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Aloe Vera
Latin Names -Aloe Vera, Aloe Barbadensis
Common Names - Aloe Vera, Aloe, Burn Plant, Lily of the Desert, Elephant’s Gall, Cape Aloe, Curacao Aloe
Properties: Analgesic* Emollient* Anti-inflammatory* Antiseptic* Antifungal* AntiViral*
Parts Used: Juice of the Inner Leaf
Constituents: Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Enzymes, Hormones, Ligin, Minerals
What It Is Used For - Acne, AIDS, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Common cold, Constipation, Depression, Diabetes, Glaucoma, Seizures, Skin conditions (abrasions, cuts, irritation, burns, sunburn and wounds)., Varicose veins
How It Is Used
What the Science Says
A recent study found that aloe can alter the body's DNA. This finding may lead to research investigating aloe's possible role in treating cancer.
Warning
Don't use external aloe preparations if you're allergic to aloe
or plants in the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, and tulips).
Don't take aloe internally if you're pregnant, breast-feeding, or
menstruating.
Don't give aloe to children.
Avoid aloe if you have kidney disease or heart disease.
Don't use aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice internally. You may
experience severe stomach discomfort and serious problems from body
salt imbalances.
Be aware that four people have died after receiving aloe vera
injections for cancer Injecting aloe vera isn't recommended.
What the research shows
Studies show that topical aloe gel application eases acute
inflammation and itching, promotes wound healing, and reduces pain.
Fresh aloe may have value in treating burns and minor tissue injury,
although studies aren't well documented. The Food and Drug
Administration considers topical aloe to be generally safe, although
it doesn't recommend aloe for any specific condition.
No studies support internal consumption of aloe juice. Aloe
laxatives that contain anthraquinone have dramatic effects, and most
experts recommend less toxic laxatives.
Benifits
Most research agrees that Aloe Vera is particularly effective in the treatment of burns, cuts, grazes, bruises, allergic reactions and dermatological conditions. This is due in part to the fact that the Aloe Vera gel acts as a natural anti-histamine and contains an aspirin like compound called Salicylic Acid.
Aloe Vera also speeds up the healing process (some studies show
healing is increased to eight times the normal rate), which is
attributed to the fact that Aloe Vera gel provides 20 of the 22
amino acids required by humans, including 7 of the 8 essential ones
which are not produced by the body itself.
Aloe Vera gel contains Vitamins A,C,E (antioxidants), B12, Choline and Folic Acid, all in a completely natural form, plus 9 minerals including Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium.
The cosmetic industry is well aware of the healing properties of the
Aloe Vera gel, and with its antioxidants and increased
cell-regenerating properties it is reputed to be an effective
anti-ageing aid and is often an important ingredient in cosmetic
products.
More Facts about Aloe Vera
.Even Christopher Columbus was aware of the myriad uses of the Aloe Vera gel, and whilst in the Canary Islands he stocked up his vessels with the Aloe Vera plant. It is generally accepted that the American plantations are descended from the Canary Islands.
Aloe comes as both topical and oral preparations. Topical preparations contain the colorless aloe gel or aloe vera gel (sometimes mistakenly called "aloe juice"). Aloe gel can be prepared by various methods. Some people prefer to obtain fresh gel directly from the Aloe Vera plant.
Aloe Vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.
Despite its cactus-like appearance, the Aloe Vera is in fact a member of the lily family - lilacae - which includes garlic. There are over 400 species of Aloe Vera but the species which has the almost magical healing qualities is ALOE VERA BARBADENSIS which is the type most prevalent in Fuerteventura
ALOE VERA BARBADENSIS looks like a small agave plant, and when adult grows to about 60-70 cm. Small plants often have white marks on the leaf which disappear as the plant grows. When the plant is about 2 or 3 years old a leaf grows in springtime which then stems off into one or two smaller branches which produce yellow flowers.
It is from the inside of the leaf that the most important part of the Aloe Vera plant is extracted - the gel. The skin, or outer leaf is of no use and should be removed. It is also important to drain off the juice "aloin" which lies between the skin and the gel. This is a yellow/red sap which keeps the gel of the plant cool, therefore protecting the valuable minerals and vitamins within. Even on the hottest of days if you cut open the leaf of an Aloe Vera plant the gel will be quite cold. Aloin, however, will stain skin and clothing, it is bitter and should not be taken internally - it used to be marketed as a laxative (You have been warned
Aloe comes from tropical Africa. Related species are used as an antidote to arrow poison, but we value the plant for its healing effect on burns, wounds and insect bites.
Description
Aloe is a succulent, and grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches. It has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stemless leaves. These light green leaves have spiky margins and are blotched with cream. The firm upright stems bear several bell-shaped, fleshy, yellow-orange flowers.
Cultivation
Propagate from small, rooted offshoots at the base of the parent plant. It may be grown from seed. It prefers a rough, gritty growing medium and a well-drained, sunny location. It will also grow in partial shade. Aloe needs temperatures above 40 degrees, and is grown indoors in cooler climates. When grown indoors the offshoots can be removed and repotted when they are a few inches tall. Do not overwater.
Harvesting
Cut the leaves as required.
Medicinal Use
Keep a pot of Aloe vera on you kitchen windowsill for handy access. The fresh juice of the leaf blades can be applied directly to ulcers, burns, sunburn, and fungal infection.
Aloe-emodin, an ingredient in aloe, is a powerful laxative and should always be used with caution. It can be combined with a
tincture of caraway seed to prevent intestinal cramps and pain. Taken in small doses, it is an excellent digestive tonic.Aloe
Other names: Socrotine Aloe, Aloe perryi, Curacao or Bitter Aloe, A. barbadensis, Cape Aloe, A. ferox, Aloe vera
Parts Used: The dried or fresh juice of the leaves.
Uses: The juice, dried or fresh has long been used externally for all types of skin disorders and bug bites, acne problems, canker sores. For chapped or rough hands and insect bites, the freshly sqeezed juice is applied directly.
For sunburn or scald, a strong warm decoction of aloe tea is prepared, to which
Irish moss (Other names: Chondrus crispus, Gigartina mamillosa, carrageen, pearl moss, salt rock moss Parts Used: The dried, bleached plant. Uses: Used for coughs, bronchitis, and intestinal problems. Also makes a nourishing food for those recovering from tuberculosis and other illnesses).is added to form a jelly; to this mixture the clear gummy juice of the aloe is added. This preparation has been found to be most soothing and healing.
The dried aloe juice is an ingredient of Compound Tinture of Benzoin which is today used for its antiseptic and protective effect as a local application to minor wounds.
It also helps cleanse the stomach, colon, gastrointestinal tract, used with acid stomach, gastritis, throat problems, hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids. Helps control cholesterol, helps nourish hair, is effective against warts and promotes general healing.
Growing Aloe Plants
Because of their popularity, Aloe vera plants are available at almost every garden shop or nursery. Unless you live in area with a very mild climate, it's best to leave your Aloe plant in the pot and place it near a window that gets a lot of sun. You can move the pot outdoors during the summer months.
Aloe vera is a succulent, and as such, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering.
Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. Use a planter with a drainage hole, or provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage. Use a good commercial potting mix with extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged 'cacti mix' soil.
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