Aloe: Natural healer As a healing plant, aloe is something of a celebrity. This one-foot-to-two-feet-tall perennial herb is found all over India. In many homes it is a practice to grow it in flowerpots. Since the herb imparts youthful energy and increases femininity, its Sanskrit name is Kumari. More commonly it is known as ghrit kumari or ghee kunwar. Described as bitter, cold, unctuous and heavy, aloe finds mention in many ayurvedic texts. Though it alleviates all the three doshas, according to its actions on human body, aloe has been classified as bhedaniya (accumulation-breaking herb), netrarogaghna (alleviating ophthalmic diseases) and pleharogaghna (ameliorating diseases of the spleen). On the cutting of its thick and fleshy leaf, aloe yields a sticky, shining and transparent gel which is its medicinal part. If dried in the sun, the gel turns into a wax-like non-transparent blackish substance called kumarisar or musabbar. Bitter, hot and pungent in its post-digestive effect, musabbar is more often used by the exponents of Unani medicine than by their ayurvedic counterparts. Aloe is a carminative, digestive, diuretic and anti-inflammatory medicine. Given in large doses,, it acts as a purgative and kills intestinal worms. Besides having rejuvenative properties, it also benefits if it is given in cases of liver and spleen disorders. Aloe enhances the blood supply to the uterus and helps in its contraction. Due to the presence of certain enzymes, polysaccharides and nutrients, it has a positive cosmetic value. Experimental studies have also confirmed its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal action besides wound-healing properties. Aloe is a popular home remedy. It is used to meet many situations. Here are a few tips for using it in our day-to-day life: For minor burns and scalds, aloe should be immediately cut and squeezed on the affected part. Its gel dries into a natural bandage. It promotes healing and helps keep burns from becoming infective. Taking 10 gm of aloe gel with ½ gm of turmeric powder acts as an effective blood purifier. Regularly applying a little of aloe gel on the face helps remove blemishes. It is a skin conditioner, moisturiser and also a natural sun screen. It is a much-sought-after herb in the cosmetic market. Making a dish of aloe gel by roasting it in a small quantity of desi ghee and taking it once or twice a week with meals is a common practice in rural India. This recipe is helpful in case of chronic gas trouble, distention of the abdomen and chronic constipation. Used one week before the due date of menses, aloe is a good remedy for delayed and painful periods. It improves pelvic circulation and removes spasm. The use of aloe is also indicated in many geriatric problems like neuromuscular weakness and osteo-arthritis. The famous classic ayurvedic medicines, Kumaryasava and Rajaprivartini Vati, contain aloe as an important ingredient. These are in practice for curing abdominal diseases and several, problems of women. For regular and single use, the dose of the aloe gel or its juice is 10 to 20 gm daily.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 03:47:26 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015