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ALOE VERA
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(Aloe barbadenis) Top Pick
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Other Names
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Barbados
Aloe, Burn Plant,
Cape, Curaiao Aloe, Socotrine, Zanzibar Aloe.
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Description
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Aloe Vera is a perennial plant native to Africa, the West Indies, and other
tropical areas. Aloe Vera is also widely cultivated and makes an excellent house
plant. The
smooth, narrow, light green leaves are 1 to 2 feet long with spiny teeth on the
margins. The
droopy flowers range from yellow to purple in color. Aloe rarely blooms when it is
kept as a potted plant.
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Classification
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Moistening.
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Taste
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Bitter
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Hot
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Humor
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Fire
é
Water
ê Air
Û
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Uses/Applications
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Aloe is the dried juice of the aloe plant. Externally, the fresh leaves of
the Aloe can be split to expose the gel, then rubbed on the skin for sunburn, minor burns,
wrinkles, insect bites, cuts, scrapes, or skin irritations. . It also makes an excellent
moisturizer. Aloe tea makes a good wash for wounds. Internally, it aids digestion
and freshens the breath. It has a nauseating taste so it is usually taken in a powder or pill
form.
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Leaves
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Gel
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Use to soothe sunburn, promotes healing and for bites or mild skin
irritations.
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Infusion
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Use for bronchial and urinary disorders.
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Root
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Decoction
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Use for inflammations such as cystitis.
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Poultice
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Use root or paste made from the powdered root for skin inflammations and
ulcers.
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Tincture
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Use for inflammation of mucous membranes, as well as digestive and urinary
systems.
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Combinations
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None
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Constituents
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Emollient, Purgative, Vulnerary, Resin, Allatoin,
Aloe-Emodin.
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Action
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Cathartic, Vulnerary, Emmenagogue, Vermifuge, Hepatic, Diuretic, Purgative,
Tonic, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal.
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Food Values
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None
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Part Used
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Solidified gel from leaves.
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Collection
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Pick fresh leaves, peel back a portion of the skin, and drain the
liquid. Aloe
will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, or wrap tightly and store in the
freezer.
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Preparation
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Capsules
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Take 1 capsule three times per day.
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Fluid Extract
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5
- 30 drops two times per day.
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Juice/Gel
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For internal use, take 1 Tbsp. three times per day. For external use, apply gel as
needed.
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Powder
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1
- 5 gr. per dose two times per day.
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Wash
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Dissolve 1/2 Tsp. Aloe Vera in one cup of water.
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Growing Directions
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Aloe Vera is a perfect houseplant because it requires little water and no other
care. For
indoor growing use a potting mix of 50% sand and 40% light loam with a little bit of bonemeal mixed
in. Aloe can
be started from seeds but is best started from young plants called pups that develop near the base
of the plant. It requires good drainage and a temperature of at least
4o C. It prefers sun but will tolerate shade. If you live in an area where it
freezes you must bring it inside for the winter months. Outside Aloe is sometimes
bothered by caterpillars that chew holes ion the young tender leaves.
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History
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Aloe was known to the Greeks and Romans who used it on
wounds. One of Pliny’s recommendations was to rub leaves on “ulcerated male
genitals.” During the middle ages Aloe was a favorite
purgative. According to legend, when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt he
discovered an island off Somalia that was covered with Aloe. He immediately seized the
island to ensure a supply of Aloe was available to his troops and unavailable to the
enemy. Around the 6th Century Arabian traders carried Aloe from Spain to
Asia. In China similar uses developed to those in the west, although they
only use the gel. In India, the gel is highly recommended as a cooling
tonic. Aloe reached the West Indies in the 16th Century and it is still
widely cultivated there.
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Additional Information
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1. Modern science has proven what ancient healers already
knew. Aloe
has the ability to speed the healing process of first and second degree
burns.
2. Research has proven that Aloe keeps wounds moist, yet sterile and it forms
a protective barrier germs are unable to penetrate.
3. Aloe neutralizes any bacteria that have already invaded the
wound.
4. Studies show that Aloe may also kill the fungus that causes vaginal yeast
infections.
5. In laboratory tests, the chemical “aloe-emodin” found in Aloe Vera has
shown promise in fighting leukemia.
6. Some derivatives of Aloe are being studied for Cancer and Aids
cures.
7. Studies show Carrisyn an extract of Aloe is able to inhibit viruses
including strains of herpes and measles.
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Cautions
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1. Avoid using Aloe Vera during pregnancy as it is a uterine
stimulant.
2. High doses of the leaf may cause vomiting.
3. Hypersensitivity may be experienced, resulting in a skin
rash.
4. Aloe is such a powerful laxative it is not
recommended. Severe intestinal cramping may occur. If you do use it do not
exceed the recommended dose.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Moon
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Element:
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Water
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Deity
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None
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Powers:
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Protection
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Magickal Uses:
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Aloe Vera guards against evil influences and household
accidents.
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