Everything
you Need to Know About
The Incredible Aloe
vera Plant
By Wikaniko
www.wikaniko.com
Introduction
A.L.O.E. - 'A Little Of Everything'
Aloe vera is a succulent that belongs to the liliaceae
family (lily). It iscommonly known as Aloe, Aloe vera, Barbados Aloe, Sabila
and Pita Sabila.The word ‘aloe’ has its roots in the Arabic word ‘alloeh’, which means ‘radiance’.
The earliest documented use of Aloe vera comes from Ancient Egypt, and it can be seen on the tombs of ancient pharaohs. Apparently it was a herbal remedy used in embalming mummies both as a superb preservative and also as an excellent preventative agent against tuberculosis and other respiratory complications innate to that kind of work.
The
earliest recorded use for pharmalogical reasons was in ancient Sumeria about
1750BC, where it was found to be an excellent remedy for stomach irritations
and
nausea.
It was also a favourite of King Solomon and Alexander
the Great. Theconquerer’s
doctors apparently used it whenever they found it growing wild, mainly for
battle wounds and as a system stabilizer. As per legend, it was the miraculous
healing power of Aloe Vera
that prompted Alexander the Great to conquer
the island of Socotra. Cleopatra’s famed beauty is also attributed to the natural goodness of Aloe vera.
A
native plant of Somalia with a history dating back to the fourth century B.C,
Aloe vera also figures prominently in Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Christian literature. Whilst the Arabs have a tradition of placing it at graves
as a symbol of regeneration and resurrection, the African hunters used its gel as a deodorant. With the recent resurgence of herbal products as a part of the ‘green movement’, Aloe vera is witnessing a
new renaissance across the world.
It has been used for a variety of ailments, and as an
ointment for burns, cuts,
and rashes, as well as an ingredient in
various beauty preparations.
The sap of the Aloe is a thick, mucilaginous
gel. It is this gel which is used
medicinally. The outer skin has essentially no value, but because it is
commercially easier and less expensive to utilize the entire leaf, 'whole leaf'
Aloe juice has been hyped as the 'best'.
This probably isn’t the case.
The Aloe plant is actually displayed on the
coat of arms of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons - such was the emphasis that they placed on its use
for
treating sick animals. Today it is still well used in many forms, and Aloe Gel
can be brought from many outlets. However, it is not usually cheap, and
certainly isn't as good as having a never ending supply of Aloe vera from a continually growing plant.
How to Care For an Aloe vera Plant
You can now buy Aloe plants from almost anywhere. (If you
want one, try ebay). Although you may feel that you shouldn’t tear off the leaves of a living plant,
they heal themselves as well as they heal us and eventually each plant will throw out more and more offshoots to replenish itself. They are best kept on a sunny window sill, where they can be watered and cared for throughout the year.
They do not like extremes, especially the cold, so somewhere with a fairly sunny outlook and constant temperature is best. The only real threat to their survival is frost, They aresucculents, so treat them in the same way you
would treat a cactus. There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive
plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2
foot diameter plants. Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial
value, the most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis... better known as Aloe
vera.
Aloes
make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Potted Aloes benefit from spending thesummer
outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright coloured coral flowers.
Aloe
flower nectar is a favourite of hummingbirds (although you may not see too many
of them in your back garden….). The plants have a lifespan of about 12 years,
so if looked after they will become outstanding value for money - not to
mention that during that time you will be able to take numerous ‘pups’ that the plants give off, to make new plants to give to your
friends - or even sell at local craft markets etc.
and make a little extra money!
Aloe plants consist of 95% water. If they are grown
outdoors in warm
climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light
shade. The soil should be moderately fertile, and fast draining. Established
plants will survive a drought quite well, but for the benefit of the plant,
water should be provided.
Unless you live in area with a very mild climate, it's best to leave your Aloe
plant in the pot and place it near a window that gets a lot of sun. You can move the pot outdoors during the summer months.
Since Aloe vera is a succulent, it stores a large
quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During the winter months, the
plant will become somewhat
dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before
giving the plant a cup or two of water. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked,
but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering. Do not let the roots sit in
water!
Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it
is time to repot, choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. Use a
planter with a drainage hole, or provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage. Use a good commercial potting mix with extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged 'cacti mix' soil. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a diluted (half the strength that it says
on the bottle or packet), bloom type fertilizer. Aloes are propagated
by removing the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants, when they are a couple inches tall (or larger). They may
also be grown from seed.
Properties of Aloe vera
The various constituent elements found in Aloe vera
include :
Vitamins : Beta-carotene, Vitamin
B1, Vitamin B2, Folic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3,
Vitamin B6,Vitamin E, Choline.
