I have known this plant since I was a kid to heal and ease the pains of my burns and wounds. My mother also would tell me to eath the slimy, jelly-like "meat" of the leaf for deworming purposes.

PHOTO CREDIT: DETOXORGANICS.COM

We have a few pots in our garden and at least 3 different varieties. They grow with little care yet they thrive and flourish, especially during hot season.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Cultivated as ornamental and medicinal purposes, aloe vera grows short with a very succulent and juicy set of leaves. Lined with thorns, aloe vera leaves are green in color but other varieties may carry some shades of green and may sport with patterns, just like the Tiger aloe vera, which also bears flowers whose stalk grows from the center of the plant.

PARTS USED

The leaves with the gel inside it and the leaf pulp are the main parts to be used for medicinal purposes.

ACTIVE ELEMENTS

Aloe vera has many chemical elements but the most active are aloe-emodin, aloesin, aloin, anthranol, chrysophanic acid, amino acids, and barbaloin.

DOSAGE

Normal dosage and as indicated in the next section, HOW TO USE.

PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Aloe vera is said to be the "plant of the earth" and has many health benefits. But anything in excess or used inappropriately is bad and may cause undesired results. The Mayo Clinic website lists some side effects of aloe vera when not used properly or in excess. Some side effects are abdominal cramping, allergic reactions, hardening of the skin, etc. Please check out the website for detailed information.

MEDICINAL USE

1. Deworming.
2. Laxative.
3. Prevents growth of tumors, enlargement of the spleen, liver disorders, asthma.
4. Helps in menstrual flow.
5. Relieves muscle pain and soothes swollen areas.
6. Heals wounds and burns.

PREPARATIONS

Step 1: Choose aloe vera leaves with sturdier body to ensure enough harvest of the jelly substance.

Step 2: Cut withered parts of the leaves, if present.

Step 3: Remove the thorny sides of the aloe vera leaf.

Step 4: Scrape both sides of the aloe vera leaf to reveal the jelly substance of the leaf.

Scrape as thinly as possible to get the most jelly from the leaf. Make sure to remove everything leaving only the white, slimy, jelly substance.

Step 5: Cut the jelly substance into desired sizes, depending on how you want to use them.

HOW TO USE

1. You can blend the jelly-like substance together with your favorite juice and make your own aloe vera beverages.
2. Blend the jelly until it is in its juice form then apply to burns or wounds externally. You can also apply to your hair if you have unusual hair falls. This will also work with eczema.
3. The pulp of the leaf, the ones left from scraping the leaf to get the jelly may be used in expelling worms, liver disorders, spleen enlargement, jaundice, leprosy, or asthma.

Primary Reference: Amazing Healing Plants by JC Kurian

HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY LIFE.

Remember: When symptoms persist, consult a physician.

DISCLAIMER: All information, practices, and procedures have been PERSONALLY applied to my case. You may have different issues of the same symptoms, therefore, use the information here with caution. I am not a medical doctor nor a herbalist. But most of the applications have worked for me. It may work or may not work in your case. Consult a physician when in doubt.

Come follow @cjclaro for updates in this series of herbal medicine.