Home Herbs A to Z Aloe (Aloe vera, A. barbadensis)
Aloe (Aloe vera, A. barbadensis) Print E-mail

Let your food be your medicine...

In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use

Popular garden varieties

Aloe Vera var. officinalis

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In the Garden

Growth Characteristics:

  • Ideal as architectural plants with its thick, spiky foliage,
  • Aloe Vera or A. barbadensis:
    • Perennial, Evergreen, Frost sensitive,
    • Height: ±1m; Spread: ±80cm,
  • Aloe vera var officinalis:
    • Light green, soft leaves with longitudinal white spots that persist as the plant matures,
    • Perennial, Evergreen, Frost sensitive,
    • Height: ±60cm; Spread: ±60cm,

Cultivation:

  • Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,

Harvesting:

  • Cut oldest leaves throughout the year,
  • Use clear gel inside the leaf,

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Culinary use

Aloe Vera energy drink:

Peel aloe

1. Peel off the skin with a Carrot Peeler

Aloe drink

2. Scrape the clear gel with a spoon

3. Only use the clear gel, not the skin

4. Place in a blender with equal quantity of water
  • Use this as an energy drink or add it to the bathwater

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Fragrance
  • Use the clear gel in moisturizing creams and ointments for its skin healing properties,
  • Add to bathwater to soothe and protect the skin,
  • Mix into shampoos to help dry or itchy scalp,

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Medicinal use

Aloe Vera may be beneficial in the following cases:

General
  • Halitosis, Bad Body odor, Gingivitis (gums),
  • Dandruff, Hair loss,
  • Eyes - conjunctivitis,
  • Anemia,
  • Contains 18 amino acids, Vitamins,

Endocrine System

  • Diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia - control of blood sugar level,
Skin
  • Healing of fresh cuts and wounds, Burns, sunburn,
  • Insect bites, bruises, acne, blemishes, poison ivy, skin cancer, skin ulcers, eczema, abscess, itchy skin,
  • Athletes foot, Cold sores, Impetigo (Streptococcus and staphylococcus - puss filled blisters), Ringworm,
  • Urticaria (swellings), wrinkles, warts,
  • Shows potential to reverse degenerative effects on the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibers - a true anti-aging effect,

Lymphatic System

  • Anti-bactrial, Anti-viral,
  • Infections, Allergies, Immunodeficiency, AIDS, Throat infection (tonsillitis),
  • Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster (shingles),
  • Helps eliminate toxic minerals, netralises free radicals created by toxic substances,
Cardiovascular System
  • Varicose veins,
  • Hypertension,
Liver
  • Cirrhoses

Digestive system

  • Colon cleanser,
  • Laxative and evacuant,
  • Demulcent (Sooth and protect membranes - ulcers, Colitis), Diverticulitis, Polypus, Candida,
  • Heartburn, Hyperacidity,
  • Hemorrhoids, Rectal itching, Anthelmintic (Expel worms),
Urinary System
  • Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys),
  • Urinary tract infection,

Reproductive System

  • Emmenagogue, Vaginal itching, Vaginal yeast infection, Vaginitis,
  • Prostatis,
Musculo / Skeletal System
  • Inflammation (Bursitis - between muscles and bones),
  • Arthritis,

 

Preparation and dosage:

  • Aloe gel: 30ml of clear gel blended in water, 3 times per day,
  • Tincture: 1 teaspoon in water, 3 times daily,
  • External: Fresh juice on afflicted area. Treatment - Break off the upper part of the fleshy leaf and split apart to obtain the clear gel. Apply this directly to the skin,

CONTRAINDICATION:

  • Avoid in pregnancy - stimulates uterine contractions,
  • Avoid during breastfeeding - excreted in mothers milk and can be purgative to the child,

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Featured Herb

Bergamot:
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