ALOE VERA

Alternate Names: Cape Aloes, Lu Hui (Chinese)

Parts Used: Gelatinous substance in the stalks.

Properties: Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Biogenic Stimulator, Cholagogue, Demulcent, Emmenagogue, Emollient, Hepatic, Laxative, Purgative, Rejuvenative, Stomach Tonic, Vermifuge, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Arthritis, Constipation, Tuberculosis, Ulcers

Internal Applications: Capsules, Juice.

Topical Uses: Acne, Amenorrhea, Boils, Burns, Dandruff, Herpes, Insect Bites, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Psoriasis, Ringworm, Scars, Sunburn, Wounds

Topical Applications: Topical applications include lotion, poultice, salve, shampoo, spray.

Parents have sometimes applied Aloe gel to the finger tips of children who bite their nails in order to get them to break the habit.

Energetics: Cool, Bitter, Moist

Chemical Constituents: Aloins, anthraquinones, barbaloin, polysaccharides, salicylic acids.

Contraindications: Do not use internally during pregnancy. Using Aloe during nursing may have an overly laxative effect on the infant. Excessive use may aggravate hemorrhoids. High doses may cause vomiting. When used as a laxative, combine with other carminative herbs to prevent gripe. When used topically, it is best combined with other moisturizing ingredients to prevent drying of the skin.

Comments: The word Aloe is derived from the Arabic word alloeh, which means shiny and bitter and refers to the Aloe gel. References to its use as a healing agent can be found amongst early Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Christian literature. Legend says that it was the desire for Aloe plants that caused Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socotra, where Aloe was cultivated in the fourth century B.C. Aloe is also thought to have been one of Cleopatras beauty secrets. In Africa, hunters sometimes rub Aloe juice on their bodies to reduce sweating and to mask human scent. Aloe is one of the easiest house plants to grow. There is a saying that, if you cannot grow Aloe, get plastic plants!

The common name Aloe Vera includes the species Aloe ferex and Aloe ferox, which are used interchangeably with Aloe Vera. Aloe barbadensis is the same species as Aloe Vera.

-- Phil in KS (pemccoy@yahoo.com), March 28, 2002