ALOE VERA AND ITS USES

Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in northern Africa. The species does not have any naturally occurring populations, although closely related aloes do occur in northern Africa.

Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant which belongs to the family of Cactus. There are several varieties of this plant but only one particular variety is used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal reputation of Aloe Vera dates back to many thousand years.

The Latin word Vera meaning ”True” was added to this particular species of Aloe plant to distinguish it from the rest of the aloe plants. Only this particular species has the therapeutic properties. The medicinal properties of the Aloe Vera plant have been re-discovered recently. But it is one of the age old natural remedies used by our ancestors. . It has vitamins, sugars, minerals, anthraquinones and many more. It has an enzyme called carboxy-peptidase that has anti-inflammatory effects. It also has various amino acids, Vitamins A, C and F .Aloe Vera is a truly magical herb.

The Use of Aloe Vera is found in Ayurveda in various text books, post Samhita period. It is a perfect plant for your home.  A common sight in India, aloe vera plant is placed in pots or hung in pots at the entrance of houses.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

• Any kind of wound is healed either by topical dressing or by oral intake. Aloe Vera heals scalds, burns and speeds up the healing and recovery period as well. It is a natural coolant.
• Aloe Vera is a powerful detoxifier, antiseptic and tonic for the nervous system.
• Aloe Vera also has immune-boosting and anti-viral properties.
• Aloe Vera improves digestion. As a general health tonic, there are benefits in taking a measure of Aloe Vera each day.
• Aloe Vera is used as a tonic to treat amenorrhea, jaundice and piles.
• The acid found inside Aloe Vera is used as an effective pain killer.
• Aloe Vera is beneficial for the skin, prevents acne, and enhances skin growth.
• Aloe Vera is used to treat dermatitis, disorders of the skin and X-ray burns.
• Aloe Vera has a great ability to heal burns, ulcers and wounds.
• Aloe Vera is also used as an antiseptic that kills bacteria, fungi, molds and viruses.
• Aloe Vera can be used for insect bites, sores, urticaria, blisters, herpes, athlete’s foot, vaginal infections, allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, dry skin and fungal infections.
• Other benefits are the topical application of this herb helps in curing frostbite, psoriasis, rosacea, wrinkles, aging, warts and eczema.
• Oral intake of Aloe Vera is effective in treating and soothing heartburn, rheumatic pain, asthma and arthritis.
• Aloe Vera has positive effect in lowering the blood sugar levels in Diabetes Mellitus.
• Aloe Vera supports as a laxative. Prevents constipation.
• Aloe vera is a good anti-aging herb. It is extensively used in preparation of cosmetics products. Aloe vera is also known to help slow down the appearance of wrinkles. It is an excellent moisturizer.
• Aloe Vera is a plant with a rare ability to calm all the three Doshas.
• Aloe Vera is believed to reduce severe joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis, as well as pain related to injuries. Direct application on the affected area is recommended.
• Aloe Vera heals skin problems like psoriasis.
• Enzymes present in aloe vera helps in strengthening hair. Aloe vera is also found useful for treating androgenic alopeda.
• Too long use of this herb can result in hematuria, loss of potassium, albuminaria and imbalance of fluids in the human body.
• The oral intake can result in diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Aloe vera is found to cause rashes in some skin, when used externally. So please use this plant products only after consulting your physician.
• It should not be used during menstruation, Pregnancy, breast feeding and intestinal disorders.

Few watch outs during usage of Aloe vera:

• Too long use of this herb can result in hematuria, loss of potassium, albuminaria and imbalance of fluids in the human body.
• The oral intake can result in diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Aloe vera is found to cause rashes in some skin, when used externally. So please use this plant products only after consulting your physician.
• It should not be used during menstruation, Pregnancy, breast feeding and intestinal disorders.

HOW TO PREVENT ACNE

Acne is a common skin disease that affects the areas containing the largest oil glands. It occurs when the oil-secreting glands in the skin are clogged and become inflamed or infected.

According to Ayurveda, Acne is believed to be from aggravation of dosha’s and it happens due to the excessive intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, spicy, oily and fried foods. Stress, tension, pollution and chemicals are also among the major causes for skin problems like acne, boils, pimples and rashes. The disease is seen mostly in teenagers and it is estimated that approximately 90% teenagers get acne.

Home Remedies for Acne

• A paste made from one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk, is very good.
• A paste of nutmeg and water is also beneficial.
• Half a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally (Do not take internally if pregnant) or applied externally to the skin. Dosage: Twice a day.
• Before going to bed, wash the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of 1 tsp. coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder.
• Crushed basil leaves are effective measure. Apply on affected part and leave it for 30 mins. Wash and dry with soft towel.
• Apply paste made by mixing together a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon with one tablespoon of honey.. Apply the paste to the areas that need it before you go to bed and then rinse off the dried paste in the mornings. Honey has antibacterial properties and may also speed up healing.
• A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves, applied and washed off with warm water before going to bed prevents acnes.
• Application of cucumber juice mixed with juices of carrot or lettuce is an excellent home remedy for acnes
• Eating food rich in beta carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables.
• Drink around 2 litres or 12 glasses of water. This will will help body’s self cleansing, self-purifying systems to be in perfect working condition and protect skin from toxicity.
• Almond oil is good acne home remedy for dryness & inflammation of the skin.
• Keep away oily, fried food items and sweets.