Using Aloe Vera in Herbal Remedies for Holistic Health

Aloe has been used as a natural herbal remedy for centuries. Two thousand years ago aloe was recorded by the Greeks as being used for healing herbal remedies. Aloe has been used for cosmetic as well as herbal benefits. Cleopatra is reported to have used aloe on her skin daily to keep it youthful. In Africa Aloe was applied to disguise a hunter’s scent when hunting.

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that probably originated in Africa. It grows in arid climates and likes sandy soil. Aloe Vera is characterized by a rosette shape with long pointed fleshy leaves. The leaves of Aloe Vera produces a thick clear sap inside which is used for a number of herbal therapy purposes. It is this inner sap which has healing properties. Many households have a pot of aloe growing on the window seal as it is an easy houseplant to grow. Aloe is easy to propagate from suckers that grow at the base of the plant. Aloe prefers dry soil and should be watered accordingly and full sunlight. As fresh aloe gel has the best effects, keeping a pot around may be the best way to be sure of a supply of fresh herb to use in your herbal remedies. The plant will do well for years in the same pot if fed regularly. Aloe prefers crowded roots.

Take a leaf of aloe and cut it down the middle. Apply directly to minor burns for herbal remedy relief and healing. The gel is reported to encourage tissue regeneration and increases capillary blood flow. Aloe can also be used as an herbal remedy for poison ivy and minor abrasions and cuts. Some studies suggest aloe may have a preventative affect for the eyes and prevent cataracts. It may also b e useful for minor corneal abrasions. Aloe is also believed to help skin cancer and the burns fro radiation treatment in other cancers. It may also help clear acne and treat oily skin.

Aloe doesn’t have many pests but will occasionally be attacked by mealy bugs. If you see white tufts of waxy wool on your aloe plants leave you probably have mealy bugs. Swabbing with alcohol or using an insecticidal soap may get rid of mealy bugs.

The prepared gels generally don’t have enough of the actual gel in them to be as successful as the plant used fresh. Also many of these products use the whole leaf and not just the gel. The leaf itself has entirely different properties than the gel inside. For the best herbal remedy benefits use fresh gel from a plant on your widow seal.

Disclaimer

This article is meant to be informational and educational regarding traditional uses of herbs for medicinal purposes and not as medical advice. Always follow up with your doctor for concerns regarding your health. The FDA approves herbs as dietary supplements only.

Sources:

“Herbal and Healing Remedies” by Jason Elias Marla and Shelagh Ryan Masline, copyright1995, Lynn Sonberg Books Associates

“New Herb Bible” by Earl Mindell R.Ph., Ph.D, copyright 2000, Simon & Schuster Publishing

“The Little Herb Encyclopedia” by Jack Ritchason N.D. , copyright 1995, Woodland Health Books

“Aromatherapy for Common Ailments” by Shirley Price, copyright 1991, Simon & Schuster Publishing

“Rodale’s Illustrated encyclopedia of Herbs” by Claire Kowalchik & William H. Hylton, Editiors, copyright 1998, Rodale Press Inc.

http://www.livestrong.com/supplements/

“The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook” by James A. Duke, Rodale Inc, St, Martins Press, Copyright, 2000