Aloe Vera: The herbal panacea

Herbs are an essential part of our ecological system and add beauty to the ‘Planet Earth’. Being gracious and subservient, towards environment, makes man’s journey of existence smooth, more rewarding, and devoid of infirmity. New age therapies are gaining ground. Herbs not only act as deterrents for ailments, but also give unexpected results as tonics, for the immune system. Almost everybody has seen the magic of the tiny mint leaf, which cures stomach pain within
minutes. Generally people prefer allopathic drugs to the herbal options just because they need results fast. And herbs do take time, before one can feel the results. But the cure through herbs is much better. ‘Slow and steady wins the race’—this holds true to the herbal medicines, as they take time to give results that also take time to fade. One of the best herbal products available is ‘Aloe Vera’—the dried juice collected by incision from the bases of Aloe leaves. The dried Aloe juice is chocolate brown in colour, opaque in nature, and bitter in taste.

Ayurveda calls it Ghrit Kumari. Ayurveda knows 200 species of Aloe Vera. Ayurvedic physicians describe it as a bitter, pungent, hepato-regulator that’s good for digestion. Its value lies in its ability to reconstruct damaged tissues. It is laxative, protective to infectious diseases, promotes flow of urine, and purifies the blood. Chemically, it consists of Aloin (glycosides), steroids, minerals, vitamins and many more compounds. Its prostaglandin inhibitor effect justifies the use as anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. Aloe Vera is used in a wide range of reputed cosmetic products.

Aloe Vera is also the finest face pack, lustrous cream for every type of skin and excellent medicinal herb for ‘acne’ problems.
Following tips may prove vital for a healthy skin:

1. Aloe Vera helps in healthy growth of outermost layer of the skin and acts as a moisturiser. So, add cucumber with Aloe juice or pulp for moisturising your skin. It works as anti-wrinkle cream, leaving behind a glowing skin. It improves elasticity of skin and removes dryness.

2. It maintains fairness and also act as a sunscreen lotion