to gooseberry’s use specifically for insomnia are sparse in classical Ayurvedic texts, and it is usually only mentioned as part of broader rejuvenative or stress-reducing regimens.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of gooseberry for insomnia is very limited. A few animal studies suggest that amla extracts might have mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) or sedative properties, but these findings are preliminary and not robustly translated to human studies or clinical trials. Therefore, while there is a traditional basis for its occasional inclusion in sleep-supporting formulas, the direct evidence for gooseberry as a treatment for insomnia is weak both in traditional and scientific literature.

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Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
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Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)