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ALOE VERA

ALOE VERA Kumari

Aloe’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 wound-healing” 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.

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.

Form Taken Drink aloe 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.

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.