Kumari, also known as Indian Aloe Vera or Aloe Barbadensis, belongs to family Liliaceae. It is a succulent plant with spiky green leaves and a fascinating history. Cultivated for centuries in India, it has earned the nickname “Green Gold” due to its diverse and potent benefits for health and well-being. Let’s delve into the world of Kumari, exploring its origins, uses, and why it’s considered a treasure trove of natural goodness.
The word Aloe Vera is derived from, word Alloeh. Alloeh is an Arabic word that means a substance with Shining, bitter Taste. Vera is Latin word which means True.
Aloe Vera, a cactus-like looking plant that grows in abundance in tropical areas.
Across the globe , It has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries.
Chemical Composition of Kumari
Aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid. It also serves as a storehouse of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, and potassium. It houses several essential amino acids and fatty acids that play a critical role in the overall health of an individual.
Kumari: A Legacy of Healing
Kumari’s presence in Indian culture can be traced back thousands of years. Ancient texts like the Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, mention its use for various ailments. Kumari has been revered for its remarkable properties, from soothing burns and promoting wound healing to supporting digestion and boosting immunity.
Ancient texts like the Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, mention its use for various ailments. Above all, from soothing burns and promoting wound healing to supporting digestion and boosting immunity, Kumari has been revered for its remarkable properties.
Kumari: The Power Within
Aloe vera, also known as a Ghritkumari in Hindi is a commonly used home remedy to treat various skin and hair problems such as skin injuries, hair fall, dandruff, burns, and sores. However, there is more to aloe vera than shiny hair, weight loss, and skin treatment. Its medicinal and nutritional benefits are dime-to-a-dozen.
The secret behind Kumari’s diverse benefits lies within its gel-like substance found inside the leaves. Also this gel is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, all contributing to its potential health applications. Some of the key benefits associated with Kumari include:
Skin health
Kumari’s cooling and soothing properties may help address sunburn, minor cuts, and skin irritations. Its potential to promote collagen production is also beneficial for maintaining skin health and elasticity.
Digestive Health
Kumari may support healthy digestion by promoting regularity and soothing occasional discomforts like constipation or heartburn.
Immune system support
The presence of antioxidants and vitamins in Kumari may contribute to a healthy immune system.
Hydration
The gel’s high water content can help with hydration, as a result keeping your body functioning optimally.
Acts as Detoxifying Agent
Aloe vera is full of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals making it one of nature’s most effective cleansers. It can help strengthen digestion and rid the body of any waste, thus detoxifying the body naturally.
Maintains Oral Hygiene
One of the key benefits of aloe vera is its ability to maintain oral hygiene and prevent oral problems. When used as a mouth rinse, pure aloe vera juice is effective at reducing dental plaque buildup and preventing tooth decay. Aloe vera does this by killing the plaque-producing bacterium (Streptococcus mutans) in the mouth, as well as the yeast (Candida albicans).
Promotes Hair Care
Some of the best shampoos and conditioners contain Aloe vera. Also, you can apply it directly to your hair to control frizz. For an itchy or dry scalp, you can apply the gel directly to the scalp.
Reduces Inflammation
Aloe Vera also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The anti-inflammatory compounds like bradykinase, C-glucosyl chromone, and salicylic acid reduce the production of acid in the body which causes inflammation. Aloe vera is very useful for treating inflammatory bowel diseases and mild cases of ulcerative colitis. It helps to prevent and cure pimples.
Prevents Constipation
The latex (sticky yellow residue) found under the skin of the leaf helps to fight constipation. It is rich in aloin, which has been found to have laxative properties and helps to prevent constipation. You can choose to consume aloe vera juice for healthy digestion and latex to prevent constipation. It also contains minerals that improve the body’s metabolism and lead to healthy cellular enzymes, thus helping you to regulate your bowel movement and maintain healthy gut health.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a condition of pain or discomfort (cramps) during or just before a menstrual period. Usually, the pain is felt in the lower abdomen. According to Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-Aartava. An aggravated Vata dosha can be attributed to the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea. Aloe vera helps manage dysmenorrhea due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps relax the muscles and gives relief from cramps. Leucwin Capsule and Leucwin Syrup which is by Best ayurvedic Product Manufacturers in India.You can also refer to our blog How Ashoka Herb Benefits Women? for the same.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition of inflammation of air passage in the lungs which makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessness and wheezing sounds from the chest.
Aloe Vera helps in the management of asthma due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties. It helps to clear the obstruction in the air passage due to its detoxification property. This helps in easy breathing
Aloe Vera: How To Use It/Take It?
Aloe vera treats and prevents various ailments like diabetes, anemia, and jaundice. Karela juice and aloe vera juice can be blended to control diabetes and cholesterol. It also helps to manage various problems of the bile duct, spleen, pancreas, and gall bladder along with helping to fight hormonal problems (Nari Amrut Capsule and Nari Amrut Syrup are by Leading Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine Manufacturer in India to fight hormonal imbalance ). There are benefits of having aloe vera for promoting hair growth. It helps in restoring and retaining hair growth and prevents hair fall.
Aloe Vera Juice
One of the easiest ways of consuming raw aloe vera is to have it in the form of juice. Mix 3-4 small pieces of aloe gel with water and drink it regularly to reap the benefits of aloe vera.
You can also soak the cut pieces in water overnight and then drink only the water. You can also blend prepared aloe with fresh lemon or orange juice to mask the flavor.
Raw Aloe Vera
You can use raw aloe in salads by adding small pieces as a topping or larger pieces as the primary ingredient, often with some herb garnishes.
Cooked Aloe Vera
You can gently steam or poach aloe before using it in juices, salads or even soups and stir-fries for a gentle taste. Fully cooked aloe vera no longer has a slimy texture, which may make it more appealing and appetizing.
Precautions:
Avoid using in Pregnant and Breastfeeding females. Oral intake of Aloe vera may sometimes cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Kumari Beyond Medicine
Kumari’s uses extend beyond the realm of medicine. The gel has applications in various industries, including:
- Cosmetics: Its moisturizing and soothing properties make it a popular ingredient in lotions, creams, and hair care products.
- Food and beverages: Kumari juice is consumed for its potential health benefits and refreshing flavor.
- Textile industry: The fibers from Kumari leaves have been used to create strong and durable fabrics.
Responsible and Sustainable Use
While Kumari offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and sustainably. Here are some key points to remember:
- Consult a healthcare professional before using Kumari, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.
- Use ethically sourced and organic Kumari products whenever possible.
- Be mindful of the environment and avoid over-harvesting wild Kumari plants.
Embrace the Green Gold: Kumari, with its rich history, diverse benefits, and sustainable practices, truly lives up to the name “Green Gold.” By exploring its potential and using it responsibly, we can unlock the wonders of this remarkable plant and embrace a holistic approach to well-being.
