
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy green leaves that contain a clear mucilaginous gel. It thrives in dry climates and is widely cultivated for cosmetic, medicinal, and nutritional purposes. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties make it popular in both traditional medicine and modern pharmaceuticals.
Aloe vera Scientific names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Monocots
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Genus: Aloe
- Species: Aloe barbadensis miller
Aloe vera Common Names
- English: Aloe Vera, Burn Plant, Miracle Plant
- Hindi: Gwarpatha
- Sanskrit: Kumari
- Gujarati: Kunvar Pathu
- Tamil: Katrazhai
- Malayalam: Kattaarvazha
- Telugu: Kalabanda
Daily Routine & Wellness Uses of Aloe Vera
1. Early-Morning Aloe Vera Juice (Internal Cleanse)
Drink 10–15 ml fresh aloe vera gel blended with lukewarm water.
Helps with:- Gentle detox
- Improving bowel movement
- Cooling acidity
- Supporting gut health
2. Aloe Vera Gel for Skin Glow (Daily Moisturiser)
Apply a thin layer of pure aloe gel on the face twice a day.
Benefits:- Soothes irritation
- Hydrates dry skin
- Reduces redness & inflammation
- Supports natural glow
This is one of the most popular simple home uses of aloe vera.
3. Aloe Vera Hair Mask (Weekly Ritual)
Mix aloe gel with a few drops of coconut oil → apply from roots to ends.
Helps with:Hair fall & dandruffDry scalpNatural hair softness & shine4. Post-Sun Cooling Gel
Apply aloe gel after sun exposure to reduce:
- Heat
- Redness
- Sunburn
- Skin irritation
Perfect for daily wellness aloe vera care in hot climates.
5. Aloe Vera for Digestion
Consume ½ tsp aloe vera pulp before meals.
Useful for:- Supporting digestion
- Reducing bloating
- Managing acidity
6. Aloe Steam for Face Purification
Add aloe gel in hot water → steam your face for 5 minutes.
Great for:- Deep pore cleansing
- Soothing acne-prone skin
Culinary & Internal Uses of Aloe Vera
Although not used heavily in everyday cooking, aloe vera is consumed in certain special preparations:
1. Aloe Vera Juice Blends
Common combinations:
- Aloe + Amla
- Aloe + Lemon
- Aloe + Honey
- Aloe + Mint (cooling drink)
These drinks support hydration, skin health, digestion & detox.
2. Aloe Vera Sharbat
A gentle summer drink made with aloe gel, sugar syrup, and lemon.
Popular for cooling and hydrating the body.
3. Aloe Vera Herbal Mix
Dried aloe resin (kumari) is used in Ayurvedic formulations for:
- Digestive support
- Liver health
- Immune strength
Topical & Skin Healing Uses
1. Natural Skin Healer
Aloe gel supports:
- Minor cuts
- Burns
- Rashes
- Itching
- Dryness
2. Acne Care
Apply overnight for:
- Reduced inflammation
- Gentle hydration
- Faster healing
3. Anti-Aging Support
Aloe vera improves:
- Skin elasticity
- Fine lines
- Collagen support
4. Pigmentation Lightening
Brightens skin when used daily with:
- Lemon
- Rose water
- Turmeric (very mild quantity)
Hair & Scalp Benefits
Aloe vera is naturally rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12 — perfect for scalp nourishment.
Daily/weekly use helps:- Reduce dandruff
- Strengthen hair roots
- Improve hair texture
- Reduce frizz
- Prevent breakage
Women’s Wellness Uses
Aloe vera is widely used in Ayurveda for:
- Hormonal balance
- Menstrual discomfort
- Reproductive health
- Cooling Pitta-related issues
Aloe vera Uses
- Skin Care and Wound Healing - Used traditionally for burns, cuts, and wounds due to its cooling and soothing effects, Accelerates healing of minor skin injuries and reduces inflammation.
- Digestive Health - Aloe vera juice supports gut health, reduces acidity, and relieves constipation, Acts as a natural detoxifier.
- Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant - Contains compounds that help reduce internal and external inflammation, Antioxidants support cellular health and immune system function.
- Scalp and Hair Care - Nourishes the scalp, reduces dandruff, and promotes hair growth.
- Immunity Booster - Boosts natural immunity by supporting liver function and improving digestion.
- Diabetes Management - May help in regulating blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
Phytochemical Constituents
Aloe vera gel and latex contain numerous active compounds:
- Polysaccharides: Acemannan (immunomodulatory and healing properties)
- Anthraquinones: Aloin, Emodin (laxative and antimicrobial effects)
- Saponins: Cleansing and antiseptic action
- Enzymes: Alkaline phosphatase, Amylase, Lipase
- Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12
- Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium
- Amino Acids: Essential and non-essential amino acids
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.
- Bhavprakash Nighantu, Chapter on Herbal Remedies.
- Eshun, K., & He, Q. (2004). "Aloe vera: A valuable ingredient for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries – A review." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 44(2), 91–96.
- Boudreau, M. D., & Beland, F. A. (2006). "An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis (Miller), Aloe vera." Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part C, 24(1), 103–154.
- Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). "Aloe vera: A short review." Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166.
- European Medicines Agency. Community herbal monograph on Aloe barbadensis Miller and Aloe (various species), EMA/HMPC/535138/2009.
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Ayurveda classical text describing Ghritkumari as cooling, digestive, and rejuvenating.
- Charaka Samhita – Sutrasthana & Chikitsa Sthana – Mentions Aloe as beneficial for digestion, skin, and women’s wellness.
- Sushruta Samhita – Describes Aloe Vera as Vranashodhana (cleansing) & Vranaropana (healing).
- Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (2019) – Review highlighting Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing potential.
- International Journal of Phytomedicine (2020) – Notes Aloe Vera’s digestive support and antioxidant activity.
- Phytotherapy Research (2019) – Study confirming Aloe polysaccharides for skin repair.
- Skin Research & Technology Journal (2018) – Aloe gel as a natural moisturizer supporting skin barrier function.
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2020) – Reviews antifungal and scalp-supportive benefits of Aloe Vera.
- Natural Product Science (2021) – Notes antibacterial & hydrating effects beneficial for hair and skin.
- Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) – Lists Kumari as a key ingredient in numerous internal Ayurvedic formulations.