Karishma Mehta, the founder of Humans of Bombay, recently shared her morning wellness ritual: a four-ingredient shot that she claims to take daily.
According to her, this potent mix works wonders for the skin, hair, and overall immunity. In a video posted on Instagram, she says, “Every morning, I take this shot and it’s amazing for your hair, for your skin, for your overall immunity… and it’s really easy to make. There are just four ingredients, I’m going to show you how, and I hope you add this to your routine.”
Sharing the recipe, Mehta added, “All you need is two pieces of amla, 7-8 curry leaves or kari patta, one inch of ginger. Add all of these ingredients to a mixer, and once you’re done, you’ll get this somewhat of a shot. And then, over it, just add a squeeze of lemon. Trust me, this is such a great way of starting your morning, and I hope you try it.”
So, does combining all these ingredients in a concentrated shot truly provide the benefits Karishma swears by? To gain a deeper understanding, we consulted an expert.
Nutritional and health benefits of combining amla, curry leaves, ginger, and lemon in one morning shot
Dr Adithya V. Naragund, senior consultant in GI & HPB Surgery at Cytecare Hospitals, Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “This combination brings together four ingredients that complement each other very well. Amla is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, which supports immunity and acts as a strong antioxidant. Curry leaves are packed with iron, calcium, and antioxidants that help in maintaining healthy hair and skin. Ginger aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports metabolic health. Lemon further enhances vitamin C intake, promotes hydration, and helps balance the flavour. When taken together, this shot offers a quick boost of antioxidants, improves digestive function, and may contribute to healthier skin and hair over time.”
Can consuming this shot daily have any side effects or be unsuitable for certain people?
While the shot is generally safe for most people, Dr Naragund agrees that it may not suit everyone. He says that those who have a history of acid reflux or a very sensitive stomach may find that amla and lemon increase acidity or cause discomfort. Ginger, though beneficial for digestion, can irritate the stomach lining if consumed in excess.
“People with kidney stones should also be cautious, since amla and lemon are high in vitamin C, which can increase oxalate levels. Patients on blood thinners should consult a doctor before regular consumption because ginger may influence clotting. It is always best to start with small quantities and check for tolerance,” states the expert.
While Karishma Mehta highlights its benefits for skin, hair, and immunity, how much of this can be scientifically supported versus anecdotal experience?
Dr Naragund reveals, “There is scientific evidence supporting the nutritional value of each ingredient individually. Studies show that amla and lemon improve antioxidant status and immunity, curry leaves can promote iron absorption and hair health, and ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation.”
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However, he mentions that the effect of taking them together in a single concentrated shot every day “has not been studied in detail.” The benefits for skin and hair are partly supported by nutritional science but also carry a large anecdotal component, since lifestyle, genetics, and overall diet play equally important roles. So while the combination is healthy, its results may vary from person to person.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
