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.

It's Wednesday, What's Under Wrap?

I always say that Unique Garden Essences offers spa quality products for use in the privacy of your home. So this Wednesday, I want to revisit one of the most "spa like" treatments there is. While there are many "at home" treatments that can make you feel like you are in a spa, none other is quite so spa like, so luxurious as the Body Wrap. While the body wrap treatments are more time consuming than most facial or hair treatments, they are certainly well worth the effort. YOU are well worth the effort and deserve the indulgence!  In addition to the physical benefits of the various ingredients used, you should not ignore the spiritual aspects. So go ahead and wrap yourself in the ocean's best, and emerge like a new creation.... a mermaid perhaps?

To get going in the right direction, there are some tips that, when followed, will help to enhance your treatment. To begin with, before starting these, or any treatment for that matter, make sure that you remove all lotions, perfumes, deodorants, and dirt. The simplest way to do this is by taking a quick shower. When taking that shower, make sure that you use an all natural soap. If you don't have one, at least make sure that you use a mild soap, and preferably a non-perfumed one. Next, warm the tools. By warming the tools, towels, sheets and wrap ingredients you will help to retain your body's heat, thereby enhancing your overall experience. To this end, the use of a space heater is also recommended. By placing it near you in your relaxation area you will not only prolong the heat of the wrap for as long as possible, but will also increase your general comfort level. You can further intensify your treatment, as well as raise your body temperature, by sipping on some hot, herbal tea before your treatment. The cotton strips or sheet that you use to wrap should be immersed in water that is approximately 180 degrees F or 82 degrees C. Make sure that you wear rubber gloves to wring out the sheets/strips so that you can avoid burning your fingers. 

When you are ready to wrap, begin by wrapping the strips (snugly) around your legs, then move to your arms, and lastly do your torso. Make sure to tuck the ends of the strip under a wrapped area nearby to ensure a snug fit. Once you are finished, lay yourself on a plastic sheet (or a shower curtain) and wrap yourself up in it, then cover yourself with blankets, as this will help to maintain the warmth and heat, which helps to activate your treatment. Once you are finished wrapping, put on a warm robe and sit and relax for 20 minutes, unless otherwise directed. Keep in mind that it is very important that you do NOT attempt any physical activity immediately after your treatment. It is usually best to slowly remove the strips and simply roll into bed after relaxation type wraps. Showering shortly after most treatment is not recommended, so please do so only if the recipe/directions specifically mentions it.

Recipes/Directions

For all recipes; 

First off you need to prepare. Select a relaxation spot, such as your bed, the bathtub or a lounge chair. Then cover the area with a plastic sheet or shower curtain liner. Set the space heater next to your relaxation area and turn it on. Place some blankets nearby so they will be handy when you need them.

Relaxation Wrap

1 Cup fresh, chopped, chamomile OR 1/2 Cup dried chamomile 1 Cup fresh, grated valerian root OR 1/2 Cup dried valerian root 1 Cup fresh, crushed lavender OR 1/2 Cup dried lavender 1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 3" wide strips 1 large pot for boiling water (a lobster or spaghetti pot works well) 1 plastic shower curtain liner or plastic sheet blankets Place the herbs in a large pot and fill with water, then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes. With a strainer, scoop out as many of the herbs as possible. Then place the sheet strips in the pot and allow to steep for five minutes. Once your five minutes is up, remove the strips one at a time, as you use them, and wring out the excess water. Proceed to wrap yourself as described above, making sure to cover and relax for 10 minutes, after which you should remove the strips slowly and roll on into bed. Valerian has been used since ancient Roman times as a mild sedative, and is used today as a mild sleep aid and anxiety reliever. Chamomile offers calming and anti-spasmodic properties, while lavender lends its balancing, relaxing, and restorative properties, all of which combine to make this wrap the perfect end to a stressful day. Using this wrap just prior to bedtime will maximize its effectiveness, as will delaying washing until the next morning.

Detoxifying Wrap

1 Cup fresh, chopped lemongrass OR 1/2 Cup dried lemongrass 1 3" long piece of grated or minced ginger root 1 large pot for boiling 1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 3" wide strips 1 plastic sheet or shower curtain liner blankets place the lemongrass and the ginger in a large pot and filled with water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for another 5 minutes. Scoop out as much of the herbs as possible, then place the sheet strips in the pot and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the strips one at a time, as you use them, and wring out the excess water. Apply as instructed in the tip section above. Once completely wrapped, cover with blankets and relax for 15 minutes. After you remove the wrap strips, shower off. Ginger has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for over 2,500 years for its medicinal properties. It has been found to rid the body of flu-like symptoms, colds, and respiratory ailments, while the scent of lemongrass uplifts and rejuvenates moods. Lemongrass has tonic, invigorating and antiseptic properties, while ginger offers stimulating and cleansing effects, which makes this wrap perfect for part of your morning ritual.

