These days it is easy for people to forget that plants can be used as medicine. Medicine from plants is commonly referred to as natural medicine or traditional medicine. Most conventional western remedies are derived from plant extracts synthesized with other chemicals. Or chemical equivalents are synthesized in a lab to mimic the properties of natural remedies, basically to save time and money, for the drug company. But those ‘un-natural’ medicines can sometimes have undesirable side-effects.
In fact the best remedies for people are derived from natural sources. We as people come from, and are part of nature. This fact is sometimes forgotten amidst the hustle and bustle of day-to-day 21st century life. People these days generally find it easier to pop a pill because they think that natural remedies are beyond their reach. I can show you that in some cases natural medicine from the garden can be easy to prepare whilst medicinal plants can be very attractive in your garden at the same time. Gardens and medicine go hand in hand. Many people become interested in gardening because of the utility value of their plants, meaning they either want to eat, or use the contents of their garden, rather than just simply admiring its beauty.
One of my favorite plants in the garden, is Aloe Vera. In Indonesia it is known as Lidah Buaya (Crocodiles Tongue), for obvious reasons. It is very attractive in the garden, whilst being easy to grow and use at the same time. Aloe Vera has a great healing effect on the body, especially in regards to skin conditions. Aloe Vera has been known for its healing powers since ancient times. The clear gel contained within the leaf makes an excellent treatment for wounds, burns, scratches, insect-bites, and even wrinkles and other skin disorders. Aloe Vera speeds up the rate of healing and the leaf extracts are used in skin-care products and shampoos. Aloe Vera substances are being used both for external use, and for internal use in different drink preparations. There are no known harmful side effects. It has also been grown indoors to help remove toxins from the air. It is unique in that it continues to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide whilst in the dark, making it a good plant for growing inside the home.
The plant has a long medicinal history. It is mentioned in the Bible. Through Egyptian hieroglyphics it is known that Cleopatra used Aloe Vera both internally and externally, and she was very careful with everything in connection to her beauty and health. The Egyptians also used
Aloe Vera to embalm the dead. The gel found inside of the Aloe Vera leaf contains over 75 nutrients, including minerals, amino acids, and vitamins.
Growing Aloe Vera is easy. You can buy it at any nursery or garden shop. Aloe Vera is very common throughout Bali, and the entire world. It can be grown from seed. The plant also multiplies regularly through small runners under the soil.
If you know somebody that has a plant, you can take a small seedling and transplant it to your own garden. Take the small runner seedling with some soil around the root base and place in a new pot or garden. If you do transplant a seedling make sure that you give it a generous amount of water for a few days after, as it may be a little stressed. Aloe is so hardy and tolerant, and it is very easy to work with.
Aloe Vera requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Plants are tolerant of poor soils with low nutrient value, and will grow in rocky nutrient deficient, almost desert-like locations. This species is not very frost tolerant, but this is not a problem in Bali of course. It will grow very well on a sunny window-sill, it thrives on heat, but will also grow well in shade.
Aloe Vera can withstand long periods of drought. If you do forget to water it for long periods, more than two weeks for example, it may take on a pale tone and fade. But it will regenerate in just a few hours if you give it some more water. If you wish to buy Aloe a medium sized plant should not cost more than RP 40000 (circumference 30cm viewed from the top), and up to Rp80000 for a well developed large specimen.
So how to use it, and what for?
Well my number one use, especially here in Bali under the baking hot sun, is for sunburn relief. In all my life I have never come across a faster more effective remedy for sunburn than Aloe Vera. All you have to do is pull a leaf from the outer edge of the base, open it up, and apply the slimy gel that can be found inside. You can either squeeze it out with your hand or cut along the length of the leaf with a knife and open it up that way. When I am in the garden and I want to apply Aloe Vera straight away I use my fingernail to cut it open. You really don’t need any garden tools. It is as simple as pulling a leaf, splitting it open and rubbing it on. It’s too easy!
If you have sunburn rub the Aloe gel straight onto the affected area. Immediately within seconds you will feel the cool soothing effect of the gel. Rub on a generous amount. The clear gel will be very slimy, leave it for a few minutes and it will gradually absorb into your skin and disappear. Wash your skin after 30mins if so desired, as it will feel a bit sticky. Within minutes the sting of the sunburn will be completely gone, rather than the usual few days of pain. It is safe to apply to your face. There is no cream that you can buy at the chemist that work as well as this. Aloe can be used in the same way for minor skin abrasions and minor skin burns. If you have ever had a motorcycle burn to your leg, from the exhaust, try using Aloe Vera gel next time. Make sure you wait until the burn has dried, then apply. You will have less scarring and the healing will be quick.
In cases of dandruff and eczema Aloe is my answer. Simply rub the gel onto the area of the scalp or skin that is affected, and let it soak in. Aloe can also be used to remedy hair-loss. If your hair is falling out try massaging the gel into your head for at least 30 minutes. Leave it to dry and then wash it off if so desired. I know that women regularly use this for pregnancy related hair-loss. You would require several leaves for this, so you would need a few larger sized plants if you wanted to do this on a regular basis.
But Aloe can also be used for manly things too! If you have sensitive skin Aloe is a good substitute for shaving cream. It can be used as a shaving gel and moisturizer in one. I used to be a victim of horrible shaving rash on my neck, but not anymore thanks to the Aloe Vera.
Aloe can also be juiced or eaten raw, but the details on this are beyond the scope of this conversation. If you wish to know more don’t hesitate to email me, and you can be a Doctor in the Garden too!
Selamat Hari Raya Galungan
