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Magazine
Wonder healer
Aloe vera ... natural first aid.
ALOE VERA — called Kumari (the maiden) in Sanskrit because it imparts the energy of youth and tones the female organs. Aloe vera also has a history of being a skin lotion of repute — Cleopatra is said to have attributed her beauty to it, massaging fresh aloe gel into her skin to make it glow. Aloe is one of the few non-narcotic plants to have caused a war. When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 B.C., he heard of a plant with amazing wound healing properties on an island off Somalia. On being denied this herb to treat his soldiers, he sent in an army to seize the island and the plant — the aloe. The great physician Dioscorides recommended applying aloe externally on wounds, haemorrhoids and ulcers.
Aloe vera is an excellent first aid remedy to keep in the house for minor burns, cuts, scalds and sunburns. Every kitchen garden should have a plant. In case of need, one of the thick fleshy leaves can be broken off, the green outer layer scraped off and thick gel applied to the affected area.
Aloe gel not only spurs wound healing but also keeps injured skin from getting infected. Aloe vera is a great wound healer because it contains various compounds such as bradykinase, salicylic acid, and magnesium lactate that reduce inflammation and swelling.
It helps regulate the monthly cycle and the ayurvedic preparation Kumaryasava is prescribed by many ayurvedic physicians for toning the female organs. Of course this preparation contains, besides Aloe vera, some 38 other ingredients.
Aloe gel is a wonderful tonic for the liver and spleen. It reduces Pitta in the system. Aloe regulates sugar and fat metabolism. It also cures peptic ulcers. Two teaspoons of the fresh gel can be taken with a pinch of turmeric. The gel must be repeatedly washed down with water as, otherwise, it could act as a laxative.
Consuming the gel internally, while perfectly safe, should be done with care. It should be discontinued during the menstrual period, pregnancy and breast-feeding and by those suffering from kidney disease and haemorrhoids.
Aloe is the perfect houseplant because it requires little water and hardly any care. It prefers the sun but tolerates shade and does not mind poor soil. The only conditions that this hardy succulent cannot tolerate are poor drainage and cold temperature.
Text and photograph by
SHEELA RANI CHUNKATH
For further information contact:
Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research, Chennai.
Telephone: 24415993/ 24405583
E-mail: phyto@vsnl.net herb95@hotmail.com
The writer is Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
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