#Aloe Vera,घृतकुमारी

Botanical Classification :

Botanical name : Aloe vera

Family :   Liliaceae

Genus:   Aloe

Species: A. vera

Location : Aloe Vera is cultivated throughout India. 

Other Name:

Cape aloe, Aloe curacao, Barbadoes aloe, Venezuela aloe,   Indian capalces, Ghritkumari , Ghirita,Lu hui, Star Cactus are the other names used for the Aloe Vera. It is also called miracle plant, Burn plant, medicine plant and first-aid-plant. 

Other species of Aloe Vera : 
There are more than 200 species of Aloe Vera. Aloe Barbadensis Miller, Aloe Saponaria, Aloe Chinensis, Aloe Variegata, Aloe Forex, Aloe Lalifolia and Curacao Aloe are some of the known species of Aloe Vera.

Parts Used: Leaves,Freash juice,pulp,root. 
Introduction of Plant:

 Aloe Vera is a stem-less or very short-stemmed plant, growing approximately 80-100 cm. It has a fibrous root system. It does not have stems. It has thick freshly leaves with sharp points, which are up to 18 inches long and 2 inches wide at the base. Its leaves are even long and triangular in shape. The tissue in the center of the Aloe leaf contains a gel which yields the aloe gel. Its leaves are rich in water that is why it can survive for years. These leaves have spiky margins and are blotched creams. It is the member of the Lilly family. The roots of the pant are thick and fibrous. The fruit is the triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.

Leaf:Leaf structure is made up of four layers:

Rind - the outer protective layer;

Sap - a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from animals;

Mucilage Gel - the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera (inner gel) contains the 8 essential Amino Acids that the human body needs but cannot manufacture.

Flower:
The flowers of aloe vera are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2 to 3 cm long.

Seeds pod:

Uses:
Aloe vera has been used for centuries and it is more popular today than ever. It is cultivated around the world as a crop for its colourless jelly-like leaf parenchyma known as 'aloe gel'. It is used for a variety of purposes in food, food supplements, herbal remedies and cosmetics.Aloe vera leaf parenchyma (aloe gel) may be effective when used on the skin against psoriasis, burns, frostbite, and sores caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Research has shown that, taken orally, aloe gel can help to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol, and can help to lower blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes.The green outer layer of the leaves of Aloe vera yields a bitter, yellow exudate which has very different properties from those of the colourless parenchyma. The bitter leaf exudate has traditionally been used as a laxative. However, research has indicated that the active constituents may have harmful effects and can interact with other medicines and herbal remedies. It should not be given to children or to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Uses & Benefits of Aloe Vera:

• Aloe Vera is useful for treating X ray burns, dermatitis, cutaneous and disorders of skin.
• The drug from its juice is tonic and used in jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles.
• Aloe Vera gel has the remarkable ability to heal wounds, ulcer and burns.
• The acid present inside Aloe Vera is used as an effective pain killer.
• It is used to make antiseptic, which can kill mold, bacteria, funguses and viruses.
• Aloe Vera is known to be highly beneficial for skin. It prevents the growth of acnes and is used as a beauty product to enhance skin growth.
• Both oral intake and tropical dressings of Aloe Vera encourage healing of any kind of wound on the skin, burn or scald. It also speeds up the convalescing period after recovery.
• Aloe Vera can be tried on blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete’s foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin.
• Topical used of this plant includes sunburn, frostbite, shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema. 
• According to some studies, oral consumption of Aloe Vera works effectively to soothe conditions like heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma.
• Studies have also suggested that it is has a very positive effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics.   

Caution:

• Use of Aloe Vera over a long period of time can result in loss of potassium, hematuria, albuminuria and fluid imbalance in the body.
• Oral intake of Aloe Vera supplements might result in abdominal cramps and diarrhea in some cases.
• Aloe Vera should not be consumed during pregnancy, menstruation, breast-feeding, and also in case of an inflamed intestinal disorder.
  
  
  

Cultivation methods : 
Aloe Vera plant is propagated through the seed. It prefers a well drained sandy soil in sunny location. Aloe Vera needs the temperature of above 40 degrees. They should be potted in the spring season and watered carefully until established. It grows in the arid climate. They should be watered regularly in the summers. But over watering can kill the plant. It also grows in partial shade. It reaches the maturity inn four years when the leaves are harvested. 

Medicinal uses :
 Aloe Vera is the herbal plant, used to heal the burn marks. Aloe Vera cures the skin diseases. It can also be used to remove dandruff from the hair. Aloe Vera is taken internally for the stomach disorders. The leaves of Aloe Vera is used for the treatment of facial edema or swelling. Its fluid is beneficial in reducing the inflammation and pain. Aloe Vera is used in cosmetics and even in the food industry. Curacao aloe acts as laxative, which is used against constipation. The fresh juice of its leaf blades can be applied directly to the ulcers, burns, sunburns, and fungal infection. Organic Aloe Vera juice reduces acidity. It prevents from fungus, influenza virus, measles, and high fever.

Other uses :
 Aloe Vera is a very popular potted plant. It is grown in houses for the decoration. The leaf sap is used to make a soothing and healing moisturizing cream, which is good for the dry skin. It is used in the making of anti wrinkle cream. It is even used in the preparation of shampoos.

Cultural Importance :
Aloe Vera has been mentioned several times in the sacred scriptures. It is believed to have been used for the preservation of the body of the Jesus Christ. It is called as the plant of immorality. It is also mentioned in the holy book of Bible. It has been used by the tribal people as a medicine for the century.