Organic Gardening, April 1981

The aloe barbadensis, also called aloe vera, is effective in healing burns and small cuts, relieving the pain and itch of these wounds, and, even as a treatment for constipation and intestinal worms.

Science has examined the aloe and broken down the chemical ingredients that make up the plant. It has been found to contain aloin, which is a powerful purgative that has been included in commercial medicines. However, the healing properties of the gel that is found in the leaves--the gel that earned it the name "first aid plant"--remain a mystery. The Merck Index says the substance is 99 percent water and the remainder is aloin, the laxative.

Yet this plant from the African veld has been prized for centuries. It was used as a first-aid treatment by the legions of Rome, cultivated by the Greeks in the fourth century BC, rumored to be what made Cleopatra's skin glow, used by the American Indians for pain relief, prescribed by herbalists in Shakespeare's day, and listed in the US Dispensary in the 1970s. People who use it as a salve swear by its effectiveness. And so medical science will have to take a back seat to common knowledge.

Because of its usefulness, you might expect the aloe to be expensive, difficult to grow, or downright ugly. Happily, the plant can be grown indoors or out, and from either seeds or cuttings. Moreover, it is an elegant plant. Its fleshy, gray-green leaves grow in a symmetrical rosette. Each leaf is defined by toothy margins of red or white. And the plant has an accommodating nature, remaining small enough when grown indoors to sit comfortably on a windowsill. Outside, its leaves make it a dramatic showpiece two feet in height.

There are more than 200 varieties of aloe, so be sure to select the aloe barbadensis. While it can be grown from seed, the easiest way to start a plant is from suckers. These appear at the base of the plant, and if not removed, can push the mature plant right out of its pot.

To grow the plant successfully indoors--the best place, unless you live in California or Florida--provide bright, filtered light from a southern or eastern exposure. Make sure air circulates well around the plant. Water it thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Feed the plant monthly. except during winter when it needs a rest.

To use the plant as medicine, simply cut off a leaf or a piece of one and apply the gel to the cut or burn. You should feel relief almost instantly. Often there is more gel in a leaf than you can use at once. Wrap the remainder in plastic and store it in the refrigerator. The cut part will form a scab, which can be pulled off when you want to use it again.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 28, 1999

Answers

Aloe is indispensable...found out about it when my daughter was a baby. She burned her finger on the stove, and my mother-in-law told me about it (she had some...we used it). She, in turn, had been told about it by the doctor who lived next door. There had been a fire in the neighborhood, and a child had third degree burns...the doctor ran indoors, grabbed his aloe plant, brought it back and while waiting for the ambulance applied generous amounts to the worst burns. The child recovered quickly with no scaring. My mother-in-law was a believer after that incident. I've used it for everything from deep cuts, minor abrasions, sunburn, burns, to internal for stomach irritations. Never had anyone report any negative responses.

-- Shelia (Shelia@a.com), April 28, 1999.

Aloe is a miracle plant IMO- easy to keep alive and works wonders. It's a must for any burn- heals them up without scarring so far. If you get a burn from the woodstove or cooking- just cool quickly in cold water, dry off gently and apply aloe. I've been thinking of getting a few more actually- my plant has just had "a baby" though....

-- anita (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), April 28, 1999.

Just want to say Old Git that we are really enjoying all these old Organic Farming and Gardening articles..we have gotten this mag since the 60's...wish I'd saved them but a house has only so much room! We have a problem with any houseplants as our cat enjoys nibbling on all of them..no place is sacred to her.

-- MUTTI (windance @train.missouri.), April 29, 1999.

I swear by the Aloe plant (mine died during a move and I NEED to get another!). My mother burned her hand badly with bacon grease and she immediately put aloe on it. There was one tiny place where the get rubbed off. That one spot blistered and ended up scarring, but the rest, which was the worst part of the burn healed with no tell-tale blemish on her skin.

-- winna (??@??.com), April 29, 1999.

opps!!! there was a tiny place where the GEL rubbed off.

-- winna (??@??.com), April 29, 1999.

I just got one the other day at Walmart for 2.50. I used to have one for years, and it died during a move. I am thinking of possibly getting a couple more, but this one was rather large.

-- (cannot-say@this.time), April 29, 1999.

I want to plant a medicinal "herb" /plant garden. Does anyone know of a list of plants/seeds that would be usefull for home remedies?

-- marsh (armstrng@sisqtel.net), April 29, 1999.

Aloe Vera is essential also when you have those pesky precancerous spots on your face (or elsewhere) zapped by your dermatologist. Apply the gel as soon as you get home and you'll heal quickly without scarring!! Doctors do not tell you this. I told my dermatologist that I applied aloe vera and what a boon it was and he just said, "Can't hurt".

-- Joycie (seajoyce@aol.com), April 29, 1999.

Reccomending medicinal plants can constitute a minefiled--some are dangerous if taken to excees or at all. I did post about aloe because I couldn't find any record of serious adverse effects. Best to search on the Web yourself, using Alta Vista advanced and plug in "medicinal AND plants." If that's overwhelming (and I'm sure it will be) you might add "NEAR remedies OR recipes" or something like that.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 29, 1999.

Marsh- depends on where you live first off. In terms of growing season and climate zone. But- check out seed catalogs such as Johnny's to get ideas of what's available. Also- Horizon Herbs is wonderful.Then- get a good herbal medicine book. figure out what sort of stuff you would want to use. Determine if it will grow for you. then start. There are so many possibilities> Would be happy to discuss this with you further if you want. e-mail me- and be patient- I don't read my e-mail that often......

-- anita (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), April 29, 1999.