Curaçao Aloe

Native to S Africa, Arabia, and the Cape Verde Islands, this genus consists of about 325 species of tender, evergreen perennials, shrubs, trees, and climbers, many of which are hard to tell apart. Aloes vary greatly in size, but all are architectural plants with thick, spiky foliage, often glaucous or patterned, and bold spikes of colorful flowers. Some larger species are grown in gardens in warm climates. Aloe vera was mentioned in the Eber Papyrus, dating from 1552BCE, and has been identified in wall painting in ancient Egypt, where it was used to treat excess mucus. Records in ancient Greece date back to fourth century BCE. Its use was described by Dioscorides in De Materia Medica (CE70-90). Alexander the Great is said to have conquered Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean to which several Aloe species, but to lignin aloes or aloeswood (Aquilaria malacensis see aloewood). The use of Aloe vera in Chinese medicine was first mentioned in the 11th century. It appears in Anglo-Saxon medical texts, having been introduced to Europe in the 10th Century. Mahatma Gandhi utilized A. vera, having discovered its benefits when visiting South Africa, and claimed that it helped him withstand prolonged fasting. Juice extracted from A. vera contains aloin, which is highly irritant to the digestive system. Further processing reduces aloin to safe levels. In some countries, such as Japan, there is a limit to the amount of aloin permitted in the juice. Various aloes have similar constituents to A. vera and are used in the same ways. These include A. ferox (Cape aloe) and A. perryi (Socotrine or Zanzibar aloe). "Aloes" or "bitter aloes" is the name given to a purgative drug made from the leaves of several species. Aloe vera var. officinalis is commonly sold by herb nurseries as A. vera. It has orange flowers, and greener, softer leaves, with longitudinal white spots that persist as the plant matures. Seed and offests, borne on runners are readily produced.

The gel taken from the leaf of the aloe vera plant is an excellent natural moisturizer that soothes skin irritation, sunburn, burns, wounds, and dry skin, and encourages skin regeneration. Aloe also contains acemannan, a compound tha appears to boost immunity, and in one study, helped to heal oral ulcers better than standard treatments.

The ancient Egyptians called it the "plant of immortality" and Cleopatra used its juices to help preserve her beauty. The clear gel from the cut leaves has soothing and healing properties. Aloe vera is suitable for large pots and rockeries and as an indoor plant.

Clump-forming perennial, suckering at the base, with dense rosettes of thick, spiky, gray-green leaves, red-spotted only in young specimens. Tubular yellow flowers are borne in summer.

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with very fleshy light green leaves that create a fan from the stemless base. In warm climates it produces narrow tubular yellow flowers.

Aloe, or aloe vera, is a prickly, gray-green succulent native to Africa but cultivated around the world. It is a perennial with leaves that can grow up to two feet (sixty centimeters) long, and bears spikes of yellow or orange flowers. The leaves contain a clear gel that is applied in skin treatments. A dried yellow sap taken from the leaf base, aloe bitters, is used internally.


