Ayurvedic Uses of Aloe Vera (Kumari)
All about the miracle herb aloe vera
Aloe vera is also known as Grithakumari, a member of the Lilly family, blessed with a plethora of health benefits like offering benefits for the skin, hair, and digestive system. It is fortified with enzymes, minerals, vitamins, saponins, lignin, salicylic, and amino acids, making it one of the most significant species of aloe in Ayurveda and other alternative medicine systems.
Every part of aloe vera is useful
It's considered one of the most important medicines in folk practice. This is also referred to as the plant of immortality due to its several health benefits, particularly from the aloe vera medicinal properties. It is effectively used to treat pitta-related disorders like burns, wounds, and skin irritation and can also balance digestion, and support liver function.
Components of Aloe vera
They are from the cactus family. These fat leaves contain 96 percent water and remaining portions like vitamins A, B, C, E, Calcium, amino acids, Magnesium, and digestive enzymes. Also, it signifies youthful energy and femininity and supports the female reproductive system. With its rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to prepare various herbal formulations in Ayurveda.
Let’s talk about the significance of aloe vera in Ayurveda, often referred to as a miracle plant for its extensive medicinal and healing properties according to Ayurveda.
External uses
Improves skin health
The gel of aloe vera can heal the injury caused to the epithelial tissues of the skin thus widely used in skin ailments like cuts, bruises, burns, and insect stings. It works as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal too thus making the wound heal faster. It can manufacture collagen in skin which is responsible for the anti-aging process. Aloe Vera juice has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes this juice a perfect natural remedy to cure various skin conditions. Aloe gel helps lock in moisture and prevents skin dryness. Especially when the weather is cold and dry, using aloe gel topically can help nourish and moisturize the skin for a nice and glowing appearance
Deals with Gum Issues
Being an excellent oral health agent, aloe vera is used in several toothpastes and can be used to treat issues like periodontitis and gingivitis. It's due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
Can Reduce Inflammation
Aloe vera juice contains antioxidants that help the body fight against free radicals and protect it from oxidative stress. Moreover, it also reduces inflammation due to its anti-oxidative properties.
Improves Eyesight
By Consuming Aloe vera juice regularly, the body will convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A, which eventually improves skin texture, immunity, eyesight, and vision health.
Relieves Constipation
Aloe latex contains 12 anthraquinone glycosides called laxatives which regulate the gut bacteria and promote the entire well-being of the digestive system.
Relieve the Symptoms of GERD
Heartburn and regurgitation, being a common symptom of GERD can be rectified by internal administration of aloe juice.
Some of the other symptoms that GERD offers are bad breath, dry cough, etc. The inflammatory fatty acids in aloe vera alkalize the digestive juices and prevent acidity. They not only benefit the stomach but also the colon.
Aloe vera for hemorrhoids
Since it is laxative and wound healing, its used in medication that can cure hemorrhoids
Keeps you Hydrated
Drinking ample aloe vera juice throughout the day helps the person to stay hydrated and it also is low in calories which could be the best alternate for healthy drinks
Works as a good Antioxidant
Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants. Using aloe vera gel topically may help reduce wrinkles and fine to restore your youthful appearance. If taken orally, it promotes gut health and may help eliminate disease-causing free radicals from the system.
Acts as a good exfoliator
By mixing gel with sugar granules and scrubbing over the skin, it removes the dead skin, Thus, aloe gel, derived from the aloe vera plant, soothes the tender skin that’s underneath.
Aloe vera for heart
It can work against cholesterol thus helping in curing atherosclerosis
Can eradicate Dark Spots and pigmentation
Using aloe vera gel also can help lighten dark spots, allowing your skin to appear clear, youthful, and glowing, embodying the miracle plant's aloe vera benefits for skin care. The gel nourishes the skin from within and regulates melanin production to promote a healthy complexion
Helps for chapped Lip and dry mouth
Keeping your lips hydrated using aloe vera gel, helps to retain the natural gloss and prevent lacerations. It can help in getting dryness of mouth cleared
Clears the Stretch Marks
Aloe vera gel can help lighten stretch marks and even make them disappear over time.
