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Kumari कुमारी
Aloe vera · Asphodelaceae
Also known as: Aloe Vera, Ghritkumari, Aloe barbadensis, Elua
Part used: Leaf
Kumari (Aloe vera) is the aloe, whose leaf gel is used across Ayurveda for burns, skin complaints, liver function and women's health. Two very different products come from one leaf: the clear inner gel is soothing and safe, while the bitter yellow latex just under the skin is a strong purgative.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Aloe vera
- Part used: Leaf
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Fresh gel/juice 10–20 ml; Kumariasava is a common preparation.
Kumari in other languages
Introduction
Kumari (Aloe vera), or Ghritkumari, is a cooling, soothing succulent used for the liver, skin, digestion and women's health. Its gel and juice are gently laxative and deeply cooling.
Classification
Of the Asphodelaceae family, Kumari is grouped among the Bhedana (mild laxative), Rasayana and women's-tonic dravyas. Its bitter-sweet taste, unctuous-slimy qualities and cooling potency soothe Pitta and nourish.
Uses & benefits
Aloe is used for the liver, the bowel and the uterus. The fresh gel is a mild laxative and liver drug; the processed juice is a classical Artavajanana drug, given in delayed or scanty menstruation. Externally the gel is applied to burns and inflamed skin.
Kumari gel for burns
The best-known use worldwide. The fresh gel applied to minor burns and sunburn cools and supports healing.
Kumari for the liver
Taken internally in Kamala and sluggish liver function, one of the principal classical indications.
Kumari for menstrual disorders
The Sanskrit name means 'young girl', reflecting its classical use in women's reproductive health and delayed periods.
Kumari for constipation
The bitter latex is a strong purgative — quite distinct from the gel, and used carefully.
Kumari for skin complaints
Applied in eczema, acne and dry irritated skin, and taken internally in chronic Kushta.
Kumari for hyperacidity
The gel taken internally soothes gastritis and a burning stomach.
Kumari for hair
The gel applied to the scalp for dryness, dandruff and irritation.
Kumari for wounds
Applied to cuts and grazes as a cooling, moist dressing.
Kumari for eye complaints
The gel applied to closed lids for tired, inflamed eyes.
Kumari in Kumariasava
The lead drug of the classical fermented preparation for liver complaints and menstrual disorders.
Dosage — how much to take
Fresh gel/juice 10–20 ml; Kumariasava is a common preparation. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Kumari?
The citations held for Kumari in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kumari?
Described as Bhedana and Rasayana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Kumari traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Aloe is used for the liver, the bowel and the uterus. The fresh gel is a mild laxative and liver drug; the processed juice is a classical Artavajanana drug, given in delayed or scanty menstruation. Externally the gel is applied to burns and inflamed skin.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kumari?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Kumari classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kumari carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kumari is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf.
How much Kumari is taken, and how?
Fresh gel/juice 10–20 ml; Kumariasava is a common preparation. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kumari be avoided?
The bitter latex is a strong purgative — the inner gel/juice is milder. Avoid in pregnancy and menstruation without guidance.
Where does Kumari grow?
Aloe vera is a hardy succulent grown across the dry regions of India and worldwide in warm climates.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Bhedana and Rasayana. - Classical Stri Roga texts — Kumariasava
Base of the classical liver-and-women's tonic.
Modern research
-
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
(see source). (2019)
A systematic review of clinical trials finding Aloe vera supports the prevention and healing of skin wounds.
View study -
Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
(see source). Nutrients (2016)
A meta-analysis of RCTs finding Aloe vera (Kumari) supplementation improved fasting glucose and HbA1c in prediabetes and early diabetes.
View study doi:10.3390/nu8070388
Safety & precautions
The bitter latex is a strong purgative — the inner gel/juice is milder. Avoid in pregnancy and menstruation without guidance.
Where it grows
Aloe vera is a hardy succulent grown across the dry regions of India and worldwide in warm climates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between aloe gel and aloe latex?
The clear inner gel is soothing, safe and used for burns and skin. The bitter yellow latex just beneath the leaf skin contains anthraquinones and is a strong purgative. They come from the same leaf but are entirely different in effect — most safety concerns relate to the latex.
Can I eat aloe vera gel?
The properly prepared inner gel is taken internally in Ayurveda for liver complaints and hyperacidity. Prepare it carefully so no yellow latex is included, since that causes cramping and diarrhoea. Commercial food-grade aloe has the latex removed.
What is the dose of Kumari?
Fresh gel 10–20 ml per day. As Kumariasava, 15–30 ml with an equal quantity of water after meals. The latex, where used as a purgative, is dosed in milligrams under direction.
Is aloe vera safe in pregnancy?
Not internally. Aloe latex stimulates the uterus and is contraindicated in pregnancy, and internal use of any aloe preparation should be avoided. External application of the gel to skin is generally considered fine.
Does aloe vera help with acidity?
The inner gel is traditionally used for a burning stomach and gastritis, and is cooling and demulcent. Persistent acidity needs proper assessment — it can indicate ulcer or reflux disease that needs treatment.
What is Kumari called in Hindi?
Ghritkumari or Gwarpatha. The Sanskrit Kumari means young girl, a reference to its classical use in women's reproductive health rather than to the plant's appearance.
Are there side effects of aloe?
The gel is very well tolerated. The latex causes cramping, diarrhoea and electrolyte loss, and prolonged use damages bowel function — it should not be used as a routine laxative. Take advice if you are diabetic or on diuretics.
