ALOE VERA
Aloe is a perennial herb native to southern and eastern Africa and subsequently introduced into northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, China, Gibraltar, the Mediterranean countries, and West Indies. Aloes are spiky cactus-like plant of the lily family. They are small, stemless rosette of fleshy leaves, 30-40 cm in height; leaves are succulent, growing from the center of the plant and can vary in length from 0.8 to 60 cm, the thick, fleshy leaves are able to store large amounts of water during the rainy season and are therefore able to survive throughout the drought in the dry season, lower leaves roselate and spreading or laying on the surface of the ground; pink or red perianth with pronounced basal swelling truncate at base, abruptly constricted above the ovary with the narrowest part above half of the length from the base and enlarging to the throat; influorescence is simple or branched, either terminal or lateral, with flowers usually shades of orange or red but sometimes yellow or even white, reaching maturity when it measures 45-120 cm long and has a base of 7.5 cm or greater in diameter; fruit (where available) not exceeding 2.5 cm long (Burkill, 1995; Hutchinson and Dalziel, 1958; Renolds, 1966; Young, 1950).
There are lots of plants under the genus aloe. Examples of plants under the family aloe are Aloe barbadensis, Aloe arborescens, Aloe ferox, Aloe schweinfurthi, etc. Whole leave and the yellowish juice or the transparent colorless gel have a lot of pharmacological activities.
Actions
Aloe vera contains bactericidal action (kill bacterial) against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridins, and the five strains of Streptococcus mutans—the cause of dental plaque. It is also antibiotic (), demulcent (), Coagulant (an agent that cause coagulation), Analgesic (a substance that offers relief from pains) for mild degree pain, and antiviral (capable of treating viral infections), Astringent (ability to cause constriction body cells and tissues), Vitamin B12 precursor, growth stimulator, vulnerary. They contain 18 amino acids and vitamins and aids eliminate toxic minerals from the body and neutralize free radicals created by toxic substances.
Uses
Hair growth and Dry Scalp:
Hair is a protein material built up on amino acids. A sebaceous gland at the base of the hair follicle secretes sebum, an oily substance, which acts as a lubricant. When vital minerals and vitamins are lacking in the blood the quality of fiber and sebum deteriorates resulting in lusterless hair and change of texture and loss of hair. Aloe Vera gel is noted for its moisturizing effect and to provide nutrients. It may be used as a shampoo, hair set, and conditioner.
Stretch marks, age lines and liver spots
Stretch marks are marks or narrow band on the skin, mostly on the abdomen, as a result of distension of the skin from obesity or during pregnancy. Liver spot is a skin condition with brown visible spots on the skin which can be caused by conditions such as lentigo. Squeezed the gel and applied it to the affected area twice to thrice daily.
Eczema, shingles, poison ivy, and other plant allergies
Eczema is a devastating medical condition whereby patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters that result in itching and bleeding. Shingles are acute painful eruptions and inflammation along a nerve path forming a girdle around the body, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Poison ivy (displayed above) is a climbing plant with irritable oil secretion from its leave capable of causing dermatitis. Part of the fresh leaf cut and thick sap-juice of Aloe vera squeezed and gently spread on the affected area is known to cure those conditions. Apply on the affected area twice to thrice daily.
Acne, Chapped Skin, Ringworm, and nappy rash
Acne is an inflammatory sebaceous skin disease with pustules, papules and cysts found frequently in adolescents at the commencement of puberty when the sebaceous (grease) gland become more active. Chapped skin is when your skin is cracked, roughened as a result of exposure or cold. Nappy rash is a generic term that is applied to various skin rashes in the diaper area (thighs, and buttocks, usually associated with infants). Part of the fresh leaf cut and thick sap-juice of Aloe vera squeezed and gently spread on the affected area get rid of acne, chapped, skin, wing worm, and nappy rash. Applied it twice to thrice daily.
Protection against radiations burns, sunburns:
A segment of the fresh leaf rubbed on the skin was a centuries-old sun-screen used by desert Arabs against sunburn, and who regarded the plant as a natural medicine chest. Part of fresh leaf cut and thick sap-juice squeezed on the affected area for sunburn, burns, injury, wounds.
Arthritis, inflamed joints
Pulp leaves of Aloe vera is used as a poultice (a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of material, typically consisting of herb, bran, flour, etc. that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation, etc) for inflamed joints, and arthritis. Gently heat the pulp leaves and spread on the affected part.
Internal: indigestion, stomach ulceration, leg ulcer, etc.
Undiluted gel 1-2 tablespoons (20-40ml) on empty stomach. For leg ulcer applied the gel on a cleaned affected part.
Dentistry
“In 12 years of dental practice I have not found anyone item which is so versatile for the healing needs of the mouth . . . an ancient plant for modern dentistry”. (Dr. B. Wolfe, “Health Consciousness”, Vol 6. No 1) Increasing use as a dental anesthetic, and for oral infections. Uses include gel on new dentures, rinsing every 4 hours. In canal filling the gel is used as a lubricant.
Contraindications
Aloe should not be used in patients with intestinal obstruction or stenosis, atony, severe dehydration with electrolyte depletion or chronic constipation, inflammatory intestinal diseases, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, children under 10 years of age. Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation.
References:
1. Thomas B. (1998), Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, (2nd Edition), Robinson Publishing Ltd UK.
2. West Africa Herbal Pharmacopoeia (2013), 1st edition, KS Printcraft GH. Limited, Kumasi, Ghana.
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