Aloe Vera / Ghritkumari

Ghritkumari is a famous herb used in Ayurveda since long time ago. It is known with the scientific name, Aloe barbadensis. It belongs to the family liliaceae. It is perennial, xerophytic, shrubby and pea green color plant. These stems are stout and thick. It grows up to 80 to 100 cm in length. The root system is of fibrous type. The plant has thick, lanceolate, fleshy leaves having sharp points. These leaves can grow up to 18 inches long and 2 inches wide. These are of green to grey green colorVarious Active Phytochemicals are as following:

Anthraquinone

There are about 12 anthraquinones. Aloin and emodine are from those 12 anthraquinones. These compounds enriched with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and analgesic properties.

Amino acids

It contains 20 amino acids which are required by humans and 7 to 8 essential amino acids. These amino acids known to provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Carbohydrates

Ghritkumari consists of monosacchrides and polysaccharides.

Hormones

Hormones of Ghritkumari play vital role to treat various diseases. Some of the hormones are gibberellins and auxins. These have healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamins

Ghritkumari contains vitamins like A, C and E, folic acid, choline and B12. These nourish blood, body cells and to neutralize free radicals.

Fatty acids

Kumari provides four kinds of steroids. These are campesterol, lupeol, cholesterol and B sisosterol. These steroids have properties like analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

Inorganic components

These consists various minerals such as copper, selenium, magnesium, sodium and more. These are important in the various enzyme systems. These systems perform various metabolic functions and some of these act as antioxidants.

Enzymes

It consists of various enzymes like catalase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase cyclooxidase, cylooxygenase, lipase, oxidase, carboxypeptidase, carboxylase and superoxidase dismutase. These are essential in catabolism of fats and carbohydrates. One of the enzyme bradykinase helps to reduce severe inflammation when applied on the skin.

Classification

Habitat

Ghritkumari is native to the Mediterranean region of North Africa, Canary Islands and Southern Europe. It is cultivated in USA, Mexico, Asia, southern Europe, Aruba, Bonaire, Bermuda, West Indies, the Bahamas, Central and South America. It spreads as wild in the coasts and coastal regions of south India. It also grows in parts of these cities, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat.

Ghritkumari Alternative Names

• Sanskrit Name – Ghritkumari, Kumari, Gruha Kanya, Vipulasrava
• English Name – Indian Aloe, Aloe Vera
• Hindi Name – Guarpatha, Ghikanvar, Rambans
• Malyalam Name – Kumara, Kattar Vazha
• Marathi Name – Korphad, Kunvarpata
• Bangali Name – Ghritkumari
• Tamil Name – Chirukuttali
• Gujrathi Name – Kunwar Path
• Telugu Name – Chinna Kalabanda
• Oriya Name – Kumara
• Kannada Name – Lolisara

Ayurvedic Properties of Ghritkumari

Ghritkumari Effects on Doshas

It helps to balances all three doshas.

The leaves are evenly long and of triangular shape. The leaves of the plant consists of three layers, inner layer has 99% water and other 1% is filled with biochemical. Middle layer is formed of latex, have yellow color sap in it. Last is the outer layer, a thick layer made of 15 to 20 cells, protects the whole plant. The leaves of the plants are rich in water so it can survive for years and years. The leaves has spiky type margins. Flowers of the kumari is cylindrical, pendulous and of dense racemes. These are of yellow color and long up to 2 to 3 cm. the roots of the plants are thick and fibrous. The plant fruits are of triangular shape and containing plenty of seeds in it.

Practical Uses of Ghritkumari

• It helps to stabilize blood sugar level, hence is good for diabetes.
• It is helpful to cure burns and other skin disorders.
• It give relief from wounds and ulcers.
• It prevents growth of acne and moisturizes the skin.
• It helps to treat fungus, insect bites, herpes, vaginal infections and allergic reactions.
• Its juice is a tonic in conditions like jaundice, amenorrhea and piles.
• It is antiseptic, helps to kill many of viruses and bacteria.
• It helps to alkalize the body, balances acid production and treats constipation.
• It prevents kidney stones, crohn’s disease and IBS.
• It also controls the levels of cholesterol and oxidative stress.

Parts Used

Leaves

Dosage

• Leaf pulp – 1-3 grams
• Fresh juice – 10-20 ml
• Aqueous extract – 100-300 mg

Precautions

Avoid use in pregnancy and breast feeding.

Oral intake of aloe can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea sometimes.