Indian Gooseberry: $5
(approx. 6 seeds)

Emblica officinalis, also known as Amloki or Amla

These seeds are from trees growing in South Florida. The seed packets are made from junk mail envelopes.

Please note:
I make no claims of medicinal properties of any plant, but merely pass along information originated by others that I judge to be accurate. Please be wise when eating any new plant: do not eat the same plant every day for lenghty periods of time, first test a small amount on yourself for allergic reactions, and do your research. Many herbs should not be taken while pregnant.

This medium-sized tree produces a small green fruit rich in vitamin C (30 times more than oranges!) It's used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for digestive disorders. It's also used as a tonic for the heart and brain, and is said to improve nearsightedness and cataracts as well as strengthen teeth, hair and nails. It's anti-viral, anti-bacterial and yeast-inhibiting.

The fruit tastes bitter, but if you drink water after eating it, the water tastes sweet. The fruit can be eaten raw but most people don't like the taste. It's usually pickled or dried, or mixed into Ayurvedic medicines.

Though the tree is rare in South Florida, it thrives in the tropics. The leaves are lacy, giving the tree a delicate look.