NATURE-WISE: Aloe aloe

By Nassera H. Japanwalla

If we go by an Egyptian lore, then the gel from the leaves of aloe vera was the secret ingredient that Cleopatra used for her skin and not the much-touted milk. In fact, the Egyptians have used aloe vera for their embalming process since times immemorial.

It may look like a thorny cactus, but the aloe vera plant belongs to the onion/lily family.

Distinguished by its thick fleshy lance-shaped leaves, this green plant is suppose to have mystical properties, says an Indian legend, where is it known as Kumari.

The locals call it Ghekwar whereas its botanical name is Aloe barbadensis miller. People sometimes call it the fragrant desert lily.

If we go by an Egyptian lore, then the gel from the leaves of aloe vera was the secret ingredient that Cleopatra used for her skin and not the much-touted milk. In fact, the Egyptians have used aloe vera for their embalming process since times immemorial.

The clear juice of the plant is sold all over the world in health stores in the form of capsules and gels.

The gel has twenty amino acids which the body needs as supplement for its wear and tear and according to various sources, eight of these amino acids have to be ingested and are not produced by the body itself. The gel oozes from the leaf when it is cut and the mucilage rich cells emit the clear sap.

As a beauty aid, the gel has been incorporated in lotions and creams for its moisturising and soothing effect. When these aloe vera lotions are used on skin, the glowing freshness of the skin is a testimony of its beneficial value. As a topical treatment for burns and wounds, it is sold over-the-counter gel in most countries.

Another attribute to its healing properties is that it has effectively been used internationally for radiation burns.

But locally, the aloe vera industry is still in its infancy and not developed to the desired extent; it is mostly used in its raw form.

The natural state is, in fact, the most effective and provides faster relief since the polysaccarides are destroyed during processing when heat is applied and enzymes are added in order to stabilise it. In its natural form, a leaf of the plant is cut into palm size pieces and slit open ; the gel is then used to treat minor wounds, sunburns and fissures.

The gel also has amazing antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to aid the immune system, cure constipation and also has its positive effect on the texture of the skin.

The sapomins have antimicrobial effect on bacteria, virus and fungus.

The local vaids or practioners of Ayurvedic medicine use the yellow sap of the aloe as a cure for constipation, but since it is a powerful and strong laxative and should therefore only be taken on the advice of a qualified practitioner.

Not only that, the aloe vera gel can be used to ward off mosquitoes/insect bites by applying it on the skin. Likewise, it relieves sunburns and minor kitchen burns.

Use of the gel on the skin restores its elasticity to a great extent by its immense moisturising effect and rejuvenates the skin. When the flesh of the aloe is applied to the scalp, it deters hair loss and decreases dandruff.