Magic Of Beauty - The Aloe Vera

Author : Dr Santhosh Kumar S ,BAMS,DNHE,DHHM

Aloe Vera is called as Kumari in Sanskrit. Kumari refers to a young girl. This name has two derivations. It is used in diseases of young girls, like pimples and menstrual problems. The plant is beautiful and looks young even after it grows old. 

Synonyms :

Sthula dala ,

Dirgha patra ,

Gandala ,

Bulletin ,

Vipulasrava (Having profuse gel in the leaves),

Maataa (it is like a mother to the patient),

Deerghapatrika (Having long leaves)

Ghrita Kumarika (leaf having slimy pulp similar to ghee),

Amara, Ajara (Has rejuvenating and anti-aging properties). 

Botanical Name : Aloe Vera Chinensis,

              Aloe barbadensis Mill.,

      Aloe indicates ,

      Aloe chinensis

Family Name : LILIACEAE

Names in different languages:

English - Indian Aloe

Hindi - Gheekuvar

Kannada - Lolisara , Lolesara

Telugu - Kalabanda

Malayalam - Kumari ,  Kattar Vazha

Tamil - Kathaazhai

Bengali –GhritaKumari

PROPERTIES :

Rasa (taste) - Tikta 

Use qualities -Guru,Snigdha, Picchila   

Vipaka -Katu  

Veerya - Sheeta 

Effect on Tridosha – Balances all the three Doshas.

Different varieties- 

At present A. vera chinensis, A. Barbadensis, A. vera are mainly being used as Kumari. The author also noticed several other species of Aloe are being sold or cultivated in the name of Kumari in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Distribution- cultivated throughout India.

STRUCTURE: Mature plant: They are succulent plants with perennial, strong and fibrous roots and numerous, persistent, fleshy leaves, proceeding from the upper part of the root, narrow, tapering, thick and fleshy, usually edges are serrated with spiny teeth.

Seeds: Angular

Flowers: The flowers are produced in erect, terminal spikes. There is no calyx, the corolla is tubular, divided into six narrow segments at the mouth and of a red, yellow or purplish colour. The capsules contain numerous angular seeds.

HABITAT: Grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

PHARMACOLOGY: The important constituents are the two Aloins, Barbaloin and Isobarbaloin, Other constituents are amorphous Aloin, resin and Aloe-emodin. A mild purgative, sooths skin, Acts as a mild antimicrobial.

Aloe vera chemical constituents

Aloe- Emodin, aloctin A(Glycoprotein), Aloenin(bitter Glucoside), barbaloin, ChrysophanolGlycoside; Galactose, Mannose, Aldopentose, Aloesin, Aloeesone, b-sitosterol, Alocutin A & B etc.

(Reference: Illustrated DravyagunaVIjnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLNShastry)

Part Used-Leaves 

Dosage- Fresh juice 10-20 ml; Aqueous Extract 100-300 mg

Leaf pulp – 1 – 3 grams

Aloe vera uses:

Bhedani -Useful in constipation 

Gulmahara - useful in abdominal tumors

Pleehahara - useful in spleen disorders,splenomegaly Yakrut Vruddhihara - useful in hepatitis, hepatomegaly, 

Kapha Jwarahara  – useful in fever 

Granthihara – useful in small tumors, fibroids, lymphadenitis

Agnidagdha - useful in treating burn wounds V

isphotahara - relieves boils, blisters 

Raktapittahara - Useful in bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding, heavy periods, etc

Tvak Roga - useful in skin disorders, psoriasis.

Chakshushya - improves vision, good for eyes, useful in eye disordersVishahara - Anti toxic Vatahara - useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance  such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc

Bala -improves strength and immunity

Vrushya - aphrodisiac, improves vigor

Rasayana – anti aging, causes cell and tissue rejuvenation

Pittaja Kasahara -useful in cough and cold of Pitta origin

Shwasahara - useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders.

Aloe vera for hemorrhoids: Because of its mild laxative action and wound healing properties, regular intake of mild doses of aloe vera in the form of capsule or juice, is very beneficial in hemorrhoids treatment.

Aloe vera for heart :Aloe has blood thinning action. It is very useful against cholesterol. So, it is very useful in treating atherosclerosis (blood vessels clogged with clot and fat deposition).

Aloe vera for women:Aloe vera improves ovulation chances, it induces menstruation, hence used in treating amenorrhea – absence of periods or decreased bleeding.It improves hair quality, prevents hair fall, cures dandruff, also useful in acne and blemishes.

Aloe vera for constipation: To relieve constipation, its 10 grams of pulp made into paste, added with 2 grams of rock salt, mixed well, and boiled to evaporate water content. It is administered in a dose of 3 – 6 grams, once a day.

Aloe vera flower :balances Vata and Pitta Dosha, Guru (heavy) and is useful in worm infestation, infected wounds 

Aloe vera side effects: Aloe vera induces purgation and hence it is not ideal to take it during diarrhea.Care should be exercised while using aloe in children and during lactation.It is best to avoid it during pregnancy.

Aloe vera juice benefits:Aloe vera juice is good for stomach, in skin diseases, has anti-microbial properties.It also acts as a blood thinning agent and detoxifies blood.Daily dose is – 30 – 50 ml. in single or divided dose, before food.

Aloe vera Home remedies

The leaf pulp 2-4gms is effective remedy in Dysmenorrhea ( Kashtarthava ). This Should be administered with sugar on empty stomach once a day, for three days prior to the expected date of menstruation.

Kamala (infective hepatitis) the mucilage with curd is a very effective medicine. This can be given single dose 3-5 days. If the patient develops loose motions can with drawn for a day or two and if needed can be continued for another course of 3-5 days.

The beauty of Aloe vera can be matched only & only with its own Beauty.