Kumari, Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, or Kumari, is an evergreen perennial, 550 varieties of this succulent plant that retains water and is widely grown in the Arabian Peninsula, mainly in the tropics and drier climates worldwide. Planting Aloe Vera as a house plant or in temperate zones as an outdoor perennial is favorable where there is plenty of light but little direct sun.
Aloe vera is a youthful woman, or a true one (la Vera), and in Ayurveda, it is called Kumari, which means beautiful young girl. It is a revered herb for its potency in supporting natural beauty, skincare, and digestion - an overall healing health herb in Ayurveda. Aloe vera contains phytoestrogens, compounds that help women's estrogen balance. It improves blood flow and induces ovulation by stimulating the uterine lining. Thus, it is a perfect herb for women to befriend.
In Ayurveda, this herb is a class of Rasayana used for nourishing and rejuvenating therapies to restore the body's vitality to its potential. In Sanskrit, it means to essence (Rasa) in the Path (āyana) of our body - Rasa, or juice, is the vital fluid, the nutrition achieved from our food.
It has anti-aging, immune system-building, and healing agents to protect our body from the natural wear and tear of everyday life and stress. It has a cooling effect internally and externally on the physiology.
Aloe vera is usually grown for its gel in the leaves. The plants' gel treats inflammation, acne outbreaks, and itching and acts as a histamine barrier producing natural cortisone to treat allergens. Useful in medicines as a soothing balm, moisturizing, and cooling to treat skin burns and sunburn. It is also palatable in desserts, yogurt, and beverages.
Botanic name: Aloe barbadensis, Aloe Vera
English Names:
Aloe arborescens, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Indian Aloe, Jafarabad Aloe, Candelabra aloe, Aloe Aristata, Aloe PolyPhylla
Sanskrit Names: Kumari, Kanya, Ghrita-kumari, Vipulasrava, Sthuladala,
Hindi Names: Ghee-kunwar, Ghee-kuvar, Gvar patha
Family: Liliaceae
Habitat
Aloe vera is naturally found on the Arabic peninsula, specifically in North-Eastern Oman, and has become naturalized in many areas worldwide. Aloe Vera grows wild in India, Central/South America, Africa, and Arabia and is cultivated in Europe. Also, found in the wilderness of Northern Africa, the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal, its islands, and even parts of Asia.
Part Used
The whole plant mostly leaves.
Ayurvedic Herbal Qualities
Gunas: English - Bitter, Sweet, heavy, sticky,
Ayurveda - Guru, Picchila, Snigdha
Rasa: English - Sweet, Bitter,
Ayurveda: Madhura, Tikta,
Virya: (Potency): English - Cooling
Ayurveda: Shita
Vipaka: (post-digestion): English - Pungent
Ayurveda: Katu
Actions or Karmas of Aloe Vera or Kumari
Pacifies all three dosha's
Good for diabetes, stabilizes blood sugar level
Helps to heal burns, itches, and skin inflammation (aloe leaf gel)
Prevents the growth of acne and moisturizes the skin with its cooling property
It is an antiseptic that helps to kill bacteria and viruses.
It aids in treating fungal and vaginal infections, insect bites, herpes, and other allergic reactions.
Reliefs from wounds and ulcers
Aloe vera purifies the body and aids liver functions.
Taken internally as aloe juice (1-2 teaspoons of fresh aloe gel daily for young, healthy-looking skin)
Supports to clear the toxins out of the digestive system, facilitates digestion, and improves the functioning of the kidneys.
Use it for sunburn; mix 70% aloe vera gel and 30% bentonite clay. Apply the paste to affected areas and wash it off after 15 minutes.