Herbs & foods10 min
Aloe vera (ghritkumari): growing it, extracting clean gel and using it wisely
An aloe plant on the balcony gives you fresh gel for sunburn, dry skin, minor burns and even a light hair gel. Knowing how to cut and drain a leaf properly makes all the difference, and drinking aloe needs more caution than applying it.
The Ayurvedic view
Ghritkumari or kumari, as Ayurveda calls aloe, is described as bitter, cooling and rejuvenating, especially for pitta — heat, burning and inflammation — and traditionally for women's reproductive health and the liver. The clear inner gel is soothing on the skin. The yellow latex just under the green skin, however, is a strong laxative and irritant, which is why draining it matters.
Ingredients
- One thick, mature outer leaf from an aloe barbadensis plant
- A clean knife, a glass and a clean container
How to prepare
- Cut the leaf close to the base and stand it upright in a glass for 10–15 minutes so the yellow latex drains out.
- Rinse, trim the spiny edges, and slice off the top skin. Scoop out the clear gel with a spoon.
- Blend briefly for a smooth gel, and store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to use
- Apply a thin layer to sunburn, dry patches or minor kitchen burns (after cooling under running water).
- Use as a light, natural hair gel or leave-in for frizz, or mix with coconut oil as a pre-wash mask.
- Pat on after shaving or waxing to calm the skin.
Helpful habits
- Aloe likes bright light, sandy soil and little water — overwatering kills it.
- Cut outer leaves first; the plant keeps growing from the centre.
Precautions
- Patch test first; some people are allergic to aloe.
- Avoid drinking aloe juice or latex during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children — it can cause cramps, diarrhoea and, in pregnancy, uterine contractions.
- Aloe taken by mouth may lower blood sugar and interfere with potassium; check with your doctor if you take diabetes medicines, diuretics or heart medicines.
- Large, deep, blistering or facial burns need medical care.
