Aloe Vera {Aloe Barbadensis}
Aloe Vera or Kumari is good for Pitta and Vata
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances Pitta and Vata
- Taste – Sweet
- Energetics – Cooling
- Main Action: Bitter tonic, rejuvenative
- Other Uses: Applied locally for common inflammatory skin conditions to reduce heat and moisturizes the skin.. It has a laxative effect by stimulating the intestines and is used for anemia, gynecological conditions, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal colic and the fresh juice may be beneficial when applied to the eyes.
Modern Research
Studies support the use of aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns and topical application of aloe vera may also be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. Aloe vera has been studied for its antibacterial and antifungal activities, which could help treat minor skin infections, such as boils and benign skin cysts and may inhibit growth of fungi causing tinea. Research has been done on its effect in protecting again UV radiation damage showing the it has prevented the systemic suppression of T-cell-mediated immune responses and the production of keratinocyte-derived Interleukin 10 by UV-irradiated epidermal cells. Compounds extracted from aloe vera have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers. Preliminary evidence shows that it may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. It has also been linked with lower blood lipids in hyperlipidaemic patients, but also with acute hepatitis (liver disease).