Minerals : Calcium,
Magnesium, Sodium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc, Chromium,
Chlorine.
Amino Acids :
Lysine, Threonine, Valine, Methionine, Leucine, Isoleucine,
Phenylaianine, Tryptophane, Histidine, Arginine, Hydroxy
Proline, Aspartic
acid,
Serine, Glutamic acid, Proline, Glycerine, Alanine, Cystine and Tyrosine. Anthraquinones :
Aloin, Isobarbaloin, Barbaloin, Cinnamic acid,Emodin, Aloe Emodin, Ester of
Cinnamic acid, Anthracene, Antranol, Aloetic acid, Ethereal oils, Resistannols and Crysophanic acid.
Mono and polysaccharides : Cellulose, Glucose, Mannose, Galactose, Aldonentose,
L-rhamnose, Uronic acid, Xylose, Glucuronic acid and
Arabinose.
Enzymes : Oxidase,
Amylase, Catalase, Lipase and Alinase.
Benefits of Aloe vera
The important therapeutic uses of Aloe vera include:
The long chain mannan polysaccharides in the plant helps
activate and boost the Immune System.
The magnesium lactate and salicylates in it effectively
avert Allergies, Sinusitis and Bronchitis.
The molecules in it act as anti-inflammatory
agent, a cure for arthritis, and promote good
circulation for the heart and nervous system.
The
polysaccharides in it bring down the bodies serum lipids, and thus lower triglyceride and LDL level (bad cholesterol) and
increase of HDL
(good cholesterol).
As an antioxidant, it guards against damage
by free radicals and
unwarranted
toxins in the body. It also regulates blood pressure, and acts in rheumatism, arthritis, and infections of the
kidney, the urinary tract and the prostate.
By the combined and synergistic effect of the
various ingredients in it, Aloe Vera aids in
treatment of peptic ulcers, stomach disorders, acidity, indigestion, gastritis
and ulcers, colitis and haemorrhoids, cirrhosis,
hepatitis and diabetes.
The list of different illnesses and conditions, that may
be helped by the use of Aloe vera is indeed impressive, covering
everything from burns and slight infections
to very serious conditions.
A.
Acne, aching joints and muscles, asthma, athletes foot, abscesses, arthritis,
allergy rashes, age spots, acid indigestion.
B.
Brown skin spots, burns, boils, blood pressure, bruising, bad breath, bleeding, bowel problems / conditions, blisters,
bronchitis.
C.
Cancer treatment (i.e. helps case the radiation effects), cuts and wounds,
colon cleansing, constipation, calcium, chapping, cataracts, cradle cap,
cystitis, candida, circulation, colitis, colic.
D.
Digestive problems, diarrhoea, dermatitis, dandruff, diabetes, detoxification,
duodenal ulcer, diaper (nappy) rash, denture sores, depression.
E. Eye and ear problems (inflammation, infection),
eczema, energy loss.
F. Gum disease, bleeding gums.
G. Hair and scalp, heat rash, haemorrhoids, headache.
H.
Infection, inflammation, itching, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, insomnia, influenza, insect bite.
I.Jaundice
J. Kidney ailments
K. Liver ailments, laryngitis.
L. Moisturizes, mouth ulcers, muscle cramps.
M. Nasal congestion, nutrition, cracked nipples, nausea.
N. Operation recovery.
O. Psoriasis, prickly heat, pimple, peptic ulcer, pain
relief.
P. Radiation burns, razor burn, rheumatism, rashes.
Q. Scar removal, scalp problems, sinusitis, sore throat,
scalding, stomach disorders, sciatica, strains, sprains, skin
problems, stress shingles,
stings, styles, sunburns.
R. Tonsillitis, thrush, teething, tennis elbow.
S. Ulcers (all kinds)
T. Varicose veins, veterinary treatments, venereal
sores.
U. Warts, wind chapping.
Aloe
vera has many uses and benefits.
It: helps heal
minor burns,
cuts and rashes
;helps alleviate the pain of sunburn while speeding
healing;
works as a
skin moisturizer;has anti-inflammatory properties;
...and much more.
As you can clearly see, Aloe vera effectively treats
mainly skin diseases likeacne, eczema, herpes, psoriasis and many others. When
prescribedmedications failed, many frustrated patients tried Aloe
vera and achievedoutstanding results. Why more dermatologists do not
recommend all-naturalAloe vera as a first-step treatment, rather than
subjecting their patients to lesseffective and more costly drugs, is a mystery. Aloe vera
is time-tested and proven by many clinical studies to be safe and effective,
and unlike most prescribed drugs, allergic reactions and other side
effects are virtually non-existent. Let’s rid our young adults of this robber
(skin diseases) of self-esteem.
