THE HEALER: ALOE VERA
Aloe barbadensis
Aloe Vera originates from East Africa and is a very easy plant to grow - in fact it pretty much thrives on neglect. I find it best to grow it in a pot or somewhere where it is easy to contain it because if it likes it’s growing conditions, it can multiply and spread readily!
Aloe Vera is sometimes confused with Agave and other succulents that don’t have the same properties as the true Aloe Vera as they look kind of the same, however once you’re familiar with what Aloe Vera looks like you’ll find that you don’t confuse it with anything else.
Aloe has been used forever and research has shown it to have incredible healing powers when used internally or externally. Externally Aloe can be used for many skin problems, will assist the healing of wounds and will relieve itching. It is incredibly soothing and helps with burns, including sunburn where it’s application is cooling, soothing and refreshing. It can be said that if it hurts, stings, itches or burns put aloe vera on it. We even discovered that fresh aloe vera gel relieves the burning paint that is caused by rubbing the eyes or face after cutting up chilies. This is something that I seem to do regularly and it doesn’t matter how often I do it I just don’t learn!
To use aloe externally, break a leaf off and cut it open. Apply the fresh gel inside the leaf by wiping it over the skin.
Used internally, research and practical use has proven aloe to be most useful in digestive issues where again it is extremely healing, calms inflammation and gives relief to many complaints.
Aloe can be prepared at home for internal use, however I personally have never done it myself. Apparently it is important to get rid of the yellow sap found in close to the outer part of the leaf as it can cause cramping and diarrhea (unless you’re constipated that is) - that’s always put me off so I haven’t tried it myself. I purchase a good brand of aloe vera juice to use internally. There are many brands of Aloe Vera juice on the market, but many are not good quality and not worth taking - do your homework to find a good brand.
Used internally Aloe has anti cancer properties (isn’t it exciting that these herbs are all known to help prevent cancer?). Studies have also shown aloe to be of great benefit in cases of AIDs where it has been used regularly.
Aloe Veran has shown to be of benefit for indigestion, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, liver problems, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, prostate problems and much, much more.
Note: Too much aloe vera can cause digestive disturbance, and avoid this herb during menstruation if you have trouble with heavy bleeding as it will make the bleeding heavier!
How do I use Aloe Vera?
I use Aloe externally by applying the fresh gel to sunspots, sunburn, skin problems, itches, bites etc.
I have used aloe inside my ears to give relief from itchy ears, by applying the aloe gel with a cotton bud.
I’ve used it also to get rid of warts - Aloe vera applied to warts and verucas daily will eventually get rid of them (it can take a while but stick at it. If you forget a day or two, it doesn’t matter, just keep at it).
Aloe vera is a herb that once you’ve got it in your garden, can be there for life just waiting to be needed which is often once in the habit of using it.