Aloe Vera, widely used in herbal medicines for thousands of years due to its healing, rejuvenating and soothing properties, is a short-stemmed succulent plant, native to northern Africa. However, it’s easy to grow the “wonder plant” in frost-free climates.

Aloe Vera can be cultivated as a potted plant, but care has to be taken by enabling seepage through drainage holes in the pot. It should be allowed to completely dry and watered only then. During winter, it requires very little water and if the region is snowy, it should be kept indoors or in a heated glasshouse. It is one of the richest known medicinal herbs and is sometimes used as an ornamental plant.

The gel of Aloe Vera is used to conserve fruits and vegetables. It is a wonderful option when compared to synthetic preservatives like sulphur dioxide available in the market. The gel also does not affect food products since it is colourless and odourless, so also tasteless.

Aloe Vera and Ayurveda

Aloe Vera is applied on cuts and burns on the skin to heal them. It is effective in curing eczema. The mucopolsaccharides present in the leaf of Aloe Vera gives the plant its unique properties. Certain drugs have been derived from Aloe Vera to treat cancer in animals. It is also said to be good for all skin-related ailments. Many cosmetic products like shampoos, lotions, soaps and even tissue are made by adding Aloe Vera. In the UK, it has been used to cure athlete's foot. The gel found in the leaf of Aloe Vera can be directly applied on wounds or cuts for quick healing. It is also used for:-

--curing mouth sores, blisters, insect bites and allergies

--treating dry skin and as moisturizers to keep the skin flexible

--making skin smooth and glowing

--preventing ageing of skin

--curing skin lesions

--making cosmetic products like face creams, conditioners, lipsticks and makeup kits.

--curing fungal infections such as ring hours.

Aloe Vera includes amino acids, vitamins, calcium, enzymes, sodium and nitrogen in reasonable quantities. It is available in the form of gel, lotion, cream, capsule, liquid and spray. It stimulates cell generation and is also used to treat bronchial congestion.

Aloe Vera juice

Aloe Vera juice is used to treat digestive problems. The juice is good for liver, colon, uterus and stomach as it contains manganese, copper, silicone, calcium, minerals, iron, chlorine and sulphur. The benefits of Aloe Vera juice are:-

n  Good for people suffering from intestinal and stomach problems.

n  Helps in digestion and curing of ulcers

n  Enlarges blood vessels by assisting in the growth of cells

n  Is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral

n  Is an energy booster

n  Maintains right balance of stomach acids

n  Raises the circulation of blood

n  Has a detoxifying characteristic and hence cleans colour.

n  It makes the skin tighter and smoother

n  It assists in addressing problems like constipation, diarrhoea etc.

n  Cures joint pains and muscle aches

Today’s executives have long and tedious work schedules and often follow poor food habits. It’s common to see them complaining of constipation. Ayurveda doctors recommend consumption of Aloe Vera for five days to one week followed by taking rest for a couple of days for immediate relief.

Aloe Vera is used as a food in India, Pakistan and Japan. The plant, also known as A Vulgaris Lam or A. barbadensis Mill, is quickly gathering popularity all over the world.

(Article by C P Rajan)