The Ayurveda Experience Blog
Aloe Vera is a widely used herb in Ayurveda. The Sanskrit name for aloe is ‘kumari’ meaning young girl. Let’s take a look at aloe vera benefits and aloe vera home remedies.
This name evolved from the fact that Aloe Vera is widely used in both menstrual problems and skin problems in young women. Also, the plant looks young even when it is old.
Aloe Vera Benefits
According to Ayurveda, Aloe Vera is bitter in taste. It balances all three doshas and is cold in potency.
This herb is widely used in the treatment of constipation, skin problems, bleeding disorders, wound healing and diseases due to Pitta aggravation.
Aloe vera has been clinically proven for its anti-diabetic properties.1 It is a good antioxidant and it maintains a healthy structure of the blood vessels, both of which are vital in diabetic care.
Aloe Vera Home Remedies
1. Hemorrhoid Soother
Regular intake of Aloe Vera in the form of juice or capsules has shown healing effects in hemorrhoids.2
2. Natural Blood Thinner
The blood thinning action of Aloe Vera makes it useful in cholesterol and heart disease prevention.
3. Stomach Health
Intake of 30-50 ml of Aloe Vera juice in single or divided doses daily is good for stomach health. It has antimicrobial activity.
4. Constipation
Aloe Vera and rock salt are good for preventing constipation.
5. Wound Healing
External Application of Aloe Vera pulp has wound healing properties. It’s especially useful when applied for burning sensations.
6. Hair Health
Application of Aloe Vera pulp to the scalp reduces dandruff and nourishes the hair follicles.
7. Mouth Ulcers
Aloe Vera pulp and Turmeric can be applied to mouth ulcers to soothe and reduce inflammation.
8. Dry Mouth
Drink 1/4 cup of Aloe Vera juice daily to help relieve dry mouth.
If you’d like to learn more about Ayurveda’s best healing and beauty secrets, check out the course below.
Cool Down Summer Drink with Aloe Vera
- 2 Tbsp fresh Aloe Vera gel*
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 tsp honey
How To Prepare Aloe Gel
*Wash an Aloe Vera leaf and pat dry with a cloth. Slit one of the edges with a pair of scissors and open up the outer layer. Scoop off the gel, discarding any greenish gel.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using aloe vera.
References
- “Aloe Vera Benefits Diabetics: Study.” Newsmax. Newsmax Media, Inc, 01 July 2016. Web. 23 June 2017.
- Yoga Ratnakara, Ayurvedic Formulary of India.
- Surjushe, Amar, et al. “Aloe Vera: a Short Review.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications, 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/.
Dr.Arya Krishna, There are many Varieties of AloeVera in India. A layman just can’t make Juice and Drink. External application of Gel is different. It has to be cleaned Three times. There is method for it. Within One hr gel had be Refrigerated in a temp and used. Making Liquid and drinking needs to be Heated at 50 Degree temperature. Aloe Vera grown in Open land should not be used as it absorbs Bactria’s Quickly. it cannot be used neither for wound or internally. 90% of Aloe Juices sold in Kindly let us have your Opinion. Since u are an Ayurdeic Doctor- i am asking u one more Question- how long one can should take this Liquid?.
There are more than 400 species of Aloe, but the most popular and widely used species is Aloe barbadensis Miller (also called Aloe vera Linne, commonly referred to Aloe vera). The Aloe vera whole leaf extract, as well as the two primary components (the gel and the latex or exudates) of the leaf, have been used for various reasons in traditional medicine. Generally, the gel is used topically to soothe wounds, burns, and skin irritations, and the latex is recognized to possess cathartic effects. Recently, Aloe vera whole leaf extract showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in rats, and was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen. You can read more on the clinical adverse effects of Aloe here – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6349368/
The article here is mainly aimed at the US population who generally grow an aloe plant inside home.
Aloe vera gel is extracted from its leaves and appropriate processing techniques are needed for stabilization as well as preparation of the end products. The industries involved in processing of aloe vera need Government surveillance to ensure that the aloe vera products have beneficial bio-active chemicals as per claims of the manufacturers. Regulatory bodies also need to look into the safety and toxicological aspects of aloe vera products for food applications. The claims made for medicinal value of aloe products should be supported by authentic and approved clinical trial data. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/
Side effects
Topical: It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin. It is best to apply it to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction.
Oral: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine, hepatitis, dependency or worsening of constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Laxative effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels).
Contraindication: Contraindicated in cases of known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometime causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.
Interactions: Application of aloe to skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. It reduces the effectiveness and may increases the adverse effects of digoxin and digitoxin, due to its potassium lowering effect. Combined use of Aloe vera and furosemide may increase the risk of potassium depletion. It decreases the blood sugar levels and thus may interact with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin.
Thus, though Aloe vera has wide spectrum of the properties and uses, some of them could be myths and some of them could be real magic. In future, controlled studies are required to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera under various conditions.
Hope this helped.
Ayurveda is Life and one of God’s many gifts to humanity