☘ Ayurvedam - Aloe Vera

In Sanskrit, Aloe Vera is called Ghrita - Kumari, which means 'young girl' . This name is given to it because the Vedas believed that the plant gives the woman youth and it has a regenrating effect on the females.

According to the ancient hollistic medicine, Aloe Vera has 4 of the six Ayurvedic tastes: bitter, stiff, spicy and sweet. The taste after digestion (vipaka) is sweet, and the effect - cooling.

Aloe is one of the few plants that have a pure bitter taste. Although, as it was already described, it contains other flavors, in terms of the healing properties, the bitter taste (together with the stiff taste) is the most valuable, and in aloe this taste is stronger than the other ones.

Aloe juice has balancing effect on all three doshas, but its effect is stronger on Pita dosha.

The Ayurvedic medicine places this healing plant in the group of the satvic foods, which means that it can be used in a satvic diet by people who are engaged in spiritual practices, striving for improvement.

Aloe Vera is a powerful Ayurvedic medicine, that is applied both internally and externally.   

The healing power of aloe is due to the rich variety of more than 75 useful substances. The plant contains:

• Vitamins: А, group В (including В12), С, Е;

• Minerals: calcium, chromium, iron, phosphorus, germanium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc;

• Amino acids: 7 of the 8 essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucinе, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine) and 11 of 14 non-essential amino acids (asparagine and glutamic acid, alanine, cysteine, arginine, glycine, histidine, hydroxyproline, proline, serine and thyroxine);

• Polysaccharides: aceman, glucomanan, galactan;

• Monosaccharides: glucose, xylose, galactose;

• Anthraquinones: 12 compounds that have laxative, antimicrobial and anticancer properties;

• Enzymes, organic acids, fatty acids, saponins, etc.

Aloe Vera has enlonged, fleshy leaves with thorns, which is why it is often confused with cactus, but the truth is that it belongs to the family of lilies.

* Benefits of aloe vera for digestion :

Aloe vera is a magic potion for digestive problems. It helps in the following ways:

• Strengthens digestion

• Helps to treat constipation, acidity and bloating

• Improves appetite

• Clears toxins from the digestive system

• Improves the functioning of kidneys, liver, gallbladder

Tip: To tap these advantages of aloe vera, have one tablespoon of aloe vera gel or juice every morning on an empty stomach.

Caution: Breastfeeding and pregnant ladies should not consume aloe vera.

* A delicious alternative :

If you dislike the taste of aloe vera gel or juice, there is a delicious delicacy of aloe vera you can have instead. You can have it whenever you feel constipated, bloated or acidic.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

Aloe vera 200 gm

Oil 2 tablespoon

Asafoetida - ¼ teaspoon

Turmeric - ½ teaspoon

Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon

Chili powder - 1 teaspoon

Salt to taste

Lemon juice

Recipe:

1. Cut the sides of the aloe vera leaves, wash them and cut them into pieces.

2. Heat water in a non-stick pan and add aloe vera.

3. After the aloe vera becomes soft, strain the water and wash in cold water.

4. Heat oil in the pan.

5. Add cumin seeds. Let them crackle.

6. Add asafoetida.

7. Add the cut pieces of the aloe vera leaves.

8. Add chili powder and turmeric.

9. Mix well.

10. Add lemon juice and serve.

* Benefits of aloe vera for skin : 

The skin absorbs aloe vera up to four times faster than water. It unclogs the pores of the skin and supplies the skin with moisture and nutrients. Its antiseptic property also helps in eliminating all skin infections. It also heals wounds, mild burns and controls the aging process of the skin.  It also helps in the removal of tan, treatment of sunburn and stretch marks.

* Benefits of aloe vera for women :

Aloe vera in cosmetics :

Aloe vera-based products can be used in all seasons and by people of all skin types. One way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel directly, another would be to make a pack using aloe vera along with some other special ingredients.

1. Aloe vera for dry skin - Take aloe vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Blend this mix till you get a paste. Apply it and leave in for about 20 minutes.

2. Aloe vera scrub - Grab half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. Mix the three ingredients together and use it to scrub both face and body.

3. Aloe vera for acne - Take aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour-like consistency and honey. Aloe vera’s healing properties coupled with the antioxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.

4. Aloe vera for sensitive skin - Grab aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yogurt, and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

5. Aloe vera for sunburn - For mild sunburn, apply the paste on affected areas and wash it off after 15 minutes.

Aloe vera juice is very beneficial during menstrual days. It helps in reducing the pain and regulating the flow effectively. It also promotes fertility among women.

Tip: Consume one cup of aloe vera juice daily during menstruation days for relief.

* Benefits of aloe vera for hair and scalp :

Aloe vera repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair. Aloe vera has a chemical makeup similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage.

Tip for use: Mix equal quantities of aloe vera juice and extra virgin coconut oil. Apply and leave it in for as long as possible for strong, smooth and bouncy hair. Apply once a week or every fortnight.

* Aloe vera for diabetes :

Aloe vera juice is excellent for diabetic patients. However, to maximize its potential, it is advisable to consume it with the juice of bitter gourd.

Tip for use: Mix 20 ml of aloe vera juice with 40/60 ml of karela (bitter gourd) juice along with a glass of water.

* Aloe vera to relieve burning sensation & inflammation : 

Prepare a paste of aloe vera juice and cumin seeds and apply on the affected areas. Repeat several times a day.

☆  Aloe Vera side effects :

• Aloe Vera induces purgation and hence it is not ideal to take it during diarrhea.

• Care should be exercised while using aloe in children and during lactation.

• It is best to avoid it during pregnancy.