Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)

[Guest guest]

One of the most common plants used for burns.. While there are

others, perhaps even better, I thought this is a good start.

Other comments?

Misty L. Trepke

www..com

 

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

 

Identification: A large succulent perennial plant with a strong

fibrous root and a large stem supporting a rosette of fleshy,

narrow, lanceolate leaves, green on both sides, bearing spiny teeth

on the margins, and growing 1 to 2 feet long. The yellow to purplish

drooping flowers grow in a long raceme at the top of the flower

stalk, growing up to 4-1/2 feet high. The fruit is a triangular

capsule containing numerous seeds.

 

Habitat: It is native to East and South Africa and cultivated in the

West Indies and other tropical areas throughout the world. Although

there are over 200 species of aloe there are probably only three or

four with medicinal properties. Of these, Aloe Vera barbadensis is

the most potent.

 

Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Other Names: Burn Plant, Medicine Plant, First Aid Plant, Lily Of The

Dessert

Flowers: Most of the year

Parts Used: Leaves

 

Cultivation: Keep in sandy soil that is well drained. Potted plants

need filtered sun or full shade.

 

History: The name was derived from Arabic meaning " bitter " because of

the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians

recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and

parasites. Egyptian Queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti both gave tribute

to aloe vera as one of their most important beauty secrets.

Alexander the Great carried the aloe vera plant into battle to treat

wounded soldiers. The plant dates back 6,000 years, and has been in

use for all that time. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used

the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub the

gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration and their scent.

 

Constituents: Hydroxyanthracene derivatives of the anthrone type

(principally barbaloin); 7-hydroxyaloin isomers, aloe-emodin,

chrysophanol and their glycosides; chromone derivatives (aloesin and

its derivatives aloeresins A and C, and the aglycone aloesone. Gel:

glucomannan (a polysaccharide), steroids, organic acids, enzymes,

antibiotic principles, amino acids, saponins, minerals.

 

Medicinal Properties:

 

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, antiseptic, emmenagogue

(uterine stimulant), emollient, purgative, vulnerary.

 

Main Uses: It is very wise to keep this plant in the kitchen. When

the leaf is broken, its gel is placed on burns to relieve pain and

prevent blisters. Aloe may reduce inflammation, decrease swelling

and redness, and accelerate wound healing. Aloe can aid in keeping

the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and

eczema. It can relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies. It

is also good for sunburn and skin irritation. Aloe's healing power

comes from increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and by

increasing the synthesis and strength of tissue.

 

Aloe Vera contains many ingredients, including vitamins, minerals;

seven of the eight essential amino acids, sugars - including the

important muco-poly saccharides which act on the immune system as

well as helping to detoxify the body -and essential fatty acids.

 

Aloe Vera also contains Lignin which gives it its penetrative

ability to reach deep into the skin; saponins which exert a powerful

anti microbial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts

such as candida and anthraquinones, including aloin and emodin,

which are strong painkillers and antibacterial, they are also

powerful laxatives.

 

Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are

helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally

alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over acidity - a common cause

of indigestion. It helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a

soothing, balancing effect.

 

Take in conjunction with antispasmodics or carminatives (anti-gas)

such as Calamus or Angelica to counteract griping.

 

Caution: Over dosage can cause gastritis, diarrhea and nephritis. As

aloe stimulates uterine contractions, it should be avoided during

pregnancy. Also, because it is excreted in breast milk, it should be

avoided during lactation as it may be purgative to the child. Aloes

should be taken for a maximum of 8-10 days.

 

Preparations:

 

Salve: Remove the thin outer skin and process the leaves in a

blender, add 500 units of vitamin C powder to each cup and store in

refrigerator.

 

Tincture: [1:10, 50% alcohol] 15 to 60 drops.

 

Dried Juice: Aloe vera juice containing the equivalent of 360 - 900

mg of dried sap is recommended by most herbalists per day.

 

For Burns, Scalds, and Insect Bites: Break off a piece of the leaf

and apply the juice directly to skin.