For centuries, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, has praised Aloe vera for its healing properties. In Ayurveda, this herb is known as Kumari and Sita (cold) in energy. It is Tikta (bitter) in taste and Bhedan (laxative) in nature. The herb works in various wondrous ways for the skin and face. Explore the 10 ways of using this secret weapon of Ayurveda, and discover its top uses.
Significance of Aloe Vera in Ayurveda
Aloe Vera as a tridoshic herb helps to balance all the three doshas in which our health hinges such as the Vata, Pitta, and the Kapha. The herb works well for various skin needs and addresses various skin problems.
Top 10 Benefits of Aloe Vera:
- Soothes Sunburns: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Aloe Vera when applied to the affected area can heal burns and also prevent infection at the site of the burn. Due to its Ropan (healing) property and cold nature, it gives a cooling effect to the skin. Add the required amount of Aloe Vera gel to the affected area to reduce the burning sensation.
- Reduces Acne: The anti-microbial properties of Aloe Vera help to reduce the inflammation and redness caused by Acne. People with Kapha-Pitta Dosha-type skin are more prone to acne and an aggravation of the dosha and Pitta causes bumps, whiteheads, and blackheads.
- Hydration: Research suggests aloe vera may enhance skin permeability, leading to a faster absorption rate of its hydrating and nourishing properties than water. Aloe Vera due to its laxcity properties deeply hydrates the skin.
- Helps with Psoriasis: A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin cells. This makes the skin dry, and flaky. Due to its Snigdha (oily) property, it can reduce dryness and roughness
- Cell Rejuvenation: Aloe Vera has the Rasayana (rejuvenating) property which helps to recover the original skin texture and aids in healing minor cuts, wounds, and scars.
- Anti-aging Ally: With the Picchila (sticky) property present in Aloe Vera, it slows down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Hair and Scalp: Dandruff is caused by the aggravation of Vata and Pitta dosha and this causes dandruff, which gives rise to flaky dry skin on the scalp. Ayurveda advises incorporating Ayurveda to nourish and balance the dosha to help with these scalp disorders.
- Exfoliant: Aloe Vera when mixed with sugar granules and applied as a mask can help remove dead skin cells, leaving the face brighter and plump.
- Reduces Razor Bumps: The strawberry bumps caused by constant shaving can be soothed with the use of Aloe Vera.
- Reduce hyperpigmentation: Aloe Vera with its anti-inflammatory properties helps to reduce dark circles, blemishes, and scars and promotes a brighter and more even complexion.
Things to Remember:
Always do a patch test before applying Aloe Vera to your face to check if you have any allergic reactions to the herb. It is also advisable to avoid Aloe Vera during pregnancy as it could increase uterine contractions which may lead to miscarriage.