Remineralizing Wrap

8 oz dried or powdered seaweed OR 3oz fresh seaweed water (enough to make a paste) 2 Plastic sheet or shower curtain liner blankets This wrap is probably best executed in the bathtub for ease of cleanup. Put a blanket (or blankets, enough so that you are comfortable) on the bottom of the tub, then set the plastic sheet or shower curtain liner on top of the blanket(s). While sitting in the tub, on top of the plastic, cover yourself with the seaweed past or the fresh seaweed, then wrap yourself with a plastic sheet and blankets. Relax for 20 minutes, then slowly unwrap yourself, remove the blankets and sheets from the tub, fill with warm water and relax for an additional 10 minutes. After the treatment pat your skin dry, and don't forget to moisturize. *Make sure that you use the space heater for this treatment. Seaweed wraps are a quick way to remineralize the body while replenishing the body with nutrients and elements that are lost on a daily basis, such as amino-acids, calcium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, protein, and vitamins. The molecular formation of the human blood cell and that of seawater is very similar, which allows nutrients from the seawater to easily filter through the pores of the skin and directly into the bloodstream. The most popular type of seaweed used for cosmetic and healing purposes is kelp, which is the common name for the leafy brown algae that grows along colder coastlines. Although using fresh seaweed is optimal, a seaweed powder (mixed with enough water to create a mayonnaise-like paste) will give you equally satisfying results.

Teaching Tuesday- Under the Radar EO's- Hyssop

In continuing the series of Essential Oils that may be Under Your Radar, today we will be looking at Hyssop EO.


Hyssop is one of the bitter herbs mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It was used to purify the temples. And the Romans used it to disinfect the houses of the sick, and to protect themselves against the plague. 


Botanically named Hyssopus Officinalis, this brightly colored shrub ranges from roughly one to two feet tall. The base of the stem is woody and has many branches growing from it. The leaves are dark green in color and in the Spring they produce bunches of pink, blue, or (rarely) white, fragrant flowers. Under optimal weather conditions the herb hyssop is harvested twice yearly, at the end of Spring and again in the beginning of the Fall. The plants are usually flowering when harvested so that the flowing tips can be gathered. Once the stalks are cut and collected they are either hung for drying, or are stacked on pallets [to allow for drainage] and dried. After they are completely dried, about 6 days, the leaves are removed and the flowers and leaves are finely chopped. Once in this dehydrated form, the herb remains good for 18 months.  The Hyssop plant is often planted by beekeepers to produce a rich and aromatic honey. The fresh herb, as well as its dried form, is commonly used in cooking. It has an intensely minty aroma and the leaves are used as an aromatic condiment.  It is also used to flavor liqueur and is, in fact, part of the formulation for chartreuse. Essence of Hyssop can be obtained by steaming, and is used in cooking too, albeit to a much lesser extent. 


The essential oil of Hyssop is made by steam distillation. It is a middle note, with a sweet, richly herbaceous, camphoraceous fragrance. The thjone and phenol in the plant, and the subsequent EO, give it strong antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It also possesses astringent, caminative, cephalic, *cicatrizant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, sedative, tonic, vermifuge, and vulnerary  properties.

In the market place, hyssop is frequently used in mouthwash and eye drop formulations. In fact, the expectorant action of this oil can be put to good use during cold and flu season by adding it to a balm/rub, or by putting some in a diffuser.  Aside from colds, coughs and flu, sore throats, asthma, and bronchitis, it can benefit conditions of dermatitis, eczema, fatigue, fevers, flatulence, indigestion, inflammation, leucorrhea, nervous tension, rheumatism, and wounds. 
It should not be used during pregnancy, by those with high blood pressure, or by anyone with epilepsy. Hyssop has high concentrations of thujone and other chemicals that stimulate the CNS (central nervous system). These chemicals can provoke epileptic seizures when taken in high enough doses. Just how high is high enough is an unknown quantity, so best to stay away from this herb if you have any epileptic tendencies. 

*Something that promotes the healing of a sore or wound by forming scar tissue.

Make It Yourself Monday- Colloidal Oatmeal

Today's Make it Yourself project is an easy one, but one that can not only save you money, but can provide you relief for several afflictions. What am I talking about? Colloidal oatmeal, that's what. Now you may wonder what colloidal oatmeal is, and I will tell you a big industry secret, it is simply ground oatmeal. Now it should not be eaten, and is not your breakfast cereal, but it is made from that same oat, the cooking kind, not the instant kind. 


So what will this oatmeal do for you? Oatmeal will help to smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin. Specifically, colloidal oatmeal works great to help relieve the dry skin patches of eczema, psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations. It also helps relieve chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other itching and scratching rashes. When your skin is itchy and irritated, its pH level may be higher than normal. Colloidal oatmeal helps to bring the pH back to its normal levels, which in turn, reduces the need to scratch. To easily and affectively get the benefits of the oatmeal and its anti-itch properties, add oatmeal to a bath tub with warm water, then hang out and relax a while, as the infused water works to soften your skin. It   feels silky, coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin, because when its added to bathwater it creates a milky dispersion, one that prevents the oatmeal from settling to the bottom of the tub rapidly. So the oatmeal stays mixed in the bath water, coating your skin. 


