Herb of the Season: Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis

It’s hard to believe that a year has already slipped by since I had the pleasure of visiting Ed Bernhardt and Jessica Benavides at their permaculture work-study center Alba Nueve (The New Dawn Center) just outside San Isidro del General to study the medicinal herbs of Costa Rica. It was a delight to play and work with tropical herbs that I’ve only seen in photos and would never survive in my wild garden in Montreal. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), pau d’arco (Tabebuia rosa), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longata) grow abundantly in this tropical climate along with a plant most of us easily recognize by its fleshy mucilaginous leaves and superior wound healing abilities, aloe vera.

Over the years I have primarily used aloe vera for burns of all kinds … sunburn, kitchen burns, floor burn, and one especially heart-wrenching burn after a child grabbed a hot barbecue grill with her bare hand. Her hysteria calmed in seconds after a large aloe leaf was splayed open over the burn and secured around her hand with a bandana. As her hand heated up again I replaced the aloe with a fresh piece. The cooling (and calming) effect was amazing! Aloe’s emollient, anti-inflammatory and vulnerary actions make it a primo treatment for all sorts of conditions that need cool healing….insect bites and stings, poison ivy, skin rashes, hemorrhoids, perineal tears, eczema, herpes, cuts, scrapes, strains and sprains   It’s also an effective remedy after radiation therapy to relieve and help repair irritated, damaged skin. The only condition where aloe is contraindicated is on staph infections.

Aloe gel is also used internally (although its not recommended for breastfeeding or pregnant women) to treat digestive problems such as heartburn, constipation and gastritis as well as support the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and bladder. While I was at the New Dawn Center we enjoyed being able to add fresh aloe vera gel to our pineapple or papaya smoothies. Delicious and nutritious! With a sharp fillet knife, simply cut the spines and skin away from the gel, removing any veins in the skin of the plant which contain a bitter, yellow alkaloid called aloin. Aloin is a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial agent that causes a strong laxative effect in most people when consumed. Once you have filleted your aloe leaf, add one liter of water and blend. I’ve found large imported aloe vera leaves in small East Indian and Mexican grocery stores. Use what you need and store the rest of the leaf, wrapped, in your fridge for up to a month. If you don’t have access to a fresh source, you can purchase bottled aloe vera gel at your local health food store instead.

The aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years. In the ancient Egyptian Papyrus Ebers (circa 1550 B.C.) aloe was used for soothing chest pains, burns, ulcers and for relieving headaches, skin disease and allergies. In Ayurvedic medicine aloe gel is an important tonic for the liver and female reproductive system and cools excess fire in the body. Its Sanskrit name kumari translates to “goddess” and is used to prevent wrinkles, bring youthful energy and beauty as well as relieve PMS. In Chinese medicine, the aloe gel is concentrated into a powder and used for chronic constipation, headaches, irritability and tinnitus. Aloe is also an antiparasitic and anthelmintic which kills fungus and parasites, especially ringworm and roundworm.

In Costa Rica where the weather is extremely hot at this time of year, aloe is used as a massage moisturizer. I find it a little too cold for these early spring temperatures in the north but it would be cool reprieve on a hot summer day. The Ticos also refer to aloe as the Ooh-la-la herb. Try using this slippery, cooling plant as a natural lubricant for your and your partner’s sexual pleasure. Some of the bottled varieties of aloe and commercial lubricants have so many additives in them that they’re irritating to sensitive tissue. After peeling the sharp edges and skin off the leaf you’re left with a gelatinous lubricant that is natural, easy to apply and preservative free. Only peel as much as you need, and leave it as whole as possible. If it sits out for too long (overnight) the water separates from the gel making it drier and less effective as a result.

Everyone should have an aloe plant growing in their kitchen window as an instant first- aid kit. Aloe loves the sun and likes to be completely dry between infrequent watering. When it gets too voluminous for its planter, pull the new two inch shoots out gently by the root, repot them in a wide (rather than deep for its shallow, spreading root system) container with good drainage and give them to your friends. My gratitude to Joe, aloe grower extraordinaire, for providing our family with an abundant aloe supply.

Monica

Over the years I have been blessed with many inspirational teachers. I thank them for sharing their wisdom and knowledge through their lectures, workshops, websites and books. For more information about aloe vera and many other herbs, enjoy these insightful and informative resources. I highly recommend indulging in a work-exchange program with Ed at his cozy New Dawn Center. Immerse yourself in tropical fruit trees, flowers, birds, permaculture and weeds!

Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica by Ed Bernhardt, N.D.

Natural Health Care Guide for Tropical Livingby Ed Bernhardt, N.D.

(Bertha Canterbury Press, 2003) Website

(Storey Books, 2001) Website

(Crossing Press, 2003) Website

The 10th International Herb Symposium takes place on June 24-26 celebrating the Summer Solstice and all things herbal! It’s an inspiring opportunity to learn more about herbs and their amazing ability to heal, support and nourish. “Whether a novice or advanced in your herbal interests, the Symposium offers classes, workshops, panel discussions and learning experiences to touch every level of your being. For more information visit                 http://www.internationalherbsymposium.com/