KUMARI : Aloe Vera, Aloe barbadensis - Liliaceae
The Indian name Kumari meaning " young maiden " reveals its affinity for the female menstrual cycle and its rejuvenative powers for maintaining youthfulness.
Energetics :
- Rasa (taste) : Bitter, sweet
- Virya (action) : Cold
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) : Sweet
- Guna (quality) : Heavy, unctuous, slimy
Doshas :
- Gel and juice : VPK ?
- Dried gum powder (bola) : V+ PK-
Dhatus (tissues) : All tissues
Srotas (systems) : Digestive, excretory, circulatory, female reproductive
Action :
Emmenagogue, cholagogue, vulnerary, alterative, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, laxative, immune enhancing, anti-viral, anti-tumour, wound healing, purgative (powder), rejuvenative for the skin, intestines and female reproductive system, alleviates menstrual diseases, promotes menses, alleviates bleeding, enkindles the digestive fire for pitta, encourages the clearing of ama, destroys poisons, reduces inflammations of the spleen and liver, clears tumours and pustules
Indications :
GYNAECOLOGY :
The gel or juice are salutary when there is excess bleeding or clots. As Kumari clears
the liver it directly affects raktavahasrotas and the flow of pitta in the blood. This affects the
arthavasrotas, the menstrual channel, as it is responsible for regulating the uterus. It is a wonderful
tonic for the female reproductive system.
SKIN :
The gel contains polysaccharides that are specifically healing for the skin and mucus
membranes. It has an affinity for bhrajaka pitta and enhances the quality of the skin; used topically to treat psoriasis, ulcers, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and mouth ulcers. One of the best Ayurvedic herbs for healing burns, scars, wounds and stretch marks. Very beneficial internally for hot, inflamed pitta conditions; eczema, urticaria, ulcers, acne. It is specific herb to be used in jaundice and viral hepatitis.
GIT :
The gel of the inner portion of the leaf is a mild laxative as its bitter principle works via the liver to encourage the release of bile. This effect can help to regulate blood sugar in diabetics and lipid levels in hypertriglyceridemia.
As it is a cooling and demulcent herb that directly clears pitta and heals mucus membranes it is a specific for hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis and any bleeding from the intestines. Its ability to regulate bacteria levels in the intestines indicates use inCandida albicans and as a remedy for improving gastric and intestinal function. The dry and powdered extract of the leaf (cape aloes) is strongly purgative and benefits Pitta types. It should only be used short term.
EYES :
It destroys eye diseases.
Applied externally it is very soothing for eye inflammation and eyelid swelling.
It is a marvellous vehicle for carrying medicines to all the tissues, especially the plasma, blood and reproductive tissues.
It has an affinity for all the seven tissues and it regulates all three doshas.
This makes it the perfect vehicle to carry the prescription to the correct part of the body.
Contraindications :
- During pregnancy (powder).
- Powder in Vata constipation.
Dosage :
1 teaspoon after diner mixed with hot water
Bola : 100 ? 500 mg per day (short-term only),
Juice : 100 ? 200 ml per day
Gel : externally, as needed.
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