Aloe Vera’s fame as a treatment for burns and scalds goes back to Alexander the Great, who used an island off Somalia for the sole purpose of obtaining the “amazing woundhealing” plant.
Properties
Aloe vera has bitter, cooling, sweet qualities. It is astringent, and an excellent blood cleanser.
Part of Plant Used
The leaf, the gel, the juice.
Form Taken
Drink aloe vera juice for internal conditions, and apply the gel externally. To soothe wounds, clean the wound with soap and water. Cut several inches off an older leaf, slice it lengthwise, and apply the gel to the wound.
Conditions Treated
Aloe vera relieves inflammation, soothes muscle spasm, purifies the blood, and cleanses the liver. Fresh aloe gel scooped or expressed from the spongy leaves of the plant can be spread on the skin to heal burns, scalds, scrapes, sunburn, and wounds.
Used With Other Herbs?
Barberry, cinnamon, cloves, licorice, St. John’s wort.
How To Use
- Aloe vera is good for all doshas; it will bring balance equally to kapha, pitta, and vátha.
- Cover the leaves with vegetable oil. Any vegetable oil can be used as the base. Allow the mixture to soak for 60 days, then strain. Keep the oil in a dark glass container. The oil will keep indefinitely.
Caution
- Aloe vera gel can cause skin irritation in some people. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
- Aloe vera contains a powerful laxative— anthraquinone—which can cause diarrhea and intestinal cramps. If you use aloe juice or supplements as a laxative, use under the guidance of a physician, and never exceed the recommended dosage.
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