Plant Based Medicine: Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the oldest medicinal plants in history, and according to Hindu legend came directly from the Garden of Paradise. For centuries it has been surrounded by folklore about its wide range of benefits and healing powers and known deservedly as the 'holy herb'.
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. An evergreen perennial, it originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for both agricultural and medicinal uses. Aloe Vera is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant.
The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The edge of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. Aloe Vera flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower being orange to yellow.
Aloe Vera is regarded as safe, for topical use. Aloe Vera can lower blood sugar levels which can be problematic for people taking insulin or hypoglycaemic medication. Because there is the potential for low potassium counts from aloe, people who take medication (Digoxin) for heart rhythm problems may see adverse effects when using aloe.
It’s possible that aloe may decrease the body’s blood clotting abilities. Taking aloe orally before surgery is not recommended since certain anaesthesia also decreases blood clotting.
Aloe Barbadensis
Folk Names: Aloe Vera, Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant, Holy Herb
Parts used: Leaves Deities: Aphrodite and Venus
Gender: Feminine Element: Water (Purification, Protection and Healing) Planet: Moon
Powers: Protection, Cleansing, Love
Historical / Myths & Legends
One of the oldest mentioned plants on record because of its medicinal properties. One source says the earliest mention was from the Egyptians. Another says the earliest record is a Sumerian clay tablet from 2200 B.C.E.
Many cultures, such as the Egyptians, gave this plant a god-like status. The healing properties of aloe gave it the name “Plant of Immortality”. The Egyptians also used aloe vera to make scrolls and treat tuberculosis. Aloe Vera was also used in the mummification process. The dead were embalmed with Aloe Vera because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungi qualities.
During the Crusades, the Knight of Templar created a drink called ‘the Elixir of Jerusalem’ because they believed it added years to their life. It was made of palm wine, aloe pulp and hemp.
Alexander the Great, in the years around 350 B.C. employed the use of aloe juice for healing. He conquered the island of Socotra upon the advice of Aristotle to secure supplies of Aloe Vera to treat his soldiers of wounds and burns.
Hindu people thought aloe grew in the Garden of Eden and called it the ‘silent healer’. Around 600 B.C. the Arab people called it the ‘Desert Lily’. The Mahometans of Egypt thought of Aloe as a religious symbol and hung it in doorways to protect from evil influence. Aloe Vera played a major role in the everyday life of the Chinese and Indian cultures. There it has been an important ingredient in medical treatments since the times of the Marco Polo. In Indian Ayurveda medicine, Aloe has many applications including rejuvenating remedies, supplying the energy of youth to women with menstrual issues, and to stabilise the cardiovascular system. Aloe is highly regarded as the plant of choice for balancing pitta, kapha and vata.
Because of the invention of the x-ray and the atomic bomb, aloe became popular again because of its ability to protect against radiation burns. Japanese who were exposed to the A-Bomb in 1944 used aloe gel on their wounds and reported faster healing and less scarring. Aloe Vera is still the only thing known to heal atomic burns.
Culinary Uses
The skin and the clear inner gel are both edible. Use the skin in salads, stir-fried dishes, or on its own as a snack. Its firm, crunchy texture makes it great to use in dips and as a cracker substitute. Use the gel in smoothies and cocktails.
The part that you shouldn’t eat is the yellow liquid between the gel and the skin. The yellow liquid is called the latex. In small amounts, aloe very latex can cause diarrhea and general intestinal discomfort; if you consume too much of it, the latex can cause kidney failure and may even be fatal.
To prepare Aloe Vera correctly, start by cutting off a few of the leaves by slicing into them at the plant’s base. The next step is to slice off the outer edges of the leaves. You will want to soak the leaves so that the toxic latex can bleed out through the openings. Submerge the leaves in clean water for about 10 minutes. The water should turn yellowish as the latex seeps out. Remove the leaves, change the water and submerge them again. Once most of the latex has been removed from the plant, you can peel it. The best option here is to use a vegetable peeler to pull the gel from the skin.
