Aloe Vera Blog Post | Rooted Being

Aloe Vera

BY THEASHEN MOODLEY

Key Definitions

Constituent - a component part of something.

Contraindications – a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question.

Demulcent – a substance that relieves inflammation or irritation.

Emollient – a preparation that softens the skin.

Indications – A symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

Purgative – a laxative.

Vulnerary – a medicine used in the healing of wounds.

Introduction

Most people know Aloe Vera for its topical uses in treating burns and skin irritations, but Aloe Vera can also be taken internally to build one’s immune system (Aloe juice) or as a strong laxative (bitter Aloes). The immune system-boosting properties of Aloe Vera can help fight arthritis, AIDS, cancer and other degenerative diseases (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Aloe Vera is a perennial whose leaves grow to 60 cm. Aloe plants also grow spikes of yellow or orange flowers. Aloe Vera is native to eastern and southern Africa but is cultivated worldwide. The succulent leaves of Aloe Vera plants are harvested for their bitters and gel (Chevallier, 2016).

Constituents, Actions & Indications

Constituents

Anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin); resins; tannins; polysaccharides; aloectin B (Chevallier, 2016).

Actions

Anti-inflammatory; antiseptic; demulcent; emollient; stimulant laxative; purgative; soothing; vulnerary; heals wounds; stimulates secretions of bile (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Indications

Minor burns & sunburns; inflammatory bowel disease; gastroparesis; stretch marks; warts; weeping skin; wounds (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Scientific Research

Journal articles by Sahu, et al., 2013 and Maan, et al., 2018 presented the findings of clinical studies that were completed on Aloe Vera in humans. These findings are summarised below:

Recent reviews of Aloe Vera have concluded that Aloe Vera supports the healing of first and second-degree burns.
Aloe Vera has been used for the treatment of radiation burns and ulcers in the past, with the fresh gel being more effective than creams.
Aloe Vera shows positive results that it may be able to treat inflammation in patients with arthritis.
Aloe Vera has been shown to improve skin integrity, decrease the appearance of acne wrinkles and decrease erythema.

Preparations & Dosage

Fresh – for burns and eczema apply gel topically 2 times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Capsule – for laxative effects take 250-450 mg of the leaf extract daily (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Juice (pulp only) – for peptic ulcers take drink 30-120 mL of the juice 1-3 times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Topical use – apply the juice of gel when required (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Bitter Aloes – used by herbalists to treat constipation (Chevallier, 2016).

Tincture – to stimulate the appetite take 3 drops of bitter Aloes tincture with water before meals (Chevallier, 2016).

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Green Tea & Rose Facial Cream Recipe

The following recipe was taken from Alchemy of Herbs and is an authentic “all natural” facial cream. To avoid the cream spoiling, ensure that all utensils are properly clean and dry (Gladstar, 2014).

Ingredients

1 cup Jojoba oil
30 g Green Tea leaves
10 g dried Rose petals
1 g Alkanet root (optional)
20 g Beeswax
25 g Coconut oil
20 g Shea butter
1/3 cup Rose hydrosol
1/3 cup Aloe Vera gel
1 tsp Rosemary antioxidant extract
15 drops Geranium essential oil (optional)
10 drops Grapefruit essential oil (optional)
8 drops Clary Sage essential oil (optional)

Instructions

Create a double boiler using 50 mL of water. Place the Jojoba oil into the top half of the double boiler.
Add the Green Tea, Rose petals and Alkanet root to the oil and stir well. Heat the mixture until it is warm to the touch (approximately 38 deg. C) and then remove from the heat. Repeat this step about 3-5 times per day for 1-2 days to ensure the infusion is complete.
Once the herbs and oil have been infused, strain off the herbs and reserve the Jojoba oil. Ensure that there is approximately ¾ cup of Jojoba oil after the infusion. Top up the oil where necessary.
In another double boiler, melt the beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter. Add the infused Jojoba oil from step 3 and stir the mixture until everything is liquid and combined.
Pour the warm oil mixture into a food processor and let cool until solid.
Mix the Rose hydrosol, Aloe Vera, Rosemary antioxidant and essential oils.
Emulsify the mixture in the food processor by switching the food processor on and slowly drizzling the mixture from step 6 into the food processor.
Blend until the contents of the food processor form a thick cream. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as you blend.
Spoon the cream into containers and store in a cool, dark place or in the fridge.
To use: Massage a tiny amount of cream into a cleansed face and neck.

Safety Considerations

Bitter Aloes is the bitter liquid exuded from the leaves of Aloe Vera plants. Bitter Aloes should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional and should never be used on the skin or taken internally during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Bitter Aloes should also be avoided if suffering from haemorrhoids or kidney disease (Chevallier, 2016) (Brinker, 1998) (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). The information presented below pertains to Aloe Vera gel only.

Contraindications

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Drug Interactions

Studies have shown that Aloe Vera gel improves the hypoglycaemic effect of glibenclamide when given to patients with diabetes (Brinker, 1998).
Animal studies have also shown that Aloe Vera gel improves the anti-inflammatory effect of hydrocortisone acetate (Brinker, 1998).
Aloe vera gel may slow the absorption of orally administered drugs (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Adverse Events

Topical use of Aloe Vera gel is generally well tolerated with few adverse effects (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Disclaimer

The information presented in this post is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not to substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

References

Brinker, F., 1998. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Chevallier, A., 2016. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: DK Publishing.
Easley, T. & Horne, S., 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. California: North Atlantic Books.
Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M., 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Gladstar, R., 2014. Herbs for Stress & Anxiety. 1 ed. North Adams: Storey Publishing.
Hoffmann, D., 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 1st ed. Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
Maan, A. et al., 2018. The therapeutic properties and applications of Aloe vera: A review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, Volume 12, pp. 1-10.
Sahu, P. et al., 2013. Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Aloe vera: a review. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 4(8), p. 599.

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