Colloidal oatmeal is simply oats that are ground into an extremely fine powder., and can easily be made at home. Many vendors get a good dollar amount for this "special" bath additive. But you can save yourself money by grinding your own. Just buy regular oats, not the instant ones and put them in the grinder, the blender or the food processor. Set them to powder and grind away. Test to ensure that the particles are small enough by floating some in a bowl of water. If the particles sink to the bottom right away, they need to be smaller. Also, when they are a correct size, your water should turn a milky color. 


Once ground, you can store in an airtight container and have ready for when you need it. It is easiest to do a whole batch of oats at once, and then you will have plenty for when you need it. When you do need it, run a bath with lukewarm water, not too hot, not too cold. A cold bath is just too cold to stay in, and a hot bath will only irritate the skin, not to mention that it dehydrates the skin, so a warm bath is preferable.Then, while the tub is filling, add two to three cups of the colloidal oatmeal, placing it under the faucet to help with dispersement. Soak in this bath for about fifteen minutes, and when you get out of the bath, make sure you use caution, as the tub will be slick, making it easy to slip and fall. When you dry off, make sure that you pat the skin dry, rubbing may irritate the skins' sore areas. You can take up to three baths a day, depending on the severity of your condition


Soaking in colloidal oatmeal is safe for everyone, children and adults alike,  and it even makes a good treatment for the family dog or cat. There are no known drug or ailment interactions, and it is it an allergen. So the next time bug bites are driving you nuts, or poison ivy has you itching and scratching all day, ir you are just tired of extra dry skin, try using this easy bath treatment!

Scrub a Dub Dub Take Time To Do A Body Rub!

When visiting any Spa, the integral part of the treatment will be some type of exfoliation. While the techniques may vary, the purpose of exfoliation is always the same. First of all it serves to rid the skin's surface of dirt and oil as it rubs off the outermost layer of dead skin cells. The removal of this layer of dead cells enables the skin to more easily and effectively absorb or react to any products used after the exfoliation process. Therefore the second purpose of exfoliation is that it actually prepares the skin for other, subsequent treatments. It is very important to remember that body scrubbing is NOT facial scrubbing. You need to have appropriate tools for the job, such as; a sisal mitt, a loofah sponge, a stiff, natural bristle brush, and/or an abrasive sponge, a pumice stone and a towel are good to have also. The pumice stone is great for the bottoms of the feet, but not a necessity. Whichever tools you choose to use, make sure that you use your scrubber in a circular motion, beginning at the feet , moving to the legs, the working the hands, arms, shoulders, then down the back and up the torso toward the heart. Apply firm, even pressure but do not apply so much that you irritate or "burn" the skin. As you incorporate a full body rub into your daily beauty regimen (it really should be done daily five minutes is all that you need if done consistently) your skin will build a tolerance to the rubbing and you will be able to apply more pressure, offering a more vigorous scrub. When you are brand new to body rubs, you have to begin by being more gentle in order to avoid abrading the skin. Body scrubbing helps to stimulate and circulate the lymph fluids, which then help to eliminate the body's toxins. A cool water rinse after the body scrub will further help with blood circulation. After the rinse, pat dry and moisturize if you are not performing another type of treatment. Do not skip moisturizing! As previously stated, after the exfoliation the skin will more readily drink in the moisturizer, making it much more effective at this time than any other. Since exfoliation is very energizing and revitalizing, it is a treatment that is really best suited to a morning regimen. As with most recipes for body treatments, the ingredients are dependant upon your needs. You will need an abrasive ingredient along with one that will make it easy to apply to the skin. The various oils used should be chosen according to your skin type and any essential oils used should be chosen to maximize the effects that you desire. You can review what the essential oils are used for by reading the archives. All essential oils are listed alphabetically during 10/08 and 11/08. The next post will review potential choices for the abrasive ingredient in recipes, as well as the various carrier oil choices, along with a few more recipes. Meanwhile, you can find some recipes in the archives for 8/16/08.

Face Mask for Mature and/or Dry Skin

Yesterday my Mother had a very bad day. After several misshapes she ended her day by splashing a swimming pool chemical in her eye. Needless to say, after the necessary flushing, hours in the ER, and the medicine to save her eye, she ended up with a red, swollen eye. Additionally she was extremely worn out and it really showed on her face, so I decided that I would treat her to a face mask. Specifically, a new clay based mask that I just created a recipe for. I figured that this would give me a guinea pig and I would also be doing something nice for her. I love two birds with one stone deals, but I made a huge mistake. My mistake? I didn't take a before, during, and after picture! I really was just thinking she would either say that it felt bad, good, or great, and that afterwords her skin felt okay, good, or great. I watched as she rinsed off the mask, after only 10 minutes and I was completely taken aback when her skin showed marked and visible signs of improvement. Her under and supra orbital swelling was decreased, the redness of the skin, and even facial wrinkles were decreased. We immediately could SEE a big difference her skin tone. We were really both blown away as we examined her skin. The first thing she said was, "you should have taken a before and after picture!" Of course the second thing she said was, "when can I do another one?" lol.

I always love it when a recipe comes together, but it amazes me to know that these small wonders still amaze me!