Kala Gond / Gond Siyah / Elwaa Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Kala Gond which is popularly known as Gond Siyah / Mussabar / Elwaa is the dried latex form of the dense semi solid juice obtained from Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) plant. It is obtained by cooking the the juice extract of aloe vera leaves till it becomes completely dry and dark brownish to black in colour. It is dried in the sun till it turns completely black. The most popular names of Kala Gond are Mussabar, Elwaa, Kanyasara, Eleyaka & Indian Aloe.

Commercially sold Kala Gond consists of other impurities which are used during the  preparation method which makes its concentration lower. In the market you can find it in 50%, 75% and 100% pure concentrations. It is very expensive and can cost upto Rs 2000 per kilogram depending on its purity.

It is a very potent medicine in both Ayurveda as well as Unani Medicine System. In Ayurveda, we find its use in medicines like Cukkumtippalyadi Gutika, Rajah Pravartini Vati.

Uses & Benefits Of Kala Gond

Elwaa is a highly potent medicine and is fairly expensive when compared to aloe vera gel or juice that you can find in this market. This is because, in the preparation process, only 5-6gm of Kala Gond can be prepared from 1kg of aloe vera juice (the contents of aloe leaf).

Relieves Constipation

Aelwah or Kala Gond is a very strong laxative hence is used in Unani medicine quite frequently to cure short term constipation. Anthraquinones present in aloe plant creates slight irritation to digestive system which results in its laxative nature.

Anti Inflammatory

Elwaa is amazing for inflammation of any kind. The compounds known as anthraquinones (the most prominent being aloin A and aloin B), present in the plant sap make it an effective medicine for pain and inflammation.

It also contains the compound prostaglandins which is also responsible for reducing inflammation and is also found in anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. It is considered specifically beneficial for inflammation during arthritis and rheumatism. Other anti inflammatory compounds found in Aloe plant are bradykinase and salicylic acid.

Improves Digestion & Treats Intestinal Worms

It is a very powerful antimicrobial medicine and clears stomach worms and parasites. It also works great for indigestion. It is highly beneficial in problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The highly bitter properties of Kala Gond stimulate digestion but should be used in extremely low doses. It improves the beneficial intestinal flora and improves digestion.

Women Health

Mussabar is an emenagogue which means any substance that increases the blood flow during menstruation. It is beneficial in amenorrhea.

After delivery, using Elwaa with water over stretch marks reduces them dramatically.

Skin Problems & Wounds

Kala Gond is quite beneficial when it comes to skin diseases especially ones where there is a lot of itching. Magnesium lactate and alprogen compound found in Aloe plant are natural anti-allergics and they help in warding off itching. It is also extremely useful for application on light burns, acne, wrinkles and sunburns.

Regulates Cholesterol And Blood Sugar

This medicine is also used for reducing blood sugar for diabetic patients. It is also used for controlling cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and nonesterified fatty acid levels which, when elevated accelerate the accumulation of fatty material in large and medium sized arteries, including the coronary arteries of the heart. It controls the lipid profile as well as blood sugar levels on regular use.

Nutritional Composition

Elwaa / Kala Gond is rich in following minerals

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Copper
• Chloride
• Sulfur
• Vitamin B12
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Folic Acid
• Pyridoxine
• Vitamin
• Beta-Carotene

Dosage Information

Aelwah should not be used more than 1-3 gm at a time as even this little quantity has the potency of about 20gm of aloe vera gel. It should always be taken with doctor’s consultation as it is a very drying and sharp medicine. Self medication is strictly not advisable.

Precautions & Side Effects

• Stimulates uterine contracts so should not be used by pregnant ladies.
• May be purgative for child if used by breastfeeding mother. It should be avoided while breastfeeding.
• Should not be consumed alone as it is a strong medicine and can cause someone to feel giddy. It should always be taken with something like milk or other preparations.
• Should not be consumed by children and old people specially if you are on blood pressure medication.
• People suffering from intestinal obstruction and acutely inflamed intestinal diseases, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis should avoid kala gond completely.
• Avoid if you are suffering from kidney issues, piles or are on a period.

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