Dosage Information
Special tips:
As a general rule, keep in mind that products
that include "Aloe vera
extract" or "reconstituted Aloe vera" may
be much less potent than
pure
(more than 98%) Aloe vera. Put another way, be sure to look at the label on any
commercial aloe product to see if Aloe vera is one of the first few ingredients
listed.
For sunburn preparations, confirm that the product
contains at least 20% Aloe vera.
Aloe vera latex is available in capsule form, usually in
combination with other (and more gentle) laxatives.
For burns, cuts, scrapes, shingles, and other skin
problems: Apply aloe
gel to the affected area two or three times a day. For sunburns, you can also
add 1 or 2 cups of Aloe vera juice to a tub of lukewarm water and soak.
For heartburn: Drink 2 ounces of juice four times a day.
For ulcers and diverticular disorders: Drink 1/2 cup of Aloe vera juice twice a day for one
month. If you are also taking psyllium for a diverticular disorder, allow at least two hours to elapse before having Aloe
vera juice.
For warts: Dab
a small amount of fresh or prepared Aloe vera gel on a
compress
made of cotton gauze or flannel, and place over the wart. Change the dressing
and apply new Aloe vera daily. Improvement should be evident in three to four days.
Be
sure to check out our Dosage
Recommendations Chart for Aloe Vera, which lists
therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.
Guidelines for Use
The most effective and economical source of
the gel is an Aloe vera plant, which is easy to grow, even on a sunny
city window sill. Cut off one of its plumper
leaves and wash it off with soap and water. Then slit the leaf lengthwise, and squeeze out the clear gel from
the centre.
Apply and gently spread the gel on to the painful area and let it dry;
repeat the application as needed.
Use common sense when treating a wound; before applying
Aloe vera gel, first clean the area thoroughly.
When buying Aloe vera juice, check to make
sure that the one you
select is derived from Aloe vera gel, not from aloe
latex. Also make
sure
the juice product contains a minimum of 98% Aloe vera and that it
does not have any aloin or aloe-emoin compounds, the key substances
in aloe latex.
Be sure to drink Aloe vera juice between
meals.
When shopping for Aloe vera juice, look for
the "IASC-certified" seal; it is allowed only on products that
contain certified raw ingredients that have been
processed according to standards set by the International Aloe Science Council,
a voluntary certification organization.
Creams and ointments should contain at least 20% aloe General Interaction
Be aware that the long-term use of any
laxative, including Aloe vera latex, can cause you to lose an excessive amount
of the mineral
potassium. The low blood levels of potassium can be further worsened if you are also taking a potassium-draining diuretic
("water-pill") like hydrochlorothiazide or
furosemide.
Dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities can
develop if you take a
digitalis heart medication (like digoxin or Lanoxin) along
with a
potassium-losing
diuretic and the Aloe vera latex. Consult your doctor for guidance.
If you are on oral corticosteroids, such as
beclomethasone,
methylprednisolone,
or prednisolone, it is important not to overuse or misuse Aloe vera juice. A potassium deficiency can
develop, and you may experience toxic effects from the medication.
If you are on the oral corticosteroid
fludorocortisone (Florinef), it is
important not to overuse or misuse Aloe vera latex. A
potassium
deficiency
can develop, and you may experience toxic effects from the medication.
Possible Side Effects
As a topical treatment, Aloe vera is quite safe.
Occasionally, some people develop a mild allergic reaction
marked by itching or a rash. If this
occurs, discontinue use.
Due to improper processing, Aloe vera juice sometimes
contains small quantities of the laxative compound in aloe latex. Should you
begin to have cramps, diarrhoea, or loose stools, do not ingest any more of the
juice and replace it with a new supply.
Cautions
Don't take an Aloe vera latex laxative if you
are pregnant or breastfeeding; it may trigger uterine
contractions. Also avoid using it during a
menstrual period.
Children and the elderly should not consume
an Aloe vera latex
laxative internally. In addition, laxatives of any kind
should never be
used by anyone with an intestinal obstruction, an
acutely inflammatory intestinal disease (such as Crohn's disease
or ulcerative colitis),
appendicitis, or abdominal pain of unknown cause.
AILMENTS DOSAGE
Burns: Apply gel to affected areas of skin as
needed.
