Aloe Vera
Suffering from a digestion malady. Which one ?constipation , acidity, excessive wind formation, indigestion, loss of hunger or piles! Would you like to follow a single cure. Try using Aloe vera or Ghritkumari. The small 1 to 2 feet long herb, having big and fleshy leaves with mildly thorny outline is easy to find. Now days a number of cosmetics contain Aloe vera as the main ingredient. In Ayurvdic texts it has been said that the fresh juice applied on the face can result into fairness and loss of blemishes. Aloe vera is also regarded as a Rasayana i.e. that which strengthens the immune system of the body and keeps the disease away.
Properties
Aloe vera is slimy and mucoid by nature, and cold in action. It is bitter in taste and has a pungent after taste. Therefore in Ayurveda it is believed to subside the aggravated heat and phlegum [pitta and Kapha] body humors.
Uses
For Digestion : the pulp extracted from the leaves of the plant is to be taken with some Saindhav salt added to it. This is taken on an empty stomach first time in the morning.
For Acidity: The fresh juice when taken in a dose of 10ml to 20ml two or three times in a day is a good cure of relieving the disease.
For Burns: the juice extracted from the pulp is applied on the burned area is both a soother and healer for burned skin.
For Swelling and Pain : Mix some turmeric powder into the pulp of Aloe vera and this has to be heated on fire and can be applied to the affected part for relief.
For Vigour and Strength : take approx. 100gms of the pulp and 1 kg milk. Mix them together and heat on low fire. Add some sugar and this is to be taken twice a day in a dose of 1 teaspoon.
For Urinary Retention : Keep the pulp of Aloe in a container. After some time the juice wili separate from the same. This is to be taken 3 or 4 times in a day and the malady can be cured.
For Female Disorders : the herb has specific actions on working of the uterus, especially in regulating the menstrual flow. Therefore a number of medicines are prepared with Aloe vera as the main ingredient like Raja parvartni vatti.
For Skin Ailments : Having the property of blood purification, it is also beneficial in healing wounds, oedema, pain, inflammation and other skin diseases.
For Haemmorhides : This is result of chronic constipation and in both the maladies, the regular use of Aloe vera is a boon. Kumariasav is generally prescribed and finds effective results.
