Aloe Vera is the most popular Ayurveda herb and it is because of its multiple health benefits. One of the most effective uses of Aloe Vera is to manage various skin problems like acne, pigmentation, dandruff and hair loss though there are many species of Aloe Vera but the most commonly used is Aloe barbadensis.
Aloevera is also called as Kumari. This herb got this name because it always stay fresh and doesn’t get dried up. It always stay young.
The herb’s gel is the primary part used in medicinal formulations, containing a wealth of bioactive compounds such phytosterols, glucomannan, fructose and glucose.
Latin Name: Aloe Vera barbedenis
Family : Liliaceae
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Gheekuvar
- Bengali: Ghrita Kumari
- Tamil: Kathaazhai
- Telugu: Kalabanda
- Kannada: Majjige gida
- Malayalam: Kumari, KattarVazha
- Marathi: Korfad
- Gujarati: Agar
- Punjabi: Kumari
Aloe Vera Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Aloevera also known as Kumari holds a revered place in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative tonic (Rasayana) that balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), with a primary focus on calming Pitta and Vata. It is especially prized for its effects on the skin , digestive, and respiratory systems.
Ras (taste) – Tikth (Bitter)
Guna (qualities) – Guru (heavy), Snigdha (oily), Picchila (sticky)
Vipak – Katu Undergoes Katu taste conversion after digestion
Virya – Sheeta (cold potency)
Benefits of Aloevera and juice
Constipation:
Constipation is caused due to aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, high stress level and depression. Aloe Vera is beneficial in constipation due to its Vata balancing and bhedan properties. These properties helps in softenening of hard stools and eliminating it smoothly and manage constipation.
Benefits of Aloevera in Skin Care
Aloe Vera is a miracle herb for skin problems. According to Ayurveda skin diseases are caused due vitiation of all the three doshas Vata, Pitta, Kapha . AloeVera helps in balancing all the three doshas due to its tikth(bitter) taste and cold potency and giving skin a new life. Aloe Vera gel has cooling properties and is anti-inflammatory hence it is one of the best remedy for burns of any type. The enzymes present in Aloe-Vera forms an antibacterial coating on the skin to protect it against acne causing bacteria.
Obesity
According to Ayurveda obesity is caused due Agnimandhya ( weak digestive fire) and accumulation of ama in the body. Aloe –Vera can benefit in managing weight by eliminating this toxin out of the body and helps in improving the digestive power.
Diabetes is known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda and is caused by aggravation of tridoshas mainly vata and agnimandhya (weak digestion). Agnimandhya leads to formation of ama which gets accumulated in pancreas obstructing the natural flow of insulin from pancreatic cells. Aloe Vera supports the elimination process of the body and helps in elimination of ama from the body thus clearing the way for normal secretion of insulin.
Five phytosterols of Aloe Vera have been identified with anti-diabetic activity.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is due to an impaired digestion which leads to formation of ama which mixes with good cholesterol and bad cholesterol increases in body leading to blockages in the arteries. Aloe Vera benefits in reducing the high cholesterol by its ama pachan and deepan ( carminative) properties.
Aloe Vera contains phytosterols, glucomannan, fructose and glucose that help in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
Cancer Management
Aloe Vera might be beneficial when used as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment. Some studies suggest that Aloe vera gel might improve the immunity of cancer patients by increasing the number of white blood cell. It can also help minimize the side effect of chemotherapy.
Menstrual irregularities
Aloe vera improves ovulation chances; it induces menstruation and helps in regularizing the cycle in patients having irregular cycle. Because of this qualities in widely used in Ayurveda medicine used to induce periods.
Medicinal Benefits of Aloevera & aloevera juice
Gulmahar – Useful in abdominal tumors
Yakrut Vruddhihara – Useful in hepatomegaly fatty liver
Bhedani – Useful in constipation by breaking hard stool
Agnidagdha – Useful in treating burns and wound
Raktapittahara – Useful in bleeding disorder
Tvakrogahar – Useful in skin disorder, psoriasis
Chakshushya – Improves Vision, good for eyes
Balya – Improves strength and Immunity
Rasayana – Anti aging, causes cell and tissue rejuvenation
How to use Aloevera
Aloevera gives maximum benefits when is consumed in various forms, including:
1. Aloe Vera juice: Take 15- 20 ml of aloe vera juice mix it with equal quantity of water and drink immediately.
2. Aloe Vera Pulp: Remove the pulp from inner side of fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Add this pulp to water or juice and blend it and drink it immediately.
Cautions And Contraindications
Pregnancy: It is advisable to avoid Aloe vera during pregnancy as it may cause a miscarriage by increasing uterine contraction.
Lactation: It is advisable to avoid Aloe vera during lactation.
Diarrhea: Avoid Aloe Vera during diarrhea because it might worsen the condition as aloe vera has laxative properties.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Aloevera take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly Aloevera juice will show benefits. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Home Remedies of Aloevera
External Application of Aloevera : The pulp obtained from the leaf of aloevera is very beneficial to heal burn wounds, boils, acne and blisters.
In Cold & Cough : Take Aloevera pulp add some honey, rock salt and turmeric. Mix all this and drink it relieves cough and cough.
For Indigestion : Aloevera pulp along with turmeric is useful in relieving indigestion.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Aloevea
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Kumari Asav : A medicted herbal ghee used in treating gastritis of vata-pitta origin. Also helpful in urinary tract infection and stone.
Kanyalohadi Vati : A combination of herbs with asparagus racemosus as main herb. It is used in stress, fatigue and weakness.
Narasimha churna : A herbal powder mix useful in increasing sperm count, low libido and chronic respiratory diseases.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, revered for its rejuvenative and balancing properties. Whether for skin care, digestive health, stress relief, or overall vitality, Aloevera continues to be a trusted herb for promoting health and well-being in a natural and holistic wellness
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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