Aloe Vera

(Aloe officinal)

Aloe Vera leaves are hot, humid and bitter. If taken is small quantity, is a good cure for constipation. In large quantity it is a strong laxative and should be taken with caution. According to old herbal books, it is the only laxative that is also a stomach tonic at the same time. Aloe has its African origin, where it was used to treat wounds resulting from poison arrows. Aloe Vera gel is used to treat open wounds. In the middle ages, Aloe Vera has been a laxative of choice, due to its ease of use, availability and fantastic ability to washout the intestines. Aloe Vera arrived in the Southeast Asia during the sixteenth century, where it is widely cultivated.

Aerial parts of the plants are used for loss of appetite and constipation. It has been proved to be effective in even the chronic cases of constipation. Aloe Vera gel is considered to be a home remedy and a first aid herb for burns and wounds. It is even good for sunburn and dryness of the skin. The gel can be used safely for eczema, especially the one that spreads around the eyes and sensitive skin.  Internal use of this gel is good for ringworms.

The gel can be used fresh but it cannot be preserved for long times. For long preservation it can be processed into ointment, which is as good as the fresh gel. For burns or dried skin, a small piece of a fresh leave can be applied directly to the affected area. For ringworms or insect bites, mix two tea spoons of the gel into water or a cup of fruit juice of your choice. Drink three times daily in such cases.

To prepare ointment for external application, collect required quantity of gel and evaporate excess water by slowly heating, till it turns into easily manageable ointment. Put in glass jars and use as required. You can also add about the same quantity of petroleum jelly to produce even finer quality ointment.

Inhale hot fumes of the plant for congested nose and chest area. Take 1 to 3 ml of tincture for constipation or lack of appetite. Taste of the tincture is excruciating. For this reason, I suggest that you dry out the gel, powder it and fill capsules before using it.

Do not use during pregnancy because use strong laxative during pregnancy are not safe. High doses of Aloe Vera may induce vomit.