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These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Aloe vera
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A. vera linne, A. barbadenis miller
The aloe vera is an evergreen succulent perennial plant growing wild in the Tropics, especially Africa and South America. The African variety was once used as an antidote to poisons from arrow wounds. In "Sanskrit" the gel of the aloe is called "kumari" which means "goddess" and East Indian ladies have been using the gel, for generations, to counteract the effect of aging.
It has anti-inflammatory, laxative and parasitic properties. It is also an antifungal agent that can be used to treat infections such as ringworm. The anti-inflammatory properties of the gel and liquid promote healing of damaged tissues and prevent infection. You can just break off a leaf, and smear the gel on your skin to speed the healing of insect bites and stings, minor burns and sunburn. Aloe gel or liquid is taken as a dietary supplement in Western herbalism to aid digestion and liver function.
Taken internally, it can treat headache, dizziness, constipation, infantile convulsion, malnutrition and whooping cough. As an external application, it helps burns and scalds, cuts and even frostbite.
As it has the ability to stimulate the blood circulation in the skin and to remove dead skin cells, the aloe is one of the most valuable as well as the most frequently used herbs for cosmetic purposes. It helps to clear blemishes and protect the skin against infections and reduces wrinkles. Aloe vera shampoos help to combat dry brittle hair.
Do not take this herb during pregnancy.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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