Once you remove the gel, blend or crush it to make a drink. Alternatively, you can just soak it and drink the water. The second option might be the better one if you don’t like Aloe Vera’s slimy texture.
Medicinal Uses
Aloe Vera gel is antibacterial, aesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. It also increases blood flow to the skin where applied which aids in healing faster. The plant is useful for: burns, sunburns, rash, acne, minor cuts and most other skin problems
Studies show that aloe can strengthen the immune system and reduce blood sugar. It is also related to some serious studies in treating HIV and cancer.
Aloe Vera works primarily in two main areas. The first includes surfaces and membranes, such as the skin and the lining of the sinuses, nose, throat, stomach, and bowel, together with the linings of the lungs and genital tract. Secondly, it works on the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from attack by external aggressors such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as internal threats from other enemies such as cancer cells.
It moistens dryness, relieves irritation, reduces inflammation and infection, promotes tissue repair, benefits the skin and stops bleeding (burns, all skin injuries, ulcers) plus it boosts the immune system. Externally it promotes the healing of all wounds, burns, eczema and skin problems. Herbalists have used it since the 1930’s as a staple treatment. Many liquid solutions are made, some adding the juice with other plants and herbs. The juice is comforting to digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. As a supplement, it is said to help digestion, blood and lymphatic circulation, and kidney, liver, and gall bladder functions.
Aloe Vera Gel contains at least 75 known beneficial ingredients. Aloe contains three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon.
Simple Remedies: Stomach Tonic: Drink it first thing in the morning. In a glass add the gel from one leaf, a few drops of lemon and top with water.
Face mask: Rub the mix on your face and neck and leave it on for 20 min. Then rinse and follow with a moisturiser. In a bowl, mix aloe gel from one leaf, with a few drops of lemon (really, only three or fewer). Lemon juice is a natural exfoliant. Dilute with water if too string for your skin.
Hair mask: The vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in Aloe Vera along with the saturated fats in coconut oil nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth and a healthy scalp. Put mix on hair for 30 minutes before washing. In a blender, add aloe gel from 2 leaves with a few drops of lemon and 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
Spiritual Properties
In ancient history, illnesses were regarded as demonic possession of the body and only a divine plant such as Aloe Vera had the natural power to exorcise the demons. It is believed that its presence on a spiritual and energetic level cleanses the surrounding environment from evil spirits.
There are many shamanic uses for Aloe Vera, particularly in Africa, where it is used for protection, good luck, cleansing, spiritual baths, elevating spiritual energy and the making of protective devices.
Aloe Vera is perfect if you have gone through a major transition such as moving to a new home. It helps calm the mood when you are left feeling empty, nostalgic, alone, and lost. This wild healing food helps you feel at peace with your surroundings. Have an Aloe Vera plant at home for protection and good luck
Aloe Vera’s wild nature is always intact including all its healing properties. Aloe was known as the “plant of eternity”. A common belief was that in stopping the physical decomposition process eternal life could be attained both on a physical and a spiritual level.
Magical and Ritual Uses
In Spell work Aloe is used for: Protection, lunar energies, love, peace, dreams, psychic awareness, and meditation. Aloe is a powerful protection herb guarding against evil influences and prevent household accidents. In parts of Africa, they hang aloe over doors for protection. Growing an aloe plant in the kitchen will prevent burns and mishaps during cooking.
Promotes success and prevents feeling of loneliness. Burn on the night of a full moon to bring a new lover by the new moon.
If you are doing any magic related to the moon (compassion, dreams, healing, sleep, prophetic, spirituality, etc.), aloe works as a good substitute if you are missing any herbs. You can rub the juice from the leaves on your third eye to aid in meditation.
By MGG
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Blogpost Reference Number: #TWB-MGG06324-001
