Kumari: The multi-potent herb

     

       

     Kumari, commonly known as Aloe vera is one of the most widely used herb in Ayurveda. The plant can survive with little quantity of water and it has cooling effect, hence the name ‘Kumari' is given. The plant posses excellent rejuvenation qualities and hence used in many Rasayana oushadhis (Rejuvenation medicines). Dr. Varun Ram Raj of Ayurvedatarian uses the herb Kumari for the treatment of digestive system ailments and trauma as it is an excellent herb in pacifying all the three doshas.  This herb contains many Phyto-constituents like Anthraquinone glycosides, aloetic acid etc. which are Hepato-protective in nature. According to Ayurvedic acharyas , Kumari have excellent Kushtaghna (Alleviate skin disorders) and Krimghna (Antimicrobial )activity and hence used in treatments of skin ailments.

General aspects and geography

Botanical name : Aloe vera  

Family :  Liliaceae 

Habitat: Cultivated through out India

Parts used

• Leaves

Pharmacological action

• Laxative 
• coolant
• Febrifuge 
• Aphrodisiac 
• Anti-inflammatory 

Medicinal property according to Ayurveda

• Balya (Increases strength )
• Vrishya ( Aphrodisiac )
• Visaghna (Antipoisonous )
• Kandughna (Beneficial for reducing itching)
• Kushtaghna (Used for treating skin disorders )
• Jwaraghna (Reduces fever )

Therapeutic indications

• Jaundice (Kamala) – The juice extraction (Swarasa) of Kumari leaves is used as Nasya(Nasal administration ) incase of Jaundice.
• Splenomegaly (Pleeha vidradi) – Juice of Kumari mixed with Turmeric and is taken internally to alleviate Splenomegaly.
• Wound healing (Vrana) – Paste prepared from Kumari and Cuminum cyminum(Jiraka) is applied on the affected part to heal quickly.
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Dosage

Powder (Churna) – 5 g

Juice (Swarasa)- 10 ml

Tablet - 2 tablets twice daily or as per the advice of the Ayurveda doctor 

Note: Ayurveda medications must be taken only after consulting an Ayurveda doctor. 

Formulations 

• Kumari vati
• Kumari taila 
• Rajahpravarthini vati
• Kumaryasava

Morphology :

  A perennial dwarf fleshy leaved plant with short and thick stems. The leaves have spiny toothed margins. Flowers are yellow or orange coloured.

Vernacular names of  Kumari

English – Indian aloe

Hindi- Ghikanvar

Malayalam – Kattarvazha

Sanskrit - Kumari

Synonyms of Kumari

• Kanya
• Gruhakanya
• Vipulasrava 

Rasapanchaka of Kumari

Rasa- Tikta (bitter) 

Guna-  Snigdha (Oily)

Vipaka- Katu (Acrid)

Virya-  Sita (Cold)

कुमारी भेदनी शीता तिक्ता नेत्र्यारसायनी  ।

मधुरा बृंहणी बल्या वृष्या वातविष प्रणुत् ।

गुल्मप्लीहयकृदवृद्धिकफज्वरहरी हरेत् ।।

ग्रन्थ्यग्निदग्धविस्फोटपित्तरक्तत्त्वगामयान् ।।

(Bhavaprakasa Nighantu -Guducyadi varga-shloka 229-230)

 Kumari alleviates all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) due to its properties like Snigdha guna(unctuous) Sita virya(Cold) and Katu vipaka(Acrid nature after digestion). The herb is used to treat numerous diseases including Abdominal tumor, Splenomegaly, Fever etc. Ayurvedatarian lead by Dr. Varun Ram Raj, is currently conducting various researches based on ancient Ayurvedic textbooks, involving Kumari for preparing various combinations of medicines following strict guidelines especially for the conditions of skin and digestive system.

Researches on Kumari

1. https://www.easyayurveda.com/2011/05/28/aloe-vera-benefits-aloe-vera-uses/

2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332012734_A_BRIEF_REVIEW_OF_MEDICINAL_PROPERTIES_OF_KUMARI_Aloe_vera_Tourn_FROM_KOSHA_AND_NIGHANTUS

Frequently asked Questions

1) Is Kumari good for getting facial glow and reduction of acne ?

   Yes, Kumari have antimicrobial action and is good for acne and increasing skin complexion. The pulp of the leaves is applied on face as per the guidelines of an Ayurveda doctor. 

2) What are the uses of kumaryasava?

 Kumaryasava is used in the treatment of  Kasa(Cough) and Swasa( Respiratory discomfort).

3) What is the scientific name of Kumari herb?

 Aloe vera is the scientific name of the herb Kumari.