Common Name:
Curaçao Aloe
Other Names:
Aloe Vera, Aloe Vera Gel, Barbados Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Burn Plant, Cape Aloe, Medicine Plant.
Botanical Name:
Aloe vera syn. A barbadensis, Aloe capensis
Genus:
Aloe
Family:
Aloeaceae
Native Location:
Origin unknown, widely naturalized in Mediterranean regions, India, and West Indies, and tropical and subtropical America.
Position:
Aloe requires a sunny position and very well-drained soil.
Cultivation:
Very well-drained soil in sun. Mealybug may attack pot plants.
Propagation:
By offsets at any time. Aloe vera rarely sets seed.
Aloe vera can be raised from seed, but it rarely sets seed in other that warm climates. Propagate it from offsets that form at the base of the plant. Allow these plantlets to dry for two days before planting them into small pots filled with a gritty free-draining potting mix. Once they are well established, transfer them to their permanent position.
Maintenance:
Aloe is affected by even light frosts, and in areas where winter temperatures fall below 40°F (5°C), it is best grown in pots and brought indoors in cool weather. It makes an excellent indoor plant in good light.
Pests and diseases:
Mealybug may prove a problem for plants grown indoors, although it rarely occurs on those grown in the garden. Spray with insecticidal soap, which is nontoxic to animals and leaves no residue. Apply it late in the afternoon because it can burn sensitive plants in full sun or at high temperatures.
Harvest:
Leaves are cut as required from two=or three-year old plants. Sap is drained from cut leaves and used fresh, or evaporated to a brown crystaline solid for the preparation of creams, decoctions, lotions, pills, and tinctures.
Harvest leaves as needed, using only as much of the leaf as required. Cut the used end back to undamaged tissue, then wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for further use.
Height:
60-90cm (2-3ft)
Width:
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Min. 10°C (50°F)
History:
The remarkable aloe's official use as a skin treatment can be traced back at least 2,000 years, when both the Greek physician Dioscorides and the Roman scholar Pliny mentioned it in their writings. And legend has it that aloe was one of Cleopatra's staple cosmetics. Aloe's unofficial use as a folk remedy no doubt extends to prehistoric times. Indeed, one ancient myth declares that aloe was the only plant to survive the destruction of the Garden of Eden. We know that the early Egyptians and Jews both used aloe in their embalming and burial rites. Later, the Muslims revered the plant as a sacred icon. Those who made the pilgrimage to Mecca earned the right to hang aloe over the entrance to their homes, where it protected them from evil spirits. For much the same reasons, aloe was also planted at the end of Muslim burial plots. Its Arabic name, saber, means "patience".
Parts Used:
Leaves (occasionally), sap (lu hui).
Phytochemicals and Nutrients:
Phytochemicals: Acemannan, Beta-Carotene, Beta-Sisterole, Campesterol, Cinnamic Acid, Coumarin, Lignins, P-Coumaric Acid, Saponins
Nutrients: Amino Acids, Calcium, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E, Zinc.
Properties:
An intensely bitter, purgative herb that controls fungal infection, is anti-inflammatory, and promotes healing. It destroys intestinal parasites and stimulates the uterus.
Actions and Uses:
Acts as an astringen, emollient, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. Applied topically, heals burns and wounds; and stimulates cell regeneration. Ingested, helps to lower cholesterol, reduces inflammation resulting from radiation therapy, increases blood vessel generation in lower extremities of people with poor circulation, soothes stomach irritation, aids healing, and acts as a laxative. Good for AIDS and for skin and digestive disorders.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for chronic constipation (especially following iron medication), poor appetite, digestive problems, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Not given to pregnant women or to patients with hemorrhoids. Leaves are a strong purgative and require great care over dosage. Aloe vera juice may cause miscarriage and serious digestive upsets in excess, or if it contains more than .50 parts per million of aloin. To prevent griping in laxative formulations, it is usually combined with Foeniculum vulgare (See fennel) or Tamarindus indicus (see tamarind). Externally for burns, scalds, sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, and ulcers; also in colonic irrigation, and to prevent nail biting.
Different forms of aloe have different uses. Aloe barbadensis is used to promote bowel movements in cases of hemorrhoids and anal fissures and to treat fungal diseases, stomach tumors, colic, skin diseases, amenorrhea, infections, and worm infestation. Aloe capensis is used to soften the stool and to treat eye inflammations, syphilis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Aloe vera is used to treat constipation, herpes simplex lesions, psoriasis, sunburn, abrasions, minor burns, and wounds. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of Aloe barbadensis and Aloe capensis to treat constipation.
The clear mucilaginous gel from the center of the aloe vera leaf has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Probably best known for its ability to encourage the healing of burns, aloe vera gel can also be applied to wounds, abrasions, eczema, psoriasis and ulcers. The exudate from the cut aloe vera leaf acts as an extremely cathartic laxative, and consequently, homemade preparations of aloe vera should not be consumed. Commercial preparations (without the laxative constituents) are available, and preliminary research indicates that they may be beneficial in a range of conditions, including non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and high blood lipid levels.
