Aloe Vera (sabila in tagalog)

(Aloe vera, var. officinalis) Part used: Gel from the leaves. Properties: Demulcent, emollient, laxative, vulnerary, emmenagogue. What it effects: Skin, colon and stomach.

Preparation and amount: Gel: Take 2 oz. each time, up to 1 print daily. Tincture: Take 10-40 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2  - 1 tsp. 3 times daily.

Purposes: The gel from the leaves of this desert plant is invaluable. It is best used freshly picked from a plant. Keep several plants growing; you cannot have enough! Because of its nauseating taste, when used as a purgative it is generally taken in powder or pill form. It also tends to gripe and cause a constipative reaction, so that it should be combined with a carminative herb (such as peppermint) for the best results.

Externally, the fresh leaves of the aloe can be split, to expose the gelatinous juice and then rubbed onto the skin. The gel inside the leaves has the capacity to heal even the most severe burns (including sunburns) and irritated skin rashes. It can be used for insect bites and stings, poison oak and ivy, “detergent hands,” acne and itchy skin. It is used for abscesses, infection in wounds, skin irritations, and ulcers. It is said to help heal wounds by preventing or drawing out infection. As a first-aid remedy for burns and surface irritations, break off a leaf and squeeze the gel onto the affected area. When applied to the skin for severe burns and skin rashes, it can be left on for two days without changing the application. A tea made from the dried juice makes a good wash for wounds and for the eyes.

Internally, the aloe is good for chronic constipation, gastritis, hyperacidity and stomach ulcers. It is a laxative and regulator for the bowels. Because, when used alone, it might cause griping (bowel cramping), it is best combined with ginger root. Combine 4 parts aloe powder and 1 part ginger root powder and fill “00” gelatin capsules. Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day. Taken internally, it increases blood-vessel generation in the lower extremities of those with poor circulation. In the 1950s, it was discovered to be invaluable in reducing radioactivity. It is also helpful for eliminating AIDS.

• Another way to treat gastro-intestinal ulcers is to take the bitter aloe gel in small quantities at regular intervals (totaling a pint a day for ulcers), along with a tea of ginger and licorice root, to help prevent any adverse reactions to the bitter taste.

• Aloe plants are readily obtained and grow well in the home. You only need to water them once a week. Place them in a south window. There are several other aloe plants, but aloe vera is the best for medicinal purposes.

Warnings: Do not use it during pregnancy, nor in large doses when there are hemorrhoids. Some people are allergic to aloe. First apply a small amount behind the ear or under the arm. If stinging or rash occurs, do not use it.