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| Aloe Vera: A Miraculous Medicinal Plant | | |
Dr. Banarsi Lal and Dr. Pawan Sharma
Aloe vera is one of the oldest medicinal plants gifted by nature. This plant has remarkable benefits. It is mostly grown in the USA, Mexico, India, South America, Central America, China, Australia and Africa. In India the plant is grown in certain selected pockets of the country. There are around 400 species of Aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera or “true aloe”) plant which has been of most use to mankind because of its medicinal properties. The major markets for Aloe Vera and its extracts are Australia, the US and the entire Europe. International Aloe Science Council (IASC) is the certifying body of the aloe industry. Many aloe products are available in the markets such as gel, herbal, shampoo, medicinal, cosmetics, laxative, juice, wound healing, cactus, hair care etc. Aloe Vera can be cultivated on any soil but sandy loamy soil is considered as the best one for its cultivation. It is grown wild in hedgerows in dry soil conditions and in almost all parts of India. It can be grown even under regular drought conditions. Entrepreneurship can be developed by growing this very crop. It has been observed that commercial cultivation of Aloe vera is growing at an interesting rate. Aloe Vera is very much found in tropical and sub tropical regions. Aloe vera uses have been spread internationally and throughout the globe people are using Aloe vera in different ways. India is among the few countries gifted with the unique geographical features essential for cultivation of Aloe Vera. India has not fully realized and reaped the full benefits of this wonderful plant. Lack of expertise and awareness may be the reasons for this. Due to lack of knowledge on the scientific cultivation and value addition, we have not been able to fully exploit the potential of the miraculous medicinal plant. In J&K there is immense potential in the Aloe Vera farming and there is urgent need to promote this crop in the state.
Medicinal Benefits of Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is known for its excellent medicinal qualities and has been continuously in use for the benefit of mankind. There are numerous medicinal uses of Aloe Vera which have been described in various books. There are more than 200 types of Aloe Vera in the world, of these only 4 or 5 are mostly used in medicines. The most widely used variety of Aloe Vera is Barbadensis Millar. It is perennial, succulent plant with stiff fleshy leaves. Aloe Vera is a clear thin gelatinous material that comes from inside its leaves. Aloe Vera products are available in various forms like capsules, gel, juice and those that are applied directly to the skin to cure many problems. It has cooling effect and bitter in taste, it contains aloin that is responsible for its purgative action thus known to relieve constipation. It regulates the peristaltic movements of intestines & promotes digestion. The liver & spleen functions are stimulated by the use of this herb. Blood circulation can also be improved by the use of Aloe Vera’s. Aloe Vera being a natural healer, any internal ulcers or lesions can be soothed and healing can be enhanced. Aloe Vera leaves has some ingredients like Vitamin, Minerals, Amino acid, Polysaccharides, Enzymes, Plant steroids, Saponins, Lignin, Anthraquinones ,Salicylic acid which are necessary for human bodies. Aloe Vera uses include cosmetic benefits and uses in beauty restoring things. Presently much research is being done on to see the cosmetic benefits of the Aloe Vera plants and how it can be used to make cosmetic products suiting for the skin to give us a glowing and healthy effect. Aloe Vera appears to be liquid and gel. It can be bought as a fluid.
Aloe Vera fluid can be taken by itself or it can be combined with water. One of the main uses of Aloe Vera is that it acts as a very good moisturiser. This is important because wounds need plenty of moisture if they are to heal up properly. In order to get most benefit from Aloe Vera one can either apply an Aloe Vera cream or gel directly onto the affected area of the skin, or one can take an Aloe Vera juice or a pill such as Aloeride which can help heal to the wound from within the body. Either way it can help to moisturise the wound. Another great quality of Aloe Vera is that it is very good at reducing inflammation. Thus by using Aloe Vera we can quickly reduce the inflammation around the cut or wound and ease the pain, as well as helps to speed up the healing process. Aloe Vera also contains around 75 essential nutrients and is said to increase the flow of blood to the skin and increase cell proliferation. It also helps to cleanse the affected wound of any germs. If there are skin wounds, then Aloe Vera can be consumed in liquid or capsule form to boost the immune system and helps to prevent us from getting any wounds in the future. Although Aloe Vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that its gel may help people with diabetes. A Japanese study evaluated the effect of Aloe Vera gel on blood sugar.
Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Aloe Vera is used for enhancing skin growth. A two-year research by M S University botanists has concluded that Aloe Vera can also be used as a biofuel. Aloe Vera seeds can also be used in making biodiesel, soaps and edible oils. Aloe Vera works as anti-septic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It cures Eczema, Diabetes and Arthritis and prevents various infections. It improves human immune system and digestive system. Acid inside Aloe Vera is used as effective pain killers. Antiseptic made from Aloe Vera is used to kill mold, bacteria, fungus and viruses. Drug from juice is tonic and can be used for jaundice, atonic, piles and many other diseases. It is useful for medical treatments, health digestion, X-ray burns, and disorders of skin. Aloe Vera uses helps to cure skin blemishes. Acne can be treated by Aloe Vera gel in an effective way. Aloe Vera also helps in stopping baldness. Important Aloe Vera uses include relief from cuts, bruises and burns. Uses of Aloe Vera included expelling our worms. Aloe Vera screens out radiation. The Aloe Vera plant is used extensively in making various beauty products. Aloe Vera protects from lung cancer. Aloe Vera eases intestinal problems. Aloe Vera minimises frostbite damage and acts as purgative for lazy and weak people. Aloe Vera can be used in cough treatment. Also food enthusiasts find the Aloe Vera extract necessary in preservation of goods.
Aloe Vera plant can be regarded as the one of nature’s great miracles because of its different health benefits associated with the plant and its extract especially in curing skin problems. Research is going on to cure acute and serious diseases like cancer, AIDS and tuberculosis using Aloe Vera. There will be a great achievement if Aloe Vera is successful in curing these deadly ailments. Meanwhile, people should always seek the advice of the experts before using it. |
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