Aloe has anti-inflammatory, emollient, vulnerary (wound-healing), and purgative (strong laxative) properties. The translucent gel-like sap extracted from the inner leaves of the plant are rich in polysaccharides that have a healing, soothing effect on the skin. Aloe is most frequently used externally to treat bruises, dry skin, insect bites, minor burns (including sunburn), minor cuts and wounds, skin infections, and skin irritations. Aloe has also been used in eyedrops to treat red, irritated eyes, conjuctivitis, and other eye ailments. Aloe additionally has a long history in folk herbalism as an internal treatment for constipation, digestive disorders, and gastritis. Today, however, internal use of the herb is rare—because of its strong purgative effects—and then only under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.
Preparation:
For external use, aloe is widely available in creams, gels, liquids, and powdered gels; follow the manufacturer's directions. To make an eyewash for irritated eyes: add ½ teaspoon of powdered gel to 1 cup of boiled or sterile water and stir well until powder is dissolved (One teaspoon of boric acid may be added to boost aloe's healing effects). Strain liquid through a coffee filter before using on eyes.
Typical Dosage:
There is no typical dose for external application. Taken internally, a typical dose of aloe is approximately 0.05 gm of Aloe barbadensis powder or 0.05 to 0.2 g or Aloe capensis powder.
NOTE: Due to its potential side effects, aloe is not reccommended for internal use.
Evidence of Benefit:
Aloe is an immune stimulant, laxative, and anti-inflammatory agent. It also promotes the absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract and normalizes blood sugar.
Benefits of aloe for specific health conditions include the following:
  • Burns and Other Wounds: Scientific studies with animals have shown that aloe vera sap activates macrophages, the immune cells that fight bacterial infection. This allows burns to heal cleanly. The sap stimulates the circulation of blood at the body's surface, which accelerates wound healing. Aloe vera juice speeds healing because it increases the amount of oxygen carried by the blood to the cells. Aloe gel is a mild anesthetic that relieves itching, swelling, and pain. Aloe also helps repair damaged cells and prevents burns from scarring. Moreover, aloe contains enzymes, carboxypeptidase, and bradykininase, that relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease redness and swelling. Clinical studies have confirmed that burns and cuts treated with aloe gel heas as much as three days faster than burns and cuts treated with unmedicated dressings or chemical antiseptic gels.
  • Cancer: Alo A, a medically active complex sugar in aloe, stimulates and regulates various components of the immune system. It stops both the processes of inflammation necessary for tumors to gain new blood supplies and the growth of tumors themselves. In a skin cancer study involving animals, aloe gel and vitamin E cream together produced remission approximately 33 percent of the time, compared with 3 percent when no treatment was given. In addition, certain compounds in aloe seem to prevent cancer-causing substances from entering liver tissue. Because it keeps potential carcinogens from entering the liver, rather than changing the chemistry of the liver itself (like many other cancer treatments), aloe compounds do not cause the liver to create new carcinogens while it deactivates others. Some clinics have used aloe vera to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment with the chemotherapy agents cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Several studies indicated that aloe vera gel can protect both the immune system and the skin from the effects of radiation treatment. In addition, at least one study suggests that taking aloe internally can reduce the likelihood of lung cancer in smokers.
  • Constipation: Aloe bitters are a fast and effective remedy for constipation used widely outside the United States. When compared with other herbal stimulant laxatives such as cascara sagrada or senna, aloe draws less fluid into the large intestine from the rest of the body. This make its less likely than cascara or senna to cause dehydration or electrolyte disturbances. Aloe juices have the same effect as bitters on constipation but are less reliable and offer less relief.
  • Crohn's Disease: Aloe juice is an effective anti-inflammatory for Crohn's disease. It also ensures soft stools. Aloe bitters and aloe laxatives, however, should be avoided by people with Crohn's disease, since they may cause painful cramps. Cathartic preparations of aloe should be avoided.
  • Diabetes: In one five-year study, 3,167 diabetic patients with atherosclerotic heart disease were given 120 grams of parboiled aloe leaves for lunch and dinner each day. The patients showed marked decreases in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and sugar. While aloe leaves are unlikely to be eaten as a vegetable in the United States, this research demonstrates the antidiabetic potency of the herb. In another test, diabetic patients were given a spoonful of a much more palatable aloe extract with water at every meal for fourteen weeks. Their average fasting blood-sugar level fell from a very high 273 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) to a slightly elevated 151 mg/dl. Aloe seems to act by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin. For this reason, it it potentially helpful only for people with type 2 diabetes whose bodies still produce some insulin. However, one of aloe's strengths is that it does not cause weight gain, a common side effect of some diabetes medications.
  • Frostbite: Aloe prevents a decrease of blood flow to the frozen tissues, which is a common cause of tissue loss in frostbite. People treated with aloe vera cream are more likely to heal without any tissue loss or amputation.
  • Hangover: An aloe compound called aloin helps prevent alcoholic intoxication, probably by preventing the passage of alcohol from the intestines into the bloodstream.
  • Hemorrhoids: Aloe gel helps heal wounds and can be applied topically. India's Ayurvedic physicians recommend drinking 1/2 cup of aloe juice three times a day until hemorrhoid flare ups are gone.
