Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) - Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Aloe vera is a plant that is well-known for its therapeutic and healing qualities. It belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. Aloe barbadensis miller is its scientific name. Many cultures, including those of Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan, and China, have long utilized the plant’s gel for a variety of medical uses. Known for its many uses in Ayurveda, aloe vera has been utilized for ages.

The aloe vera plant has been utilized for millennia. In conventional Chinese and Indian medicine, as well as in Western medicine, it is still widely used.

Description

For generations, people have used aloe vera, a plant that resembles a cactus and grows abundantly in tropical climates, as a therapeutic herb. The plant, which has therapeutic properties, has been discovered to be popular in a number of businesses, including herbal treatments, diet supplements, and cosmetics.

Botanical Name:

Aloe Barbadensis

Family:

Aloeaceae

Leaves:

The prominent characteristic of aloe vera they are green to gray-green in color, thick and meaty. From a small stem, they grow upright and cluster densely at the base. The surfaces of the leaves are smooth, but the margins are serrated and have tiny white teeth.

Roots:

The roots of aloe vera are shallow but densely branching. This enables it to effectively absorb water from the occasional downpour in its native dry habitat.

Flowers:

During the summer, aloe vera produces yellow tubular blossoms. A long stem that rises from the center of the leaf rosette bears these flowers.

Habitat:

Ghritkumari is a native of Southern Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean region of North Africa. USA, Mexico, Asia, Bermuda, Aruba, Bonaire, West Indies, Bahamas, Central America, and South America are among the places where it is grown. In the coastlines and coastal regions of south India, it spreads wild. Parts of these cities-Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat-also see its growth.

Parts Used:

Leaves

Dosage:

Leaf pulp – 1-3 grams
Aqueous extract – 100-300 mg
Juice – 10-20 ml

Chemical Constituents

Aloe vera’s chemical components Chromoline and anthraquinone, along with their glycoside derivatives, are the two primary classes of active constituents found in Aloe vera plant extract. Other constituents include flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, phytosterols, naphthalene analogs, lipids, and vitamins.

Synonyms

Amara, Ajara– Having both anti-aging and rejuvenating properties

Dirgha patra, Sthula dala, Gruha kanya, Gandala

Deerghapatrika– It is having long leaves

Ambudhisrava, Vipulasrava– It is having profuse gel in the leaves

Other Language Names of Ghritkumari (Aloe Barbadensis)

Malyalam name – Kumara, Kattar Vazha

Marathi name – Korphad, Kunvarpata

Oriya name – Kumara

Kannada name – Lolisara

Bangali name – Ghritkumari

Tamil name – Chirukuttali

Gujrathi name – Kunwar Path

Sanskrit name – Ghritkumari, Vipulasrava, Kumari, Gruha Kanya

English name – Indian Aloe, Aloe Vera

Hindi name – Guarpatha, Ghikanvar, Rambans

Telugu name – Chinna Kalabanda

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta
Superdivision	Spermatophyta
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Subclass	Liliidae
Order	Liliales
Family	Aloeaceae
Genus	Aloe
Species	Barbadensis

Ayurvedic Properties

Hindi/Sanskrit

Rasa -Tikta
Guna -Guru, Snigdha, Pichhila
Virya -Sheeta
Vipaka -Katu

English

Taste -Bitter
Physical Property-Heavy, Unctuous, Sticky
Potency- Cold
Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent

Ghritkumari (Aloe Barbadensis) Uses

Its juice is a tonic for piles, amenorrhea, and jaundice.
It alleviates constipation, regulates acid production, and helps the body become more alkaline.
It also regulates oxidative stress and cholesterol levels.
It is beneficial for diabetes since it helps to normalize blood sugar levels.
It helps eliminate a lot of bacteria and viruses and is antiseptic.

Ghritkumari (Aloe Barbadensis) Benefits

Boosts Immunity:

Aloe vera has a wealth of immune-stimulating polysaccharides that support healthy immune system activity. It aids in regulating the body’s inflammatory processes, such as those caused by psoriasis, eczema, and asthma.

Skin Healing:

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, aloe vera helps skin diseases including burns, wounds, and eczema and speeds up the healing process.

Promotes Healthy Digestion:

The bloodstream absorbs nutrients from food when the digestive tract is in good health. Aloe vera gel contains cleansing and laxative properties. Frequent consumption of aloe vera juice has been shown to enhance bowel motions and inhibit the growth of yeast and harmful germs. Plant sterols are fatty acids that include campesterol, B-sitosterol, and HCL cholesterol. Acid reflux during digestion and allergy symptoms are reduced by the three sterols, although HCL cholesterol reduces blood fat levels.

Dental Health:

Aloe Vera is used for more than just dental health. When used to toothpaste or mouthwash, it helps lessen gum inflammation and prevent plaque accumulation.

Promotes Hair Care:

Some of the greatest shampoos and conditioners contain aloe vera. To reduce frizz, you can apply it straight to your hair. You can apply the gel directly to your scalp if it’s dry or irritated.

Ghritkumari (Aloe Barbadensis) Side Effects

Digestive problems:

Aloin is a laxative chemical found in aloe vera plants. Abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea can all result from ingesting aloe vera.

Kidney problems:

Kidney issues could arise from prolonged usage of aloe vera, particularly when large amounts are taken.

Pregnancy complications:

Women who are expecting or nursing should avoid using aloe vera since it may result in issues such as uterine contractions.

Don’t miss: Shyonak, Sona Patha (Oroxylum Indicum) Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

Conclusion

Products containing aloe vera serve as a natural cure, relieving sunburns and skin irritations while also improving overall health. Aloe Vera tackles the problems of modern living with an abundance of antioxidants and calming qualities. Through the easy integration of these products into everyday routines, people embrace a tried-and-true approach to better skin and general vitality in addition to experiencing instant relief.