ALOE - Soothe Those Wounds

Family: Liliaceae; other members include lily, tulip, garlic
Genus and species: Aloe vera and an estimated 500 other aloe species
Also known as: Cape, Barbados, Curaiao, Socotrine, or Zanzibar aloe
Parts used: The jellylike gel found in the leaves, and the bitter, yellow juice (latex) extracted from specialized cells of the leaves’ inner skin.

Every kitchen should have a potted aloe on the windowsill. That way, when minor burns, scalds, or cuts occur, it’s easy to cut off one of the thick fleshy leaves and squeeze its clear gel onto the injury. Aloe gel dries into a natural bandage. It may promote wound healing and help prevent infection.
Another part of aloe, the latex (extracted from special cells on its inner leaf skin), is powerful laxative – so potent, in fact, that many authorities say it should not be taken internally.

HEALING with ALOE
Contemporary herbalists use aloe in some of the same ways Dioscorides used it almost 2,000 years ago – externally for burns and wounds.
1. Wounds, Burns, Scalds, Scrapes, Sunburn. Scientific evidence of aloe’s wound-healing power was first documented in 1935 when an American medical journal reported the case of a woman whose x-ray burns were successfully treated with aloe gel scooped straight from leaves cut from the plant. Since then, several studies have supported the herb’s ability to spur the healing of first-and –second degree burns and other wounds. One report claim aloe also eases the discomfort of poison ivy rash.
2. Skin Creams. Cleopatra massaged aloe gel into her skin to make it shine. The herb is still widely used in skin-care products. But if you’re after beautiful skin, do what the legendary Egyptian beauty did – use the fresh leaf gel, not the “stabilized” (preserved) gel used in commercial shampoos and skin products. Stabilized aloe has none of the fresh herb’s skin-healing benefits. If you enjoy the fragrance of aloe shampoos and skin lotions, fine. Just don’t expect them to turn you into Cleopatra.
3. Infection Fighter. Aloe gel may not only spur wound healing, it may also help prevent infection in injured skin. Several studies show aloe effective against many different bacteria that can invade a wound.
4. Intriguing Possibilities. Studies show that aloe may kill the fungus (Candida albicans) that causes vaginal yeast infections so it is recommended by herbalists to use the herb in treating yeast infection but just because it kills the fungus, it doesn’t mean it can wipe out the infection in the whole human body.

In laboratory tests, one chemical (aloe-emodin) in aloe has shown promise against leukemia, but National Cancer Institute scientists say experimental preparations are still too toxic to give to leukemia sufferers.

A European study suggests aloe gel reduces blood sugar levels in experimental animals and humans with diabetes. The gel is not usually taken internally, but if other studies confirm this effect, aloe might one day be used to help manage diabetes.

Rx for Aloe
To help soothe wounds, burns, scalds, and sunburn, and to help avoid infection, select a lower (older) leaf, cut several inches off, slice it lengthwise, apply the gel, and allow it to dry. Make sure you clean the wound properly with soap and water first. As for the injured leaf, it quickly closes its own wound. The rest of it may be used in the future.
To enjoy the cosmetic benefits of aloe, apply gel from the leaf to freshly washed skin. Discontinue use if it seems to irritate your skin.

SAFETY FACTOR
Aloe gel is safe for external use by anyone who does not develop an allergic reaction. Aloe is best used in consultation with your doctor. Tell your doctor if wounds do not heal significantly within two weeks or appear to be getting worse.

NEVER A LAXATIVE
Aloe latex contains laxative chemicals (anthraquinones) with such powerful purgative action that they are called cathartics. Other laxative herbs ( senna, rhubarb, buckthorn, and cascara sagrada) also contain anthraquinones, but aloe’s action is considered the most drastic – and least recommended – because it often causes severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea. Many herbalists discourage its use, but some supplement companies sell aloe laxative tablets. If you use them, never exceed the package dose recommendation and reduce your dose or stop using the product if you develop intestinalcramps.

Aloe latex should not be ingested by pregnant women. Its cathartic nature may stimulate uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. It should not be used by nursing mothers. The latex enters mother’s milk and may cause stomach cramps and violent catharsis in infants.

Aloe’s cathartic power may also aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Anyone with gastrointestinal illness should not use aloe latex as laxative.
In general, aloe is not recommended for internal use.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECT
Although aloe gel may help heal injured skin, one case study reported eczema-like welts in a man who had used it for several years – proving that too much of a good thing may cause problems.

Ref: Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman, 1991.