Aloe Vera

 Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.)

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Angiosperms
• Class: Monocots
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Aloe
• Species: Aloe barbadensis

Common Names

• English: Aloe Vera
• Hindi: घृतकुमारी (Ghritkumari)
• Sanskrit: कुमारी (Kumari)
• Tamil: சோற்றுக்கற்றாழை (Sotrukatraalai)
• Telugu: కలబంద (Kalabanda)

Introduction

Aloe vera is a succulent plant widely known for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits. It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, Unani, and modern medicine due to its healing properties. The gel extracted from its leaves is rich in bioactive compounds that provide numerous health benefits.

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External Morphology

• Stem: Almost absent.
• Leaves: Thick, fleshy, arranged in a rosette pattern, 1-2 feet long, 2 inches wide, with serrated edges having small thorns.
• Flowers: Reddish flowers bloom on a tall central stalk at the end of winter.
• Sap: Yellowish viscous liquid oozes out from cut leaves, which solidifies upon cooling and is called Kumari Saar.

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Chemical Composition

• Primary Component: Anthraquinones (Aloin – has laxative properties)
• Key Substance: Barbaloin (a light yellow crystalline glucoside).
• Polysaccharides (Acemannan – enhances immunity)
• Other Compounds: Resin and aromatic oil.

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Properties

• Taste: Bitter
• Nature: Cold, heavy to digest, smooth, viscous
• Medicinal Effects:
  • Laxative
  • Cooling
  • Beneficial for eyes
  • Rejuvenating (Rasayana)
  • Nutritious
  • Blood purifier
  • Antiseptic
  • Detoxifier
  • Digestive stimulant (in small doses)
  • Uterine stimulant (in large doses, can induce abortion)

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Medicinal Uses

1. Headache (Hivedana)

• Mix turmeric powder with Aloe vera extract, heat it slightly, and apply it to the painful area to relieve Vata and Kapha headaches.

2. Hair Care

• Applying Aloe vera pulp mixed with Tura Rakta Ghrita (reddish Aloe variety) and spirit on the scalp darkens hair and promotes hair growth on bald spots.

3. Eye Diseases

• Applying Aloe pulp to the eyes reduces redness and heat.
• For viral conjunctivitis, mix 375 mg of opium with 1 gram of Aloe pulp, soak in water, and apply 1-2 drops in the eyes.
• Heat Aloe pulp with turmeric and apply as a poultice to relieve eye pain.

4. Ear Disorders (Karnashool)

• Heat Aloe juice and put two drops in the opposite ear to relieve earache.
• To kill earworms, grind Aloe in water and put two drops into the affected ear.

5. Respiratory Issues

• Mix Aloe pulp ash with rock salt and take 12 grams with raisins morning and evening to relieve cough and chronic respiratory conditions.
• For Vayu Gola (gastric bloating):
  • Mix 6 grams of Aloe pulp, 6 grams cow ghee, 1 gram Haritaki, and 1 gram rock salt and take it morning and evening.

6. Digestive Health

• Ghadargand (abdominal lumps): Tying Aloe pulp on the stomach softens hard lumps and helps clear stool accumulation in the intestines.
• Abdominal Pain: Crush 10-20 Aloe roots, boil in water, filter, and add roasted asafoetida to relieve stomach pain.

7. Skin Care

• Treats burns, wounds, acne, and eczema.
• Used in creams, lotions, and face masks.
• Reduces scars and blemishes.

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Precautions

• Not recommended during pregnancy (can induce miscarriage).
• Excess use may cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance.
• Diabetics should use with caution as it lowers blood sugar levels.