Aloe Vera For Fungal Infection
Aloe vera being anti-fungal can clear your fungal infection on scalp, between fingers and nails too
Worried about wrinkles?
Applying aloe vera gel regularly to your face and neck may help prevent wrinkles and other premature signs of aging.
For Heat Rash
Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the best natural remedy for treating a heat rash.You can apply a coating of aloe gel before you leave your home which acts as a perfect sunscreen
Aloe Vera For Hair
Combined with coconut oil, the aloe vera plant can help nourish your scalp and hair to promote growth & shine, prevent dandruff, and avoid aloe vera for those with sensitive skin. Using aloe vera can help reduce breakage in hair..
Can cure amenorrhoea
Taking aloe vera gel regularly can cure gynecological conditions like amenorrhea
Products using aloe vera in Ayurveda
Kumaryasava
MurivennaThailam
Rajapravartinivati
Karutha Gulika
Safety profiles of Aloe Vera (Ghrita Kumari)
Aloe vera is a potent laxative. If you have a weak stomach or are experiencing diarrhea, in a day, avoid taking aloe vera as it may worsen the symptoms and cause cramps in the lower abdomen.
Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, is believed to be unsafe for pregnant and lactating mothers as it may affect both the mother and the baby due to its potent medicinal properties.
People with diabetes may experience a sudden drop in blood sugar. So, it is recommended to monitor your blood sugar levels if you are taking aloe vera for some other reason whatsoever.
Aloe vera juice can offer adverse effects with certain medications. In some cases, it increases or decreases the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream. Moreover, if you are taking the below medications, then ensure not to take aloe vera juice. They are: -
Laxatives
Diuretics like Lasix
Anticoagulants or blood thinners like aspirin
Heart rhythm medicine
Which dosha is aloe vera juice for?
It can balance all three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha, a principle touted in Ayurvedic medicine for maintaining health.
Who Cannot take aloe vera?
Those who are already having any Laxatives, Diuretics like Lasix, Anticoagulants, or blood thinners like aspirin and Heart rhythm medicine, and those who are pregnant and lactating mothers are not supposed to take aloe juice
Is aloe vera juice good for pitta dosha?
Yes it can alleviate pitta due to its coolant effect
When should I drink aloe vera juice in Ayurveda?
It's better to take on an empty stomach
Is aloe vera hot or cold in nature?
It's cool in nature
Does aloe vera cure infection?
Yes, it does, illustrating the broad use of aloe vera in home remedies and ayurvedic practices. due to its anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties That is why its used in various moisturizers and skin care products
Can aloe vera juice be used by pregnant women?
No, it can cause adverse reactions in pregnant ladies like miscarriages
What are aloe vera juice benefits for hair?
Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E. which contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Vitamin B12 and folic acid components can keep your hair from falling out.
Can aloe vera juice be used for better eyesight?
Owing to its active nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids it can help treat and manage certain eye-related health concerns.
Does aloe vera juice reduce blood sugar?
The active components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids Aloe vera gel may help lower blood glucose levels, improve the body's response to insulin, and lower high blood pressure, showcasing its medicinal use in managing diabetes and hypertension.
Does aloe vera lower high blood pressure?
The active components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids may help lower blood glucose levels, improve the body's response to insulin, and lower high blood pressure.
Can aloe vera juice be used for treating Alzheimer's disease?
Loaded with potentially active constituents like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids aloe can improve impaired cognition and the brain function thus helping to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Can aloe vera juice be used for varicose veins?
External application can help with a burning sensation or discomfort caused by the varicosity or ulcers
Does aloe vera juice help in losing weight?
Juice, being low in calories contains antioxidants, which can help with detoxification and improve fat breakdown.
