Aloe vera - A Wonder Herb

Aloe vera is an easily available herb found almost everywhere, growing naturally in dry and arid sandy areas. It is said to have spread from its original areas of occurrence in South America & Spain. It is understood that it came to India probably during the 16th century. Though there are about 250 species of Aloe worldwide but only about 5 of them are rich in medicinal properties. Out of these - Aloe vera is the most abundantly found species in India.
Different Names:
Aloe is known as Ghritkumari in Sanskrit, Gheekwar or Gwarpatha in Hindi, Kuwarpatha in Gujarati, Lonasera in Kannada, Kumari in Malayali an Aloe vera in Latin.
A Treasure of nutritional substances:
Aloe is a treasure house of nutritional elements being rich in 75 of them- including minerals, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes and different kinds of sugars etc. It contains 19 of the 20 amino acids which are essential for human beings. This is also the only natural source of Vitamin B12.
Uses:
It is probably one of the most widely used herbs in the entire world. It is used in the form of pulp, juice or Gel extracted from its leaves. As it has antibiotic properties, it helps in various diseases & ailment by activating the immune system of the body. Aloe vera is a blood purifier and good for skin diseases.
It reduces blood sugar in diabetics if taken in the form of juice. Its pulp if applied externally, causes early healing of wounds. It not only reduces pain but also heals wounds by activating formation of new skin.
It improves skins health and reduces the aging process by slowing down the wrinkle formation. It does so by fighting the aging related changes as it is an antioxidant. It also helps in improving the skin texture erasing blemishes and dark spots. Due to its numerous advantages its gel is an important ingredient in manufacture of various cosmetic creams, soaps, skin creams & fairness creams etc.
Use of aloe vera gel on burnt wounds not only reduces pain but also helps in early recovery & healing of the wound.
Drinking aloe vera juice mixed with turmeric powder is effective in reducing fever. It also helps in correcting tight motions.
Commercial Production:
Due to its innumerable uses it is being commercially grown in several sates in India like Rajasthan, UP, Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Andhra Pradesh etc. It is also being used in making of different types of shampoos, moisturisers, antiseptic creams & health drinks etc.

However it is advised that infants and pregnant women should refrain from its use.

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