ALOE VERA

Aloe vera: Liliaceae

THE HERB

PART USED: gel from leaves
PLANET: Moon ELEMENT: Water
TASTE: bitter, astringent, pungent, sweet
VIPAKA: sweet
WARMTH: cooling

DOSHAS: V=P=K=
MERIDIANS: liver, heart, spleen

ACTIONS: alterative, digestive, hepatic, splenic and uterine tonic emmenagogue, emetic, vulnerary, cholagogue, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, regulates sugar and fat metabolism, tones digestive enzymes.

INDICATIONS: fever, constipation, obesity, inflammatory skin conditions, swollen glands, conjunctivitis, bursitis, jaundice, hepatitis, enlarged liver or spleen, congested gall bladder, herpes, venereal disease, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, vaginitis, tumours, intestinal worms, need to reduce excess Pita, used topically for burns, rashes, and wounds.

PRECAUTIONS: clean surface of leaf very well with something that will kill bacteria, molds and fungi before applying plant material directly to burns or open wounds. Powder is contraindicated in pregnancy

CONSTITUENTS: polysaccharides, anthraquinone glycosides known as ALOIN, including barbaloin, aloe-emodin, isobarbaloin, resins.

PREPARATION AND USE:

-2 tsp of the gel three times a day as a general tonic, or same dose mixed with turmeric
-apply fresh juice externally for burns, sores, herpes
-the powder is a very strong laxative, which can cause severe griping, and so should be used with a carminative herb such as ginger or turmeric

NUTRITIONAL USE: used in cooling drinks in summer

In the fourth century BC it was widely used in the Eastern Mediterranean to relieve pain and inflammation. The Egyptians used aloe in their embalming, and Nicodemus used a mixture of myrrh and aloe to embalm the body of Jesus. Most of these plants came from the island of Socotra, near the coast of Yemen. After conquering Persia, Alexander the Great was counseled by his tutor, Aristotle, to secure Socotra for its aloe production. For once, Alexander followed his tutor’s advice, and settled Greeks on the island to protect this resource. Even today, in South America, it is traditional to hang a piece of aloe from the ceiling for good luck. This custom came to South America from Spain, whence it was brought by the Moors. Ultimately, it may trace back to ancient Egypt.

In Africa, drug aloe is still extracted and used as a laxative. However, today it is valued mostly for its skin healing properties. Aloe vera gel is a component of dozens of cosmetics and medicines. Although there is some controversy over its efficacy, most studies support its medicinal use.

Protection, Luck
-grown in a household, it protects against evil influences and prevents accidents
-hung over doors to attract luck

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:

-helps one assimilate postive experience and learn from it
-helps one let one's focus be the inner processes of learning and growth rather than the outer world

THE FLOWER ESSENCE

POSITIVE QUALITIES: Creative activity balanced and centered in vital life energy.
PATTERNS OF IMBALANCE: Overuse, or mis-use of fiery, creative forces, "burned out" feeling

"Those needing Aloe Vera "burn the candle at both ends." They have an innate abundance of fiery forces, but tend to over-use this energy and literally "burn out".

Typical of the Aloe Vera type are "workaholics" whose drive is so intense that they neglect their emotional and physical needs, often sacrificing rest, food, and social contact in order to accomplish their goals. Such an attitude cripples the ability to experience life in a heart-felt way, impoverishing the feeling life, and draining the body of vital energy.

While will-power can carry such persons quite far, they reach a point of exhaustion, burn-out, or breakdown. Aloe Vera essence can then bring renewal and rejuvenation; it opens the soul to experience the nourishment which springs from the waters of life. When the soul learns to balance the fervent forces of the will with the fountain of feeling from the heart, a tremendous outpouring of positive creativity and spirituality can be realised."

Flower Essence information quoted from Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, Flower Essence Repertory, The Flower Essence Society, Nevada City, CA. ISBN 0-9631306-1-7