Aloe Vera - Legendary Healer
Aloe Vera is well-known for its ability to help burns heal. But that isn't all this remarkable plant can do!
There are hundreds of species of Aloe found all over the world, but not all are used in herbal healing. In fact, most should not be used at all, as some are quite toxic to humans. The most common Aloe species used for healing is A.vera Barbadensis, and this article will concentrate on the uses of that plant.
History shows that Aloe was used by Cleopatra as a cosmetic aid for her skin, which was said to be of legendary beau 525e44f ty. This places the plant in use at least as early as 1500 BC. Arab traders spread it far and wide around the 6th century, trading it as far as Asia. It is said that Alexander the Great conquered areas where the plant grew so that he could use the medicine for his soldiers, other reports state that he kept one particular island for growing aloe for his soldiers. Mention of this remarkable plant is made in 12th century German medical records as well as in the Compendium of Materia Medica to the Chinese Ming dynasty. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote of using it externally for treating wounds of all sorts. Columbus carried it on board his ships during his ocean voyages. Everywhere it has been used, it has become a very important part of healing.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera
The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes (including poison oak and ivy), acne, insect bites, ringworm, bedsores, herpes simplex, and painful shingles, as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when applied to the affected area externally. If used for this purpose, please remember to cleanse the area of aloe prior to the baby nursing, as the aloe if ingested by infants can cause diarrhea and/or serious intestinal cramping.
Internally it can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, or when there is an impaction, although it can cause intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there are other herbs that do this job better. It is not recommended as a general laxative. There is a mixture commercially available that is a combination of various Aloe species that is then concentrated after blending. It is called Aloin, and is used as a laxative. I would not recommend it for general daily use, or the body may become dependent. Using aloe internally is not always a good choice for those with IBS, colitis, or ulcers, as it can irritate these conditions from its strong actions, so do seek guidance from a health care professional to determine if aloe is right for your specific case. People without these kinds of problems usually tolerate aloe internally without a problem. Aloe has also been used internally to treat mouth sores and for thrush (candidiasis).
It aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting. It has been shown to promote wound healing by increasing the availability of oxygen to the wound as well as increasing the strength of the collagen needed to rebuild the damaged tissues. The gel dries into a sort of "bandage" that aids in healing open wounds. This also makes it a good treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and other such skin problems.
Aloe has been used to treat radiation burns and acid burns as well as frostbite. In cases of sunburn or frostbite, you can add one or two cups of fresh aloe juice to a tub of lukewarm water. Soak, and then reapply aloe gel to the affected areas after the bath. For those little kitchen mishaps, you can cut off a small piece of a leaf and apply the fresh gel directly to the burn or cut. The plant will heal itself by sealing off the cut. Another useful remedy is to peel the outer leaves off the inner gelatinous parts, and place in a blender with 500 milligrams of vitamin C per cup of gel. Mix well, then store in the refrigerator. This salve is very soothing to mild burns. Serious burns and deep wounds may require other treatments first, and then aloe applications, so you should check with a health care professional in these cases.
A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the body's natural resistance. Studies have shown acemannan boosts T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system. There are various studies being conducted at this time involving HIV and AIDS internal treatment with aloe. This is not a treatment that should be attempted without professional guidance at this time, however.
Aloe should not be used internally by pregnant women as it can cause cramping that will bring on uterine contractions. For this reason it should not be used during the menstrual cycle, either. It should never be used internally by those who have difficulty with intestinal cramping. Avoid its internal use for children under the age of 12.
Aloe is found in thousands of commercial products for hair, skin, and overall beauty for people and animals. Americans have typically been taught to use it only externally, while the rest of the world uses it for a wide range of treatments, including skin cancers, eye inflammations, hemorrhoids, gall bladder problems, ulcers, abscesses, and many other uses. Check with your health care professional to see if this herb is right for you.
Aloe's actions are purgative, laxative, immune-enhancing, mucilaginous, bitter, vulnerary, demulcent, emollient, emmenagogue, and astringent.
Spiritual Uses of Aloe Vera
Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen is said to help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking. It is also believed to help to prevent accidents in the home, bring good luck to the home, and guard against evil. It is used in healing rituals, services, and spells all over the world.
It is reported to have been used to embalm the body of Christ. In Africa the aloe is hung over houses and doors to drive away negative forces and draw luck to the home. In some parts of old Mexico, large wreaths made of whole garlic bulbs strung on wire are decorated with pictures of saints, sprigs of healing herbs, clumps of freshly-cut aloe, and other such items, and then hung in the home for protection, luck, and prosperity.
Growing Aloe Vera
This plant is originally native to Africa. Those living in the deep South, such as in southern Texas or southern Florida and other warm, arid regions in the world, can grow aloe outdoors. For the rest of the world, growing indoors in pots is preferred and simple. Remember that Aloe is a succulent, not a cactus, so it needs regular watering to keep the leaves fleshy and juicy, but do not over water. It prefers bright light to grow properly, and really appreciates a sandy, well-drained soil.
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