Aloe Vera / Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis) Skin, Hair & Digestion – Ayurvedic & Therapeutic Benefits

Aloe Vera, known in Ayurveda as Ghritkumari, is a renowned Rasayana herb valued for its cooling, healing, and rejuvenating properties. It is extensively used for skin care, hair health, digestive balance, and women’s health.

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Ayurvedic Profile

·         Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)

·         Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous), Picchila (Slimy)

·         Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)

·         Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu

·         Dosha Action:

o    Pacifies: Pitta, Vata

o    May aggravate: Kapha (in excess)

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Key Active Components

·         Polysaccharides (Acemannan) – healing & immunity

·         Aloin & Anthraquinones – laxative action (latex)

·         Vitamins: A, C, E, B-complex

·         Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, zinc

·         Enzymes & amino acids

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Major Health Benefits

1. Skin Health

·         Heals acne, burns, wounds, rashes

·         Soothes inflammation & redness

·         Improves skin hydration and glow

·         Helpful in psoriasis, eczema (external use)

2. Hair & Scalp Care

·         Promotes hair growth

·         Reduces dandruff & scalp itching

·         Strengthens hair roots, prevents dryness

3. Digestive Health

·         Improves digestion & gut lining

·         Relieves constipation (mild use)

·         Useful in acid reflux & gastritis (gel, not latex)

4. Liver & Metabolism

·         Supports liver function

·         Helps detoxification

·         Useful in sluggish metabolism

5. Women’s Health

·         Regulates menstrual cycle

·         Reduces menstrual pain

·         Used in Aloe-based Ayurvedic formulations

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Uses in Ayurveda

·         Considered a Pitta-shamaka & Rasayana herb

·         Used in skin disorders (Kushtha), Pandu (anemia), Yakrit vikara (liver disorders)

·         Key ingredient in Kumariasava, Rajahpravartini Vati

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How to Use

Internal Use

·         Fresh Aloe Gel:
10–20 ml with water or honey (morning)

·         Aloe Juice (processed):
As per label or physician advice

External Use

·         Gel Application:
Directly on skin or scalp

·         Hair Pack:
Aloe gel + coconut oil / curd

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Dosage (General)

·         Fresh gel: 10–20 ml/day

·         Juice: 15–30 ml/day
(Avoid aloe latex unless prescribed)

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Side Effects & Precautions

⚠️ Excess or improper use may cause:

·         Abdominal cramps

·         Diarrhea

·         Electrolyte imbalance (latex)

🚫 Avoid or use cautiously in:

·         Pregnancy & lactation

·         Chronic diarrhea

·         Severe kidney disorders

·         During menstruation (internal use)

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Conclusion

Aloe Vera (Ghritkumari) is a versatile cooling, healing, and rejuvenating herb that supports skin, hair, digestion, and liver health. Correct form, dosage, and duration are essential to gain its benefits safely.