Amla is derived from the fruit of the Indian gooseberry or Phyllanthus emblica L., a deciduous tree found in both the tropical and subtropical portions of the Indian and Southeastern Asian countries.
The lemon-sized fruit is greenish yellow with attractive vertical striations and has a bitter, sour, and sweet taste. While amla fruit is primarily composed of water, it also contains a variety of sugars, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, minerals, and contains very high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). For many centuries it has been prized by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine as well as many other groups for its reportedly amazing medicinal attributes as well as for its beneficial properties for hair and skin.

Amla oil soothes the scalp and strengthens the hair follicle. I like both the smell and the texture.

I used to use Amla oil many years ago. It was a great conditioner but didn't prevent my hair falling out - though this was due to hormonal issues. I eventually stopped using it but I don't know whether continual use would have kept my hair a bit stronger. Then I was put off by the fact that Dabur Amla Oil (the most commonly used amla oil) contains mineral oil (liquid paraffin), which is derived from petroleum and does not get absorbed by the skin.

However - despite the bad reputation of mineral oil, I have found it to be better than natural oils for treating extremely dry skin. During the cold winter months, my skin gets painfully dry and nothing will heal it as well as baby oil, which is pure liquid paraffin, or vaseline which is petrolatum.

Considering that my hair follicles are really weak, I think I'll give it another try with amla oil. I certainly love the fragrance.

amla oil
 

Amla oil is a natural remedy prepared from the fruit of the Indian gooseberry tree, Phyllanthus emblica. ... Amla oil is normally directly applied to the hair and scalp, facial hair, or skin. ... Soaking dried amla fruits in a certain type of oil, is how amla oil is made.