[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Aloe barbadensis
Folk names: Burn Plant, Medicine Plant
Family Aloaceae
Origin
The species originated in Northern Africa, but now also grows natively in southwest United States and Hawaii.
Botany
Aloe vera are semi-tropical succulents. Because succulents need little water and attention, aloe vera is very easy to grow both indoor and outdoor.
Parts used
Of the aloe vera plant, two substances are used for medicinal benefit:
Gel, a clear or opaque mucilaginous product from the inner portion of the leaf.
Latex:, a yellow product from shallow incisions in the skin of the leaf
Opt for a whole crushed leaf aloe gel if you're buying bottled rather than whole, in order to reap benefits from the properties of both.
Historical use
The first recorded use of aloe is in Egypt 6,000 years ago. Cleopatra used it for skin and beauty. The dead were embalmed in aloe for is anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Energetics cooling
Aloe vera
Aloe barbadensis
Therapeutic actions
Gel
Alterative: improves metabolism function, which in turn, nourishes and purifies the blood.
Anti-inflammatory: relieves inflammation
Vulnerary: an agent used in the healing of wounds
Demulcent: an agents which relieves inflammation and irritation
Emollient: an agent which softens the skin
Cytophylactic: an agent that encourages growth of skin cells
Latex
Laxative: relieves by stimulation of bowel movement
Emmenagogue: an agent which stimulates or increases menstrual flow
Anthelmintic: an agent which destroys intestinal worms
Anti-bacterial: inhibits the growth of bacteria
Anti-fungal: inhibits the growth of fungus
Astringent: tones and tightens the skins connective tissue
Uses:
Swelling, treat swelling that comes from water retention. Can be applied to bruises and swollen areas.
Burns. From Heat, from sun, from radiation treatments for cancer patients. For this treatment, but the aloe gel and the latex from freshly cut aloe can be used, the aloe gel acting as a cooling agent to reduce the heat of the burn arresting cellular damage and encouraging cell regrowth. The latex creates a protecting coating over the applied area.
Wound healing
Wounds, prevents a wound or burn from getting infected.
For wound healing, aloe contains vitamin C, E, and zinc. Aloe stimulates fibroblast and connective tissue formation , promoting wound repair. Aloe stimulates the epidermal growth and repair process, presumably because of its polysaccharides. Mannose-6-phosphate, the main sugar in aloe gel, may be it's most growth promoting substance.
Frostbite
Prevents cell dead around the wound.
Skincare
softens the skin
Is cooling and anti-inflammatory
Speeds healing after exfoliation
Wrinkles
Rash from poisonous plants
Hives
Acne, best used with fresh aloe juice cut straight from the plant on irritated acne. The latex of aloe creates a protective coating over the area.
Acne, will sothe inflammation of the sore, prevent infection, great for treatment of a pimple that has been popped and needs a protective coating.
Digestive system
Laxative- it is the latex within aloe that acts as a laxative,
Hemorrhoids, taken internally and applied topically.
Treats occasional and chronic constipation.
Used internally for gastrointestinal conditions, regular consumption of aloe juice can lead to improved protein digestion and assimilation and/or reduced bacterial putrefaction. Used internally to treat peptic/duodenal ulcers and inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid.
Reproductive system
Aloe vera is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its emmenagogue properties. The herb is believed to promote blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulate menstruation. Aloe vera has also been shown to have other health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving skin health. However, it is important to use aloe vera with caution, as high doses can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. The recommended dose for aloe vera is 50-200mg per day of the dried latex, which is usually taken in capsule form. Aloe vera should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may cause uterine contractions and harm the fetus. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/)
here’s where i source my aloe vera
Psychological and metaphysical uses
Gender essence: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, luck
Aloe is protective. Guards against evil influences and prevents household accidents
In Africa, the aloe is hung over houses and doors to drive away evil, and bring good luck.
Safety
Topically, aloe vera is extremely safe.
Internally: for laxative effects, do not take longer than 10 days consecutively.
for benefits to the digestive system, take every few days.
Should not be used internally for long periods of time while pregnant or nursing.
Drug interactions
May interfere with the absorption of medications when taken internally. To avoid this, do not take aloe at the same time as medications.
May turn urine red with powdered aloe?
Application
Aloe vera is great in skincare and can be added to cleansers, toners, and face masks. Beneficial for all skin types.
Split open an aloe leaf and spread that juice onto the skin.
Take internally 30-100 ml whole leaf concentrate. Buy repaired aloe juice to take internally, aloe has an extreme laxative effect that may be too potent in fresh, homemade juiced aloe.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness