Aloe Vera is one of the most significant medicinal herbs that have been used in ancient folk medicine. Ancient Egyptians have regarded this herb as “Plant of Immortality”. Traditionally, because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, Aloe vera – the herb was used for healing wounds and in skin care for relieving itching & swelling.
Aloe vera – Ayurveda Analysis
Ayurveda believes that Aloe vera is slimy and mucoid by nature and cold in action. It is bitter in taste and has a pungent after taste. Thus, Aloe Vera is believed to subside the aggravated Pitta and Kapha Doshas or the heat and phlegm body humors. In Sanskrit, Aloe Vera, which belongs to the Lily family, is known as Ghritkumari, and the leaf of the herb is used for the medicinal purpose. The yellow coloured bitter healing gel (96% water) extracted from the fat leaves becomes thick on drying and is called Kumarisara.
Aloe vera – Amazing Healthcare Benefits
Some of the most impressive medicinal uses of Aloe Vera are:
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Aloe Vera is boon for the skin. External use of the herb makes the skin ideally hydrated, supple, rejuvenated and flexible.
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The minerals, vitamins & enzymes present in Aloe Vera soothes the skin and relieves mild cuts, insect stings, bruises, poison ivy and eczema.
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Aloe Vera is believed to be natural skin enhancer. This herb holds efficient qualities to be hydrating, nourishing and increasing the regeneration process of the new skin epithelial tissues. Thus Aloe Vera is largely used in cosmetic products.
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Aloe Vera comes to wide use both externally and internally owing to its varied properties of being moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-irritant, anti-oxidant and anti-aging.
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Aloe Vera also augments immunity enhancing and anti-tumor properties. The polysaccharides of the leaf extract naturally have strong resistance modulator and anti-tumor practices.
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Aloe Vera also stabilizes fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It boosts circulation to extremities and hence can work well for the patients suffering from Diabetic Neuropathy.
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Also the Cardiovascular and Hypertension patients are recommended Aloe Vera consumption since the LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) present in Aloe Vera helps in reducing blood cholesterol and TG levels.
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Pain and swelling in Arthritis can also be cured by Aloe. Aloe Vera mixed with turmeric can be given to treat spleen enlargement problems.
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Aloe Vera juice consumption can be used to treat the symptoms of IBS like pain, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and swelling of abdomen, belching, poor appetite, and hyper-acidity and stomach ulcers. It is also beneficial in improving the body’s metabolism.
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In Ayurvedic texts it is mentioned that fresh juice extracted from the herb of Aloe vera when applied on the face can result into fairness and loss of blemishes.
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Not only this, when used in treating a fabric or garment, whereas the breathable property of Aloe Vera allows moisture vapour to be transmitted through the material; the protective and preservative quality of the herb makes Aloe Vera excellent choice for skin care!
Watch Video: Garlic – Amazing Health Benefits & Home Remedies here.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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