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Aloe Vera

Kumari · Aloe barbadensis

Rasa (Taste) Bitter, Sweet, Astringent
Virya (Energy) Cooling
Vipaka Sweet
Part Used Leaf gel (inner fillet), leaf latex, whole leaf
Dosha Effect Balances all three doshas (tridoshahara), especially Pitta and Kapha
Family Asphodelaceae

Traditional Uses

The Charaka Samhita describes kumari as a potent remedy for yakrit (liver) disorders and pleeha (spleen) enlargement, and classifies it among bhedaniya (laxative) substances. Charaka recommends kumari swarasa (fresh juice) for kushta (skin diseases) and prameha (urinary disorders including diabetes). In the Sushruta Samhita, aloe is praised for its wound-healing properties (vranaropana), and Sushruta recommends its external application for burns, cuts, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Preparations

Kumari Swarasa (fresh juice): 10-20 ml of inner gel juice, often mixed with honey or spices. Kumaryasava: classical fermented preparation, 15-30 ml after meals. Aloe gel can be applied externally as a fresh poultice for skin conditions, burns, and wounds.

Dosage

Fresh gel juice: 10-30 ml once or twice daily on an empty stomach. Kumaryasava: 15-30 ml with equal water, after meals.

Dosha Guidance

For Pitta types, kumari is exceptionally beneficial. Its cooling virya and bitter rasa directly counteract Pitta's heat. Pitta individuals can use the gel internally for liver support, acid reflux, and inflammatory conditions, and externally for skin irritation, sunburn, and rashes.

Synergistic Combinations

In Kumaryasava, combined with Jaggery, Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa), <a href='/herbs/musta/'>Musta</a> (Cyperus rotundus), and various other herbs for female reproductive health. Pairs well with <a href='/herbs/shatavari/'>Shatavari</a> for comprehensive female reproductive support.

Contraindications

Aloe latex (the bitter yellow exudate) is a strong purgative and should not be used during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. It is contraindicated in intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis in active flare), appendicitis, and abdominal pain of unknown origin. Chronic internal use of aloe latex may cause electrolyte imbalance, particularly potassium depletion, and laxative dependency.

Tissues & Channels

Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Shukra (reproductive)

Srotas: Raktavaha (circulatory), Artavavaha (menstrual), Purishavaha (excretory), Mutravaha (urinary)

Where to Buy

For internal use, look for inner-fillet aloe vera gel or juice that specifies removal of the aloin-containing latex layer. Cold-processed, organic preparations retain more bioactive compounds.

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