Cuts
and scrapes: Apply cream or gel liberally to wound 2 or 3 times a day Heartburn: 2 oz. juice 4 times a day
Insect bites/stings: Apply 4 times a day to
bitten area for symptom relief Shingles: Apply
liberal amount of gel to blistered skin as needed
Sports injuries: Apply
gel to affected areas 3 or 4 times a day as needed. Sunburn: Apply gel to affected areas as needed
Ulcers: 1/2 cup juice twice a day for one month
Warts: Put a pea-sized amount of gel on a compress.
Apply as usual
In summary, the Aloe vera plant has the ability to
provide essential nutrients;
to promote healthy tissue growth by the reduction of inflammation; and to kill
bacteria and other foreign organisms that attack damaged or unhealthy skin. It
not only works with the skin, but also the digestive tract and the body's
immune system. It is Mother Nature's solution to living a healthier more
energised life
Most people use Aloe simply by cutting off a piece of
leaf and squeezing the
liquid onto their skin. This works to some extent, but it wastes the potent
inner gel, (this is the most potent part of the plant). To use the gel, you'll
need to
"fillet" the leaves rather than merely squeezing them. The filleting
process
also reaps much more Aloe gel/juice. When
properly prepared and
refrigerated, this final product can for
many months - perhaps up to a year.
And there is nothing more soothing than cool
Aloe vera gel straight from the
fridge on bites, burns, etc.
How To Make Your Own Products
First
of all, here’s a little terminology. Starting from the outside of the leaf and
working inwards, we have the "rind", the "sap", the
"mucilage" and lastly, the central
core of "gel", also known as the "gel fillet".
For home uses, the rind is only good for composting. The
yellow sap (also
called "aloin" or latex) should be avoided when possible. It's used
as an
ingredient in laxatives, and can cause diarrhoea and other problems if taken
internally. The mucilage and gel are the most important parts of the plant for home medicinal use.
IMPORTANT:
Aloe should be processed within a couple of hours of harvest at most so as to prevent oxidation.
THE PROCESS
Begin
by selecting a large, healthy outer leaf that's close to the soil. These are
the oldest and most potent. (If none of the leaves are close to the ground, the
plant may be too immature to harvest.) Cut close to the base of the plant at a
slight angle.
Stand your leaf upright in a slightly tilted container
for roughly 10 minutes.
This allows much of the sap to drain out. You may not see
the sap in smaller leaves. To make your task less messy, wear
latex gloves like the
professionals do. This is also good practise, as you will reduce any
contamination from your hands.
Lay the leaf down on a clean flat surface, or clean
cutting board. Carefully use a sharp knife to cut off the tip of the leaf and
its serrated edges, all the way down both sides. Slice the inside of the leaf
lengthwise so that the front and back can be
separated.
Using
a spoon or (for larger leaves) a butter knife, scoop out the mucilage (the
slimy stuff) and the gel (the clear, solid "fillet"). Press down
firmly, but lightly. Too much force may scrape out sap, which you
want to avoid.
INTERNAL USE
We advise against using your fresh Aloe juice internally.
It is difficult to
remove all of the sap, and this can have negative health
consequences,
particularly for pregnant women, elderly people and young
children. Aloe can be useful internally for specific ailments, but we recommend
that you consult
with a naturopathic physician before undertaking this type of treatment.
If you've consulted with a naturopath and want to use your juice internally,
process only the clear gel fillet. Rinse it in a mild vinegar solution
(vinegar
mixed with water) to remove more of the sap's residue. Eat or drink the
amount prescribed as soon as possible for maximum benefit. You may want
to flavour it with something tart, salty or sweet (such as fruit juice). Save
excess gel by freezing it.
EXTERNAL USE
For
external use, you can mix the gel and mucilage together to create your
"juice". The gel can be difficult to liquidify. Some people puree it
using the
base of a blender. This also works well for
chopping spices and nuts.
Aloe
juice that hasn't been commercially processed tends to have an unpleasant
odour. This is normal and won't affect its properties.
STORAGE
Don't forget to store your Aloe juice in the fridge. Use
a glass or food-safe
plastic
container. Brown or dark green glass is best to block out excess light.
Even a small amount of Aloe juice can go a long way. To make it last even
longer and to prevent discolouration (your juice will eventually turn brown),
add a drop of vitamin E and a drop of grapefruit seed extract, or mix in some
citric acid powder. Remember, however, that
Aloe is best when fresh.
Conclusion
Aloe is without doubt, the best all round natural health
remedy that you can get. At Wikaniko, only the finest aloe is used, and it is
hand-picked. We have numerous
testimonials from customers who regularly buy the juice to drink, and for the
products that we supply for external use.
If
you have never used aloe products before, you are in for a treat with the
Wikaniko products.
Enjoy!
The Wikaniko Team
www.wikaniko.com
