Aloe vera, a member of the Liliaceae family, is a large succulent plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height in a rosette of spine-covered leaves. It is native to the hot climates of eastern and southern Africa as well as the West Indies, writes Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." The inside of aloe vera leaves produces a gel that soothes skin rashes and sunburns and it can also be applied to the skin and hair for nourishment. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal cures.
Emollient Properties
According to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," the fresh cut leaves of the aloe vera plant have a gel that has emollient properties, which means it soothes skin wounds, abrasions and sunburns. It can also help reduce infections caused by acne.
This emollient property helps coat hair bringing nourishment, protection and moisture and when taken internally, the aloe vera gel helps with digestion and constipation as it soothes the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and helps relieve pain caused by ulcers present in the stomach and intestines. It also helps rectal itching and all colon disorders.
For skin relief, apply aloe vera gel directly onto skin and let it dry without rinsing. Internally you can take aloe vera gel in smoothies or diluted in filtered water, since it tends to have a slightly bitter taste.
Emenagogue Properties
In his book "The Way of Herbs," herbalist Michael Tierra writes that aloe vera gel has emenagogue properties. Emenagogue remedies promote menstruation, says Mills. To receive the benefits of this property, aloe vera gel should be taken internally in small dosages, either in capsules or diluted with water.
Vermifuge Properties
According to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," aloe vera gel has vermifuge properties, meaning that it kills and promotes the elimination of parasites from the gut. It is often paired with strong laxative herbs for this purpose and Hoffmann notes that is should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods, as it will be excreted in the mother's milk.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
In traditional Chinese medicine, aloe vera gel is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, says Tierra in his book "The Way of Chinese Herbs." This property relieves discomfort in skin infections as well as internally in the entire digestive system.
References
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra C.A., N.D.; 1980
- "The New Holistic Herbal;" David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Way of Chinese Herbs"; Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D.; 1998
Member Comments