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Lesson 8
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Topic 1: History and Folk Use of Aloe Vera
Topic 2: Aloe Vera's Benefits: The Scientific Research
Topic 3: How to Use Aloