An A-Z on herbs.
The term herb is generally used to describe a plant that is herbaceous in nature, that is, it is not a tree or a shrub. However, when a witch or occultist uses the word "herb" we are generally referring to a plant that is useful wi...
Other Names: Barbados, Cape, Curaiao, Socotrine, Zanzibar aloe, aloe vera
General Information:
Although it is part of the lily family, this succulent plant more closely resembles a cactus in appearance and habit. It has fleshy leaves, somewhat spiky at the edges and can be mottled. These leaves are arranged in basal rosettes. Under ideal circumstances, the plant produces yellow, tubular flowers in the summer.
Harvest & Storage:
Harvest and use it as needed. Cut a leaf from the plant a peel away the hard skin to get to the gel inside. The plant will seal up the cut and heal itself.
Magickal Attributes:
Aloe is associated with feminine energy, the element of water, the moon, and the astrological sign cancer. It is sacred to Venus/Aphrodite.
It is used as an amulet against accidents and misfortunes, especially around the home. It is also used for love and beauty and all spells related to lunar energies.
Household Use:
Aloe is a wonderful addition to facial cleaners and moisturizers. It speeds healing of acne and reduces scarring.
Apply aloe vera gel to the hair before styling to keep your hair smooth, shiny and manageable and to reduce frizz and dandruff and prevent hair loss. Add some rosemary essential oil to strengthen hair and further prevent damage and hair loss.
Medicinal Uses:
Aloe very gel is antibacterial, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal and increases blood flow to the skin where applied, stimulating healing. This makes it useful for burns, sunburn, rashes, poison Oak, Poison Ivy, diaper rash, ring worm, frostbite, acne, any minor cut or abrasion, and just about any skin problem you might have. Just peel away the skin of a leaf and apply the gel to your skin. For a large area, you can place some peeled leaves in the blender and add the goo to your bath for a good soak.
Aloe is also a gentle soother of sore nipples for breastfeeding mothers. It tastes terrible though and can cause tummy aches, so you'll want to wipe off well before nursing.
Internally, aloe has been used for constipation and intestinal blockages, however, its use can cause some serious intestinal and abdominal cramping, so use with caution. It should not be used by anyone with a chronic intestinal condition.
Studies have shown that aloe can strengthen the immune system and help reduce blood sugar. It has been the subject of serious studies related to the treatment of HIV and cancer.
Aloe very is also used to increase both male and female fertility. It is used by some livestock breeding facilities to coat and protect stored sperm and some research indicates that aloe vera extract, taken internally, may increase sperm count in male mice whose sperm counts were lowered through exposure to radiation and may provide some protection against sperm abnormalities. Aloe douches are also used to increase fertility of female livestock.
Additional Notes:
Some people are very allergic to aloe, so use with caution.
Aloe juice is often sold in health food stores. Pregnant women and those who are menstruating should never drink this as it can cause cramping, hemorrhage and miscarriage.
Aloe is a wonderful houseplant but the outside of the leaf is very irritating to delicate inner tissues. Keep it out of the reach of pets and small children (0-5)
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