HERBS: Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) (REMEDIES, RECIPES, GARDEN, BATH)

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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.

 

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