  • HIV/AIDS: In test-tube studies, acemannan, a potent immune-stimulating compound found in aloe, was shown to be active against HIV. Acemannan also may reduce requirements for zidovudine (Retrovir, better known as AZT). The recommended amount of acemannan is up to 250 milligrams four times a day. It takes about a quart of aloe juice to provide 1,600 milligrams of acemannan.
  • Kidney Stones: Aloe juice contains aloemannan. This complex sugar concentrates in the kidneys, stimulates the growth of healthy kidney cells, and slows the rate of crystal formation.
  • Radiation Exposure: Aloe protects against skin-damaging x-rays. Aloe is an effective antioxidant that absorbs the free radicals caused by radiation.
  • Skin Disorders and Wrinkles: A clinical study found that using aloe vera cream three times a day for four weeks "cured" psoriasis inflammation, stopping skin outbreaks for at least a year. Aloe gels applied to the skin relieve the pain and inflammation of eczema and psoriasis. A potent anti-inflammatory chemical in aloe is as effective as hydrocortisone in treating skin irritation, without hydrocortisone's detrimental effects on the immune system, and using aloe vera cream with hydrocortisone increases relief of inflammation. In a study involving 60 volunteers, daily use of aloe vera gel cleared up psoriasis in over 80 percent of volunteers, compared with 7 percent of those treated with a placebo. Research at the University of Maryland has found that another compound in aloe, aloe-emodin, which is also responsible for aloe's laxative effect, kills the viruses that cause herpes and shingles. Aloe, which has antibacterial and moisturizing effects, also has been shown to rejuvenate sun-aged skin.
  • Surgery, Recovery from: Studies have shown that patients who underwent surgical procedures and were treated with a dressing of aloe healed much faster than those who were treated with a dressing and surgical gel.
  • Ulcers: Aloe soothes peptic-ulcer inflammation caused by excess acid, aspirin, and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),and alcohol, although it is not effective against ulcers in which stress is a prominent factor. Studies show that aloe vera juice heals ulcers so completely that researchers recommend it over the anti-ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet). In people with AIDS, it soothes the lining of the digestive tract, increasing nutrient absorption.
Consideration for Use:
Use aloe gels for skin problems, bitters for constipation and kidney stones, and juice for other disorders, as directed in the individual entries above.
Aloe gel is available commmercially and may also be taken from one's own plants. Leaves up to a foot long may be removed from the plant without causing damage. The best time of day for cutting aloe leaves is midafternoon, when the plant has moved a maximum amount of sap into the leaf.
Be aware that there are many so-called aloe vera products on the market that actually contain very little aloe vera. They are watered-down immitations that are not as beneficial as bona-fide aloe vera. Read product labels. Aloe vera should be listed as a primary ingredient—thatis, it should be the first- or second-listed ingredient.
Aloe bitters and aloe juice should not be taken internally during pregnancy or menstruation, or in cases of rectal bleeding, although aloe gel may be used externally under these conditions. The laxative compounds in aloe are passed into mother's milk, so nursing mothers should avoid internal use of aloe.
Any laxative, herbal or otherwise, affects the rate at which other orally administered drugs are absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, prescription medication and aloe laxatives should be taken at different times.
Long term internal use (more than two weeks) of aloe is not recommended because the fluid drawn into the stool can result in depletion of electrolytes, especially potassium. Loss of potassium is even greater when aloe is taken internally with potassium-wasting diuretic drugs. Depletion of potassium by excessive use of aloe laxatives theoretically could lead to toxic build up of calcium in the bloodstream and kidney damage in women who take calcium-carbonate (such as Caltrate 600) for osteoporosis. Potassium depletion can also cause serious mineral inbalance in persons who take forms of lithium, including Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, and Lithotabs, for treatment of bipolar disorder. The internal use of aloe should likewise be avoided by people who take potassium-depleting drugs for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, such as hydrochlorothiazide (found in diuretic drugs sold under a wide range of brand names) or furosemide (Lasix).
Scientists have debated whether aloe-emodin, aloe's laxative compound, can damage colon cells. The most recent finding is that, when taken as directed, aloe poses no risk of cancer or genetic damage. Among people who abuse aloe and similar laxative herbs over a period of at least a year, and who develop other colon changes, about 3 percent can be expected to develop colorectal cancer within five years. This can be compared with the approximately 4 percent of the population as a whole who will develop colorectal cancer at some point in their lives. Stopping aloe use before twenty weeks have passed gives the body a chance to reverse its effects. Aloe juice does not carry the risks of aloe bitters for colon cancer.
Ayurvedic medicine uses aloe to stimulate fertility in women. Women who take birth control pills should avoid the internal use of aloe, although application of aloe to the skin with not interact with oral contraceptives.
Caution:
No serious side effects are associated with aloe's use. Applied externally, aloe may cause allergic dermatitis in some people. Taken internally—especially in the wrong doses—aloe can cause intestinal cramping and diarrhea. Do not take aloe if you are pregnant, have a pre-existing gastrointestinal ailment, or have hemorrhoids.
Possible Side Effects:
Internally:
Include gastrointestinal spasms, diarrhea, red coloring to the urine, and lowered levels of potassium.

