Herb Series: Aloe Vera

1/24/2014

Aloe barbadensis
Family: Lilaceae
Parts: Juice or gel from inside the leaf.

Aloe Vera comes from the Liliaceae family which also includes the lily, tulip, garlic and onion. Aloe Vera is native to Africa and has 500 different species. It is known as a common household plant that has amazing burn healing properties, but did you know just how many other healing properties this common plant has?

Herbal Actions

Alterative/Adaptogenic

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-bacterial

Anti-fungal
Antimicrobial
Antiviral

Demulcent

Emollient

Vulnerary (speeds healing, protects against infections and stimulates cellular renewal)

Definitions

Medicinal Uses

Soothes and heals all types of burns including sun burn, kitchen burns, first, second and even third degree burns.

Skin healer and rejuvenator.
Moisturizes, tones and firms the skin.
Blisters, rashes, eczema, boils, rough skin, and skin eruptions.
Herpes (cold sores), apply several times a day, pain relieving and helps to dry up the blister.
Boost immune system.
Natural sunscreen, blocking 20-30% of UV rays
Great for acne due to the anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties – use both internally and externally.
Mild pain reliever.
Cuts, scrapes, wounds, hives, and abrasions.
Fresh gel can be used as a natural band aid, just make sure the wound is clean before applying.
Prevents and draws out infection.
Nursing mothers can use for sore, cracked, dry, nipples.
Canker sores and mouth problems, mix gel with an herbal tincture or essential oil and swish around the mouth. Can also apply directly to the sore or gums.
Insect bites and stings.
Poison ivy, oak and sumac.
Heartburn, balances stomach acid.
Hemorrhoids
Helps with constipation and diarrhea.
Aids digestion.
Soothes inflamed intestinal wall making it a good gut health herb.
Joint pain and inflammation – taken internally and/or externally as a liniment.

Perineal tears – Place gel on a menstrual pad and hold in place, this will relieve the pain as well as heal the tear quickly. Apply a new poultice when the pain returns.

Methods of Use

Aloe vera comes in many forms, from the gel inside the plant leaves, to commercial gel, juice and even freeze dried powder. When choosing an aloe vera product, look very closely at ingredients, you want pure aloe vera. Many brands use artificial colors and preservatives so be aware of what you are purchasing. I use Mountain Rose Herbs for my source, they use organically grown plants and I trust their business practices.

Cut a fresh leaf off a house plant as needed. Only use the clear gel from the leaf, not the leaf itself or brown gel near the leaf. Apply the gel to area of concern or take internally. The fresh plant is the only source of antibacterial properties so use fresh when treating infection.

Aloe vera juice can be infused with herbs, following the instructions for making an herbal tincture.

In the Garden (er House)

Place in a sunny south-facing window, although it is not fussy.

Water infrequently and keep the soil well drained.
Cut a leaf off at a time for use. A cut leaf can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
The plant will produce offshoots which you can remove and replant when they are a few inches tall.

Caution

Be careful to not get the leaf part of the plant mixed in your gel if using internally. The leaf has very powerful laxative properties.
Do not take internally if pregnant or nursing.

printable for herbal

Recipes

These a some of my favorite recipes using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is also one of the active ingredients in my Miracle Face Cream.

Burn Soother Spray

Miracle Face Cream

Wound Wash

Aloe Rose Facial Toner

Aloe Vera Facial Cleanser

As I mentioned above you can purchase Aloe Vera from Mountain Rose Herbs as well as your local health food store (just check ingredients, even in a health food store).