A Modern Guide to Medicinal Herbs

More than 50 common herbs listed packed with information about their history, medicinal uses and chemical constituents!

Sample Listing:

Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

Common names: Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe

Perennial

Family:  Aloeaceae 

Range:  Mediterranean, some parts of Europe   

History:  Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) has been recognized as a significant medicinal herb for more than 3,000 years. The Egyptian Papyrus ebers and temple walls bear testament to the use of aloe to treat burns, skin ulcers and parasites. Aloe was in such demand by the 4th century B.C., that Aristotle urged Alexander the Great to conquer the east African island of Socotra, the sole location of aloe cultivation at that time. By 1673, England began importing a steady supply of aloe from Barbados, which led to the plant's species name of barbadensis.

The early herbalist, Dioscorides, prescribed the juice for digestive and kidney disorders in the 1st century A.D. There is recorded evidence of using aloe vera juice as a laxative in writings of 6th century B.C. Arabs. In modern times, the juice has been used to successfully treat patients with peptic ulcers and colitis.

Many people have mistaken the aloe mentioned in the Bible as being the aloe we're familiar with today.  But, the aloe referred to in the Bible is agalwood or aloewood (Aquillaria agallocha), and is a soft, aromatic wood from India used in incense and perfume.

Uses:  Aloe is a common ingredient in many commercial preparations for treating burns, including those caused by exposure to sun and radiation. The crystalline called alone is a natural sunscreen which blocks up to 30% of the sun's ultraviolet rays.  There is evidence that the gel produced by the outer leaf may deter the presence of bradykinin, a pain-producing agent. The gel also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, and inhibits the production of thromboxane, an agent that restrains the healing of burns. Aloe is also effective when applied to eczema, ringworm, and rashes induced by contact with poison ivy and poison oak.

Constituents:  Barbaloin and Isobarbaloin (aloins)

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