Externally:
Include slower healing of deep wounds and contact dermatitis.
Drug Interactions:
Taking Aloe internally with these drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
Acarbose, (Prandase, Precose)
Acetohexamide, (Acetohexamide)
Chlorpropamide, (Diabinese, Novo-Propamide)
Gliclazide, (Diamicron, Novo-Gliclazide)
Glimepiride, (Amaryl)
Glipizide, (Glucotrol)
Glipizide and Metformin, (Metaglip)
Gliquidone, (Beglynor, Glurenorm)
Glyburide, (DiaBeta, Micronase)
Glyburide and Metformin, (Glucovance)
Insulin, (Humulin, Novolin R)
Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet)
Miglitol, (Glyset)
Nateglinide, (Starlix)
Pioglitazone, (Actos)
Repaglinide, (GlucoNorm, Prandin)
Rosiglitazone, (Avandia)
Rosiglitazone and Metformin, (Avandamet)
Tolazamide, (Tolinase)
Tolbutamide, (Apo-Tolbutamide, Tol-Tab)
Taking aloe internally with these drugs may increase drug effects, due to potassium loss:
Acebutolol, (Novo-Acebutolol, Sectral)
Adenosine, (Adenocard, Adenoscan)
Amiodarone, (Cordarone, Pacerone)
Bretylium, (Bretylium)
Digitalis, (Digitek, Lanoxin)
Diltiazem, (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Disopyramide, (Norpace, Rythmodan)
Dofetilide, (Tikosyn)
Esmolol, (Brevibloc)
Flecainide, (Tambocor)
Ibutilide, (Corvert)
Lidocaine, (Lidoderm, Xylocaine)
Mexiletine, (Mexitil, Novo-Mexiletine)
Moricizine, (Ethmozine)
Phenytoin, (Dilantin, Phenytek)
Procainamide, (Procanbid, Pronestly-SR)
Propafenone, (Gen-Propafenone, Rhythmol)
Propranolol, (Inderal, InnoPran XL)
Quinidine, (Novo-Quinidin, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs)
Sotalol, (Betapace, Sorine)
Tocainide, (Tonocard)
Verapamil, (Calan, Isoptin SR)
Taking aloe internally with these drugs may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood):
Azosemide, (Diat)
Beclomethasone, (Beconase, Vanceril)
Bepridil, (Vascor)
Betamethasone, (Celestone, Diprolene)
Budesonide, (Entocort, Rhinocort)
Budesonide and Formoterol, (Symbicort)
Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex)
Chlorothiazide, (Diuril)
Cortisone, (Cortone)
Deflazacort, (Calcort, Dezacor)
Dexamethasone, (Decadron, Dexasone)
Ethacrynic Acid, (Edecrin)
Etozolin, (Elkapin)
Flunisolide, (AeroBid, Nasarel)
Fluorometholone, (Eflone, Flarex)
Fluticasone, (Cutivate, Flonase)
Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide)
Hydrocortisone, (Anusol-HC, Locoid)
Hydroflumethiazide, (Diucardin, Saluron)
Insulin, (Humulin, Novolin R)
Loteprednol, (Alrex, Lotemax)
Medrysone, (HMS Liquifilm)
Methyclothiazide, (Aquatensen, Enduron)
Methylprednisolone, (Depo-Medrol, Medrol)
Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, (Benicar HCT)
Polythiazide, (Renese)
Prednisolone, (Inflamase Forte, Pred Forte)
Prednisone, (Apo-Prednisone, Deltasone
Rimaexolone, (Vexol)
Sildenafil, (Viagra)
Torsemide, (Demadex)
Triamcinolone, (Aristocort, Trinasal)
Trichlomethiazide, (Metatensin, Naqua)
Xipamide, (Diurexan, Lumitens)
Taking also internally with these drugs may increase the loss of electrolytes and fluids.
Cascara, (Cascara Sagrada)
Docusate and Senna, (Peri-Colace, Senokot-S)
Lab Test Alterations:
  • May decrease serum potassium levels with long-term use.
  • May decrease blood glucose concentrations
  • May confound results of diagnostic urine tests that rely on color change by turning urine red
Disease Interactions:
  • May worsen ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and other intestinal diseases due to the herb's irritating effects.
  • Using large amounts of aloe may trigger or worsen potassium depletion.
  • Using large amounts of aloe may cause kidney inflammation
Supplement Interactions:
  • Increased action of Jimson Weed in cases of chronic use or abuse of aloe.
  • Increased risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity when used with other herbs that contain cardiac glycosides, such as Black Hellebore, Calotropis, Motherwort, and others.
  • Increased risk of potassium depletion when used in conjunction with Horsetail Plant or Licorice.
Economic Uses:
Used in cosmetic, tanning, skin care, and pharmaceutical preparations.
Natural Beauty:
Ultra-soothing and nourishing for even the most parched and dehydrated skin, aloe vera is also a mild exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and stimulating cell regeneration, helping to prevent scarring and diminish wrinkles.
Warning:
This herb, in the form of aloes, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Do not take aloe vera internally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Topical application is considered safe during these times.
Uses and Blends:
Aloe Vera Wrap:
Sunburn and Sun Damage

