Aloes - Benefits of natural Healing Herb
There are different varieties but mainly the sweet and bitter are used. The variety which grows in the forests without the aid of any water is known as bitter, while in fields and gardens with abundant water supply, the sweet variety is cultivated.
It has leaves with thorny projections on both sides and a thick skin which is removed, and the pulp is taken for medicinal purposes.
This is an excellent remedy for children as far as liver complaints are concerned. It is a very fine stomach tonic in small doses, but in large doses it produces a laxative effects and sometimes vomiting also.
The pulp is excellent for application on burns. It has a cooling, soothing and healing effect. There is a rural practice to keep this hanging in the homes with the idea that it decreases the mosquito nuisance and is also easily available in an emergency.
A well – known home remedy is made as follows:
Take Kumari leaf, remove the thorns and cover and extract the pulp. Add a little turmeric powder and a little salt. It has a very good effect when there is any burning or feverish sensation, enlarged spleen, burning sensation in urine or dyspepsia and constipation.
The dose of Kumari is ½ to 1 oz. It increases red blood cells and hemoglobin. To be effective it should be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning and must be continued for many days. The above dose is a general one and it can be reduced or increased according to one's constitution.
The extract is known as aloes and is used with Abhrak Bhasma and Loha Bhasma in diseases of women. It promotes regularity of menses. There are several preparations in3ayurveda for this purpose and it has been found that it regulates menstruation, bringing it on in sufficient quantity. However, it should be taken with care if conception is suspected.
The most well – known remedy prepared out of this is Kumari Asava. This is a liquid preparation given about ½ oz. in dose with an equal quantity of water after the principal meals. It slowly and gradually increases blood, improves the appetite, removes debility after jaundice, improves the complexion, removes constipation. Dyspepsia and brings a clear motion.
It is highly effective in the enlargement of the spleen and liver. However, this splendid effect is seen only in the preliminary stages, in very chronic cases a similar effect may not be possible.
