Aloe vera is called as Kumari in Sanskrit. Kumari refers to a young girl. This name has two derivations. It is used in diseases of young girls, like pimples and menstrual problems. The plant is beautiful and looks young even after it grows old. 

Botanical Name:

  1. Aloe Vera Chinensis,           
  2. Aloe barbadensis Mill
  3. Aloe indica
  4. Aloe Chinensis

Family Name: LILIACEAE 

Names in different languages:

  1. English Name- Indian Aloe
  2. Hindi name- Gheekuvar
  3. Kannada name- Lolisara, Lolesara
  4. Telugu Name- Kalabanda
  5. Malayalam Name- Kumari, Kattar Vazha
  6. Tamil Name- Kathaazhai
  7. Bengali Name – Ghrita Kumari  

PROPERTIES (Ayurvedic):

  1. Rasa (taste) – Tikta (bitter)
  2. Guna (qualities) – Guru (heaviness), Snigdha (oily, unctuous), Picchila (sticky, slimy)
  3. Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
  4. Veerya – Sheeta – Cold potency
  5. Effect on Tridosha – Balances all the three

Different varieties:

 At present A. vera Chinensis, A. Barbadensis, A. vera are mainly being used as Kumari. The author also noticed several other species of Aloe are being sold or cultivated in the name of Kumari in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Distribution: Cultivated throughout India.

Structure: Mature plant: They are succulent plants with perennial, strong and fibrous roots and numerous, persistent, fleshy leaves, proceeding from the upper part of the root, narrow, tapering, thick and fleshy, usually edges are serrated with spiny teeth.

Seeds: Angular.

Flowers: The flowers are produced in erect, terminal spikes. There is no calyx, the corolla is tubular, divided into six narrow segments at the mouth and of a red, yellow or purplish colour. The capsules contain numerous angular seeds.

Habitat: Grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

Pharmacology: The important constituents are the two Aloins, Barbaloin and Isobarbaloin. Other constituents are amorphous Aloin, resin and Aloe-emodin. A mild purgative, soothes skin, Acts as a mild antimicrobial.

Aloe vera chemical constituents Aloe: Emodin, aloctin A(Glycoprotein), Aloenin(bitter Glucoside), barbaloin, Chrysophanol Glycoside; Galactose, Mannose, Aldopentose, Aloesin, Aloeesone, b-sitosterol, Alocutin A & B etc.

Part Used:

  1. Leaves Dosage: Fresh juice 10-20 ml; 
  2. Aqueous Extract: 100-300 mg
  3. Leaf pulp: 1–3grams
  • Aloe vera for haemorrhoids- Because of its mild laxative action and wound healing properties, regular intake of mild doses of aloe vera in the form of capsule or juice, is very beneficial in haemorrhoids treatment.
  • Aloe vera for women: Aloe vera improves ovulation chances, it induces menstruation, hence used in treating amenorrhea – the absence of periods or decreased bleeding.It improves hair quality, prevents hair fall, cures dandruff, also used in acne and blemishes.
  • Aloe vera juice benefits: Aloe vera juice is good for stomach, in skin diseases, has anti-microbial properties.It also acts as a blood thinning agent and detoxifies the blood.The daily dose is 30–50ml, in single or divided dose, before food.
  • Aloe vera Home remedies: The leaf pulp 2-4gms is an effective remedy in Dysmenorrhea (Kashtarthava). This Should be administered with sugar on empty stomach once a day, for three days prior to the expected date of menstruation.

Kamala (infective hepatitis) the mucilage with curd is a very effective medicine. This can be given single dose 3-5 days. If the patient develops loose motions can be withdrawn for a day or two and if needed can be continued for another course of 3-5 days.

The beauty of Aloe vera can be matched only and only with its own beauty.