Can Aloe Vera help in osteoarthritis?
Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help in osteo knees
Can Aloe vera gel cause a stinging feeling?
Yes it can
Can Aloe vera remove pregnancy stretch marks?
Aloe's skin-repairing properties might help with stretch mark prevention or fading
Can we apply Aloe vera gel to the face directly?
Yes you can
Can you use Aloe vera gel in your mouth?
Yes, you can for oral ulcers, and studies suggest that aloe vera might cause faster healing.
Do I need to wash my face after applying Aloe vera gel?
No need to wash since the skin can absorb it well
Do you need to refrigerate Aloe vera juice?
No need. it is coolant as such.
How can aloe vera be useful in amenorrhoea (no periods), while it is told to be useful in heavy periods as well?
Aloe vera When used with hot potentiated herbs, aloe vera can induce periods, but at the same time, when it's used with cold potentiated herbs, it can help to stop heavy periods, a dual use of aloe vera grounded in ayurvedic medicine.
How can one combat the laxative effect of Aloe vera?
You can take medications that are static in nature.
For example a glass of buttermilk with roasted jeera or buttermilk boiled with pomegranate bark
How do you store Aloe vera leaves?
Place aloe leaf into a plastic freezer bag, and set it in the freezer
How do you use Aloe vera for sunburn?
You can cure sunburn by spreading the gel from the inside on the affected area of the skin.
How long can Aloe vera gel be stored?
Two days at room temperature and for a week when the freeze
How to Use Aloe Vera for Diverticulitis?
You can dilute 20 ml of aloe juice with 20 ml of water, as studies suggest that aloe vera can help with digestion when taken once daily on an empty stomach.
How to take Aloe Vera for diabetes?
30 to 50 ml of aloe juice daily on an empty stomach can reduce the high diabetes level but under the proper guidance of a physician
How to use Aloe Vera for weight loss?
Aloe juice along with Triphala choornam can help in weight loss
How to use Aloe Vera on Hair?
You can give a gentle massage for the scalp with aloe gel from the aloe vera plant and rinse it with shampoo after 1 hour.
How to use Aloe vera gel for dark spots on the face?
You can use aloe gel along with turmeric powder to be applied on skin with dark spots around, as studies suggest that aloe vera can help lighten them.
Is Aloe vera gel good for acne?
Yes it does
Is Aloe vera good for hair growth?
Aloe vera also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, which may help prevent hair fallout.
Is it beneficial to drink fresh aloe vera juice in the morning?
Yes it does detoxify your gut
Is it good to apply Aloe vera gel on the face overnight?
You can apply aloe vera gel to your skin overnight to give irritated skin continuous relief and comfort.
Is it preferable to use fresh aloe vera gel or the kind you can buy and apply from a bottle?
A fresh one is always preferred
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Burns?
Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, it can heal the burns faster compared to any other medicines
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Cancer?
Aloe Vera given concomitantly with honey can modulate tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation and reducing tumor weight
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Constipation?
The outer portion of the plant contains compounds called anthraquinones, and these have a laxative effect.
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Dandruff?
When used on the scalp and hair, the properties of aloe vera are highly beneficial in treating dandruff.
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Depression?
Loaded with potentially active constituents like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids aloe can improve impaired cognition and improve the brain function
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Inflammatory bowel disease?
Antioxidants in aloe vera may suppress the immune system. This might help reduce the overactive immune response that causes IBD, showcasing one of the many aloe vera benefits in managing autoimmune conditions, as studies suggest that aloe vera can help.
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Mouth infection?
Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal mouth ulcers
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Psoriasis?
The elements in aloe vera may help to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and help to keep dryness away
What are the benefits of Aloe vera for Skin regeneration?
Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamin A, C, E, and B12. Which helps to repair skin and maintain healthy skin. It also contains minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which help the skin to regenerate, particularly for those with dry skin.