Introduction:
For centuries, Aloe vera has been revered as a miracle plant, offering remedies for a myriad of ailments. The Aloe vera plant is a member of lily plant known as Aloe barbadensis which is full of juice and closes similar to a cactus. Aloe is native to North Africa and Spain, now the plant is also grown in the hot dry regions of Asia, Europe and America. For centuries, it has been medicinally used for an array of ailments such as mild fever, wounds and burns, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, sexual vitality and fertility problems to cancer, immune modulation, AIDS and various skin diseases. In the pharmaceutical industry, it has been used for the manufacture of topical products such as ointments and gel preparations, as well as in the production of tablets and capsules.
History and Chemical Composition:
The name, aloe, is derived from the Arabic "alloeh" or Hebrew "halal" meaning bitter shiny substance. It has a vast traditional role in indigenous system of medicine like ayurveda, siddha, Unani and homoeopathy.Aloes are often thought to only grow in hot and dry climates but they actually grow in a variety of climates including desert, grassland, and coastal or even alpine locations. Growing Aloevera in home is of less maintenance, it grows well even with less amount of water. There are more than 200 compounds found in Aloe barbadensis, about 75 of which have biological activity, Aloe vera leaves contain a diverse array of compounds, including anthraquinones (e.g. aloe-emodin), anthrones and their glycosides (e.g. 10-(1, 5’ anhydroglucosyl)-aloeemodin- 9-anthrone, also known as aloin A and B), chromones, carbohydrates, proteins, glycoproteins, amino acids, organic acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins and minerals. Aloe vera leaf possesses many pharmaceutical activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and many more activities. Many of the health benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the gel of the leaves used. The medicinal use of aloe was already mentioned more than 4000 years ago in a collection of Sumerian clay tablets dated 2100 BC. Aloe was also mentioned as a laxative in the Egyptian Papyrus Ebers from 1552 BC. Aloe has had a very long historical use as a strong laxative treatment for chronic constipation, and it is still listed as a laxative in many pharmacopoeias. However, it has now been largely superseded by less toxic laxatives. The original commercial use for the Aloe plant was in the production of a late substance called Aloin, a yellow sap used for many years as a laxative ingredient. This product became synonymous with the name “Aloe” and recorded in the trade, technical, and government literature during the early 20th century. This terminology created much confusion later when Aloe’s other main ingredient, Aloe Gel, beginning in the 50’s, has gained respect as a useful commodity that is used as a base for nutritional drinks, as a moisturizer, a healing agent in cosmetics and OTC Drugs. History reveals that Queen Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti (Queens of Egypt well known for their beauty) included Aloe in their beauty regimens. In Ayurveda texts, Aloe is called as ‘Kumari’ which denotes a young woman, mainly due to its efficiency in curing problems related to the menstrual cycle. References on the therapeutic effect of aloe dates back to the Vedic period especially in diseases of the reproductive system, liver and for worm infestations .
Aloevera Usage for VariousConditions:
We have read many articles about the uses of Aloevera. But how to use it for each disorder that has been listed? Lets see one by one.
Aloevera for Skin problems:
Ø Wash the gel thoroughly to remove dirt
Ø Slice the clear gel using spoon
Ø Blend the gel till it gets smooth
Ø Apply it on the affected area
Note: It can be stored in refrigerator for a week. But I would suggest you to prepare required amount then and there freshly instead of storing it.
Aloevera for Fever:
Ø Gel must be extracted by the above method and apply it on forehead, neck and chest. This will help to reduce the body temperature.
Ø Drink aloevera juice also to reduce the fever.
Aloevera for GI disorder:
Ø Drink small amount of aloevera juice before meals to cure and avoid GI disorders.
Ø You can also add honey, lemon, ginger, mint leaves, turmeric to aloevera juice if required
Aloevera for Diabetes:
Ø Consume one teaspoon of fresh aloevera juice daily twice.
Ø Consume the gel directly - 1 teaspoon initially and increase to 3 spoons gradually.
Siddha Formulations:
There are many formulations prepare using Aloevera in Siddha medicine to cure the above said diseases.
n Bhavana Panchakula Thailam - This oil is for only external application to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ascites.
n Seeraga Thailam - This oil is also for external application. Used to treat vertigo, eye disease, vomit and headache.
n Aloevera Chooranam - It is prepared by drying Aloe vera leaves and grinding them into a fine powder. This powder can then be mixed with water, honey, or other herbal concoctions for consumption. Take 1-2 gms once or twice a day. It is good for improving digestion, relieving consstipation, treating acne, eczema, aids in detoxification and improves liver function, relieves pain.
n Aloevera Leghiyam - Helps in revitalizing the body and boosting overall energy level, cleansing body toxins, beneficial for all skin problems.
Note:
Do not try to prepare or consume these formulations on your own. Even though you can get the recipes to prepare online, the quantity to be used and the amount to be consumed will differ based on the conditions treated and the extent of the condition
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