Aloe Vera: Ancient remedy for Modern Ailments
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Aloe Vera: Ancient Remedy for Modern Ailments
Introduction
For centuries, Aloe vera has been revered as a miracle plant, offering remedies for a myriad of ailments. The Aloe vera plant is a member of the lily family known as Aloe barbadensis, which is full of juice and closely resembles a cactus.
Aloe is native to North Africa and Spain, and is now grown in the hot dry regions of Asia, Europe, and America. It has been medicinally used for ailments ranging from mild fever, wounds, burns, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, sexual vitality, fertility problems, cancer, immune modulation, AIDS, and various skin diseases.
In the pharmaceutical industry, Aloe vera is used in topical products like ointments and gels, as well as in tablets and capsules.
History and Chemical Composition
The name aloe is derived from the Arabic "alloeh" or Hebrew "halal", meaning bitter shiny substance. Aloe has a vast traditional role in indigenous systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy.
Aloes grow in a variety of climates including desert, grassland, coastal, and alpine regions. Growing Aloe vera at home requires minimal maintenance and water.
There are more than 200 compounds found in Aloe barbadensis, about 75 of which have biological activity. These include:
- Anthraquinones (e.g. aloe-emodin)
- Anthrones and glycosides (e.g. aloin A and B)
- Chromones, carbohydrates, proteins, glycoproteins
- Amino acids, organic acids, lipids, sugars
- Vitamins and minerals
Aloe vera possesses pharmaceutical activities including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Many benefits are attributed to the polysaccharides in the gel.
Medicinal use of aloe dates back over 4000 years, including references in Sumerian tablets (2100 BC) and Egyptian Papyrus Ebers (1552 BC). Historically, aloe was used as a strong laxative and in the production of Aloin, a yellow sap used for many years.
In the 1950s, Aloe Gel gained respect as a base for nutritional drinks, moisturizers, and healing agents. Queen Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti included aloe in their beauty regimens. In Ayurveda, Aloe is called 'Kumari', denoting a young woman, due to its effectiveness in treating menstrual issues.
Aloe Vera Usage for Various Conditions
We often read about Aloe vera’s benefits, but how do we use it for each condition? Let’s explore:
Aloe Vera for Skin Problems
- Wash the gel thoroughly to remove dirt
- Slice the clear gel using a spoon
- Blend until smooth
- Apply on the affected area
Note: It can be stored in the refrigerator for a week, but fresh preparation is recommended.
Aloe Vera for Fever
- Apply gel on forehead, neck, and chest to reduce body temperature
- Drink Aloe vera juice to help lower fever
Aloe Vera for GI Disorders
- Drink small amounts of Aloe vera juice before meals
- Optional additions: honey, lemon, ginger, mint leaves, turmeric
Aloe Vera for Diabetes
- Consume one teaspoon of fresh Aloe vera juice twice daily
- Start with 1 teaspoon of gel directly, gradually increase to 3 teaspoons
Siddha Formulations Using Aloe Vera
- Bhavana Panchakula Thailam – External oil for rheumatoid arthritis and ascites
- Seeraga Thailam – External oil for vertigo, eye disease, vomiting, and headache
- Aloe Vera Chooranam – Powdered form for digestion, constipation, acne, eczema, detoxification, liver function, and pain relief (1–2 gms once or twice daily)
- Aloe Vera Leghiyam – Revitalizes the body, boosts energy, cleanses toxins, and treats skin problems
Note: Do not prepare or consume these formulations on your own. Even though recipes are available online, dosage and preparation must be tailored to individual conditions and severity.
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