Aloe Vera

(Common Indian Aloe)
Sanskrit: कुमारी • Botanical: Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)

Kumari / Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants. The text provides extensive coverage of this herb. The fleshy leaves contain a gel (Kumari svarasa) and a yellow latex (dried to form Aloe/Musabbar). It is described as bitter, sweet, heavy, unctuous, slimy, and cold in potency. It is a versatile herb acting as a purgative, nourishing agent, aphrodisiac, eye tonic, and rejuvenative. The text mentions four varieties: (1) Curacao/Barbados aloes from A. vera var. officinalis, (2) Socotrine aloes, (3) Zanzibar aloes, and (4) Cape aloes from A. ferox. The dried extract (Musabbar) contains 20%+ Aloin. Various skin conditions, liver disorders, eye diseases, constipation, fever, and blood disorders are treated with it. The gel is cooling and soothing externally. Dose: fresh juice 10-20 ml; dried Aloe powder 1-2 ratti. Verse refs: pages 419-421.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha), Slimy (Picchila)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Aloin (20% or more in dried extract), Barbaloin (major component, also called Isobarbaloin), B-barbaloin (in Cape/Mexican aloes), Aloe-emodin (anthraquinone derivative), Glycosides
Also Known As
English: Common Indian Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Musabbar
Sanskrit: कुमारी, घृतकुमारी, कन्या, गृहकन्या
Hindi: घीकुमारी, ग्वारपाठा, घृतकुमारी

What is Aloe Vera (Kumari / कुमारी)?

Kumari / Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants. The text provides extensive coverage of this herb. The fleshy leaves contain a gel (Kumari svarasa) and a yellow latex (dried to form Aloe/Musabbar). It is described as bitter, sweet, heavy, unctuous, slimy, and cold in potency. It is a versatile herb acting as a purgative, nourishing agent, aphrodisiac, eye tonic, and rejuvenative. The text mentions four varieties: (1) Curacao/Barbados aloes from A. vera var. officinalis, (2) Socotrine aloes, (3) Zanzibar aloes, and (4) Cape aloes from A. ferox. The dried extract (Musabbar) contains 20%+ Aloin. Various skin conditions, liver disorders, eye diseases, constipation, fever, and blood disorders are treated with it. The gel is cooling and soothing externally. Dose: fresh juice 10-20 ml; dried Aloe powder 1-2 ratti. Verse refs: pages 419-421.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Virechana (purgative)
  • Brimhana (nourishing)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
  • Raktapittahara (treats bleeding disorders)
  • Kushthaghna (treats skin diseases)
  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
  • Jvaraghna (reduces fever)
  • Rasayana (rejuvenative)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Aloe Vera by Condition

Explore how Aloe Vera is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

⟶
Aloe Vera for Male Sexual Health
⟶
Aloe Vera for Menstrual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.