Slice open a fresh aloe leaf and wrap it around the problem area like a bandage, so the gel sits against your skin. Leave it for 10 minutes, or until skin feels better, then rinse off. Aloe vera has a long history as a first aid treatment.
Anti Aging Hand Wrap:
Hand and Nails

Masks aren't just for your face. This softening and moisturizing recipe also helps to even out skin tone and fade age spots.
1 tbsp honey
3 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp lemon juice
10 drops lemon essential oil
Almond meal sufficient enough to make a paste.
  1. Melt honey over low heat. In a small bowl, combine the aloe vera gel with the honey and lemon juice. Add the essential oil and mix thoroughly.
  2. Add sufficient almond meal to make a soft, workable paste; it should not be too sloppy. Smooth mask over clean hands, paying particular attention to the backs of hands and knuckles. Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and apply moisturizer.

Scald, Sunburn, Hotspot Salve:
Pet Care

Aloe vera gel takes the sting out of scalds and sunburn and soothes an itch with its moisturizing properties. Cut an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly onto scalds, sunburn or hotspots caused by excessive scratching. Make sure your always break off the more mature leaves from the aloe vera plant.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 115
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by George T Grossberg, M.D., and Barry Fox, Ph.D. Copyright © 2007 by Barry Fox, Ph.D. pp.33-35
The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs Reader's Digest Copyright©2009 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Pp. 12,255,258,297
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. Copyright©2002 Phyllis A Balch. pp.17-18
The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke Copyright©2000 Yankee Publishing, Inc. pp. 41-42
Prescription for Nutritional Healing Fourth Edition by Phyllis A. Balch CNC. Copyright©2006 Phyllis A. Balch. pg 100