Teaching Tuesday-Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is probably the most widely known and most often used cosmetic additive. In fact, many families keep a bottle of the gel in the refrigerator year round, for sunburns and minor incidents. So, as Summer is upon us, I thought we'd take a more in depth look at this additive in today's installment of  Teaching Tuesday!

The Aloe vera plant is a stemless, or very short-stemmed, succulent plant. It grows from 24–39 inches tall and spreads by offsets. The leaves are green to gray-green, and are thick and fleshy. Some varieties have white flecks on stem surfaces, but not all. They flower in the Summer, with pendulous, yellow petals that extend from a spike that may shoot up to 35 inches tall. Like other aloe species, aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, which is the formation of an unique fungus that penetrates the cells of the roots of a vascular plant. This fungus forms a symbiotic relationship that allows the plant to have better access to minerals and nutrients in the soil.

While the aloe vera plant looks like a member of the cactus family, it really belongs to the lily family! The name actually comes from the Arabic word  alloeh, which means "bitter" , stemming from the bitter taste of the liquid that is found in its leaves.  The aloe vera plant is made up of about 96% water, but it also contains other active ingredients, such as steroids, minerals, vitamins, essential oil, glycoproteins, amino acids and enzymes. Research has shown that the aloe vera gel penetrates human skin almost four times faster than water does. It is this ease of permeability that makes it a highly effective additive in moisturizers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and other products.

The plant is used for both its gel and its latex. The clear, see through, jelly-like gel that is contained in, and harvested from the plant's pulp, inside the meaty leaves is the gel. Aloe latex is yellow, and it comes from just under the plant's skin. Some aloe products are made from the entire crushed leaf, so they will contain both the gel and the latex.

Some aloe medications are made to be taken internally,  usually from the latex. These medications are often for the treatment of constipation, colds, asthma, osteoarthritis, bowel diseases, ulcers, diabetes and a few others. However, the most popular and familiar use is the use of aloe gel, topically. In fact, it has been used as a remedy for skin conditions such as burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, dandruff, cold sores, and minor wounds for thousands of years.

There is promising, albeit preliminary data, from laboratory studies of animals, as well as humans, that support the suposition that topical aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties which [may] improve wound healing and skin inflammation. In fact, some studies purport that aloe contains active compounds that [may] decrease pain and inflammation, as well as stimulate growth and repair. It appears that some chemicals in the aloe gel are able to increase circulation in the small blood vessels of the skin, as well as kill bacteria. Together, these effects seem to make aloe effective in speeding wound healing. The University of Maryland reports that "....in one study, burn sites treated with aloe healed completely in less than 16 days compared to 19 days for sites treated with silver sulfadiazine. In a review of the scientific literature, researchers found that patients who were treated with aloe vera healed an average of almost 9 days sooner than those who weren't treated with the medicinal plant."

There is however, also evidence that certain wounds should not be treated with aloe at all, as the healing will be dealyed and/or the tissue health risked. Most literature agrees that this is true with surgical wounds and severe (3rd degree) burns.

Powdered aloe, which is simply aloe that was freeze dried then pulverized, is frequently used in facial formulas, body wraps, bath salts, milk baths, soaps, body scrubs and the like. It, as well as the gel, are often touted as being perfectly safe for everyone, with some even saying that it is "hypoallergenic." While the topical use is generally considered safe for most individuals, according to health information disseminated by the Mayo clinic;

"People with known allergy to garlic, onions, tulips, or other plants of the Liliaceae family may have allergic reactions to aloe. Individuals using aloe gel for prolonged times have developed allergic reactions including hives and eczema-like rash. Aloe injections have caused severe reactions and should be avoided." 

They also report that;
-Aloe used on surgical wounds has been shown to slow the healing process.
-Aloe juce applied to the face after dermabrasion (a skin-peeling procedure) has been reported to cause burning and redness in some patients.
-Using aloe prior to sun exposure may lead to a rash once exposed.


They specifically warn that the use of aloe or aloe latex, when taken internally for laxative effects can cause cramping or diarrhea. When Use for over seven days may cause dependency or worsening of constipation after the aloe is stopped. Ingestion of aloe for over one year has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. 


-Individuals with severe abdominal pain, appendicitis, ileus (temporary paralysis of the bowel), or a prolonged period of time without a bowel movement, should not take aloe by mouth at all. 

In fact, they state that there is a "...report of hepatitis (liver inflammation) with the use of oral aloe".

-They also warn of the "...potential for electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels, caused by the laxative effect of aloe. This effect may be greater in people with diabetes or kidney disease."

-They caution that "...Since low potassium levels can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and/or muscle weakness, this is something to be watched closely, and people with heart or kidney disease, or electrolyte abnormalities should not ever take aloe by mouth. And healthcare professionals should be advised, and be monitoring for changes in the electrolytes of any individual taking aloe [by mouth] for more than a few days."

-"Additionally, aloe taken by mouth may lower blood sugar levels, so extreme caution is advised for those with diabetes and/or hypoglycemia, as well as those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that may affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare professional, and medication adjustments may be necessary." 

-"People with thyroid disorders, kidney disease, heart disease, or electrolyte abnormalities should also use oral aloe only under medical supervision."

They also recommend that everyone "avoid Aloe vera injections, which have been associated with cases of death under unclear circumstances."

-As far as pregnant and breast feeding women, they state that, "..although topical (skin) use of aloe is unlikely to be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding, oral (by mouth) use is not recommended due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions. It is not known whether active ingredients of aloe may be present in breast milk. The dried juice of aloe leaves should not be consumed by breastfeeding mothers."


From personal and family history, I will say that I love using aloe topically. I am one that has a plant growing most all times, ready to cut and use whenever needed. And I do not recall too many Summers, where a bottle of gel wasn't stashed in the refrigerator for use after a day at the beach.

Teaching Tuesdays- Calendula Infused Oil

Calendula, known botanically as calendula officinalis, is another name for the pot marigold flower. This  perennial grows from one to three feet, and blooms once a month during season, but is usually treated as an annual in both the very cold, and the very hot climates, where its survival in the extremes is problematic. It is, however, easily grown  from seeds, although they do germinate better if they are stored for 6 months prior to planting. They are easy to grow, as they tolerate just about any type of soil condition. The flowers bloom all summer, and come in vibrant yellows and oranges. But, while they resemble a marigold, they are not a true marigold, and should not be confused with such. 

The petals of the calendula flower are the part that is used in the steam distillation to create the oil. It is classified as an infused oil because the petals are steeped, infused into a carrier oil. The petals of the flower can also be dehydrated and used whole, ground into a powder, or even eaten raw. In fact, calendula flowers are often added into salads and other dishes for their color. While its stems are technically considered edible, they actually don't taste very good, so are best avoided.                            

Calendula flowers contain calendulin, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. It contains a high amount of antioxidants, which protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals, called flavonoids. Research into this flowering plant has been ongoing for years, yet researchers are not sure what active ingredients are responsible for its healing properties, however, it does appear to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects. 

Calendula has been clinically shown to speed the healing of wounds and to help prevent dermatitis in breast cancer patients, while they are receiving radiation treatments. This is potentially because the calendula increases blood flow to the affected area. The calendula infused oil is very mild and soothing, and it is a preferable treatment for dry, damaged skin, such as burns, rashes, wounds, and inflammation, or just dry, chapped skin. In fact, calendula oil is so mild that it makes an excellent oil for babies and those with sensitive skin.

The dried petals of calendula are best made into an aromatic infused oil, a tea, or a tincture. The dried petals themselves, or the oil infused with them, make a great base for balms, salves, face creams, and other natural cosmetics. They are also used in soap, for the properties or even just for the nice yellow coloring.
The dried petals are often used in tinctures, ointments and washes to aide in the healing of cuts, bruises, burns, and the minor infections that these can cause. Don't think it works? The next time you or your child has a bee sting, try chewing some calendula petals, then place the masticated petals on the irritated area and just wait and see how fast the stinging goes away. Of course, if you really don't want to chew them yourself you can just add some fresh petals and water to a blender, reduce them to a paste, then place the paste directly on the affected area. While you have that paste out, you may as well go ahead and slather some on any varicose veins you may have. Calendula has a proven track record for treating and even for healing varicosities! 
The tea, or tincture in water, can be swished and swallowed to help heal sore throats, gastric ulcers, or oral lesions. There are several other applications where calendula may be beneficial, both internally and externally. For more detailed information you can check out one of the many home herbal medicines books available at your public library for FREE, or check out the several on-line sources available, some for free and some for a fee. 


As previously stated calendula is very mild and, unless you are allergic to its family, it is considered one of the safest herbs for use. It is quite frequently  recommended for use in baby products, and is found more and more in commercial products, right along with lavender and chamomile. While some sites state a concern that it may [potentially] cause miscarrage, but from what I can see this is limited to its internal use. To be safe, until more is known and documented, I would advise against its use during pregnancy, internally. And, since its safe use during lactation has not yet been studied and established, it is also best to avoid it while nursing. We do know though that Calendula may be a central nervous system depressant, causing sleepiness and drowsiness. Therefore taking it, along with other sedative medications, could cause increased drowsiness. This is especially true when combined with other pharmaceutical medications, especially those that are used during and after surgery. In order to avoid potential issues you should make your physician aware of your intake and stop taking the internal calendula at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. Also, be aware that if you are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the asteraceae/compositae family (such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and others). You should check with a physician prior to using any product that contains calendula powder, petals, or oil that has been infused with calendula, whether its for internal or external use, as you may be sensitive to it.