Aloe Vera

ALOE VERA
(Alo barbadensis)



MagickalInformation:

Folk Names: Burn Plant, Medicine Plant
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, Luck
Magickal Uses:

· Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen willhelp prevent burns and mishaps while cooking.

· It will also prevent household accidents, andguard against evil.

· It is reported that aloe was used to embalmthe body of Christ.

· In Africa,the aloe is hung over houses and doors to drive away evil, as well as to bringfood luck

Beneficialfor skin wounds and burns, gastrointestinal ailments, constipation, pain reliefand boosting the immune system.

This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medicalcare. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of alicensed health care provider.

This ancient medicinal plant is said to have been part of Cleopatra's beautyregimen, and today many cosmetic creams and lotions contain the soothing andastringent aloe. The sap of the aloe is an excellent first-aid remedy for minorburns and infections. Aloe Vera has been a well-respected healer for thousandsof years. Today, more than two hundred types of aloe plant grow in South andCentral America as well as in the Mediterranean; two of these, Aloe ferrox andAloe Vera, boast medicinal actions. While the healing effects of the plants'gel are probably quite familiar, you may not know that the juice extracted fromthe inner leaf's skin is a potent healer as well. In fact, while aloe gel isrestricted to topical applications, aloe juice can be applied both externallyand internally. It helps to bolster immunity, fight infection and treatgastrointestinal illness; a concentrate of the juice is a very potent laxative.For this reason, aloe juice has been used to support fasting. Also for thisreason, however, aloe is not recommended for people with gastrointestinaldisorders. And, because aloe triggers uterine contractions, pregnant womenshould not use the juice either.

Even I have been able to keep an aloe plant alive. I keep mine potted on thekitchen window sill, as the kitchen is where I usually get my fingers burned.

Plant Facts:
Aloe looks like a succulent but it is actually a member of the daylilyfamily. A crown of fleshy leaves grows on the end of its short stem, whichreaches a length of about 24 inches. When you cut its leaves, you will find abitter-tasting juice and a soothing gel.

Origin:
Aloe originated in eastern and southern Africa.From there it migrated to America.Today it is primarily grown in subtropical areas of the U.S. and in the West Indies,in addition to being a houseplant around the world.

Components:
The most important components of aloe are its anthracene compounds, suchas aloin and aloe emodin, which affect the large intestine. The plant alsocontains resins and bitters. Its gel contains polysaccharides, enzymes, aminoacids and antibiotic substances. The juice contains many substances thatenhance metabolism, its main component, acemannan, supports the immune system.Analysis has also detected vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals,saponins, lignins, anthraquinone glucosides, saliculic acid and volatileconstituents.

Parts Used:
The leaves of the aloe plant contain the plant's medicinal substances. Abitter liquid from the base of the leaves is boiled and dried to produce thebase material for a drug called aloe. Gel from the broken-off leaves can beused directly on the skin; extracted from the insides of the leaves, it isavailable commercially.

Indications:
You can take aloe internally as a laxative - it's commonly found inover-the -counter laxatives, as it stimulates the intestinal activity. If yourappetite has waned, aloe tincture can restimulate it. You can also apply thegel externally to promote regeneration of the skin and speed healing of minorwounds. It inhibits inflammation, stops minor bleeding and helps cure eczema,sunburn and minor burns. It also moisturizes dry, sensitive skin.

Medicinal Uses:

For eczema and wounds
Over the course of the day, drink ¾ oz. of Aloe-Vera juice by itself orwith other fruit juices. You can also dab the affected area several times dailywith aloe-vera juice or gel from a freshly cut leaf. The skin regenerates veryquickly and aloe vera reduces the tendency to form unattractive scars. Woundsthat are weeping pus will also heal more quickly, as aloe vera helps eliminatebacteria, fight the infection and reduce any painful inflammation.

For colds and flu
Aloe juice inhibits the growth of bacteria and normalizes the intestinalflora, It also strengthens the immune system and flushes out any toxins in yoursystem. For colds, flu or other infections, drink ¾ oz. of aloe-vera juicedaily before meals, either by itself or mixed with other fruit juices. Whengiving to children, limit dosage to 1 tbsp. of aloe-vera juice 3 times a day.

For mild burns
When applied to a burn, Aloe-Vera juice relieves the pain immediatelyand cools the skin. Aloe encourages the skin to regenerate and preventsinfection of the wound. Dip a sterile cloth in aloe juice, place it on theburned area and change the dressing several times daily, or pour the juice intoa spray bottle and spray it on the affected area. Alternatively, you can cut orbreak open a fresh aloe leaf to obtain the gel and apply it directly to theburned area. For burns or other wounds that are deep or cover a large area,always see a licensed health-care provider.

Methods ofAdministration:

Fresh Leaves

Aloe leaves are not sold in stores, but the plants are very easy to grow. Youcan find them at any garden center, and you'll be able to use the leaves asneeded.

Aloe-vera gel
Cut or break open a fresh aloe leaf to obtain the gel. Apply it to skinirritations, such as minor cuts, burns, or areas with eczema.

Aloe-vera juice
Aloe-vera juice, obtained by cold-pressing (squeezing) the entire leaf,acts as a laxative; it is milder than the compounds found in the whole leaf.Aloe-vera juice can be used to ease peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

*~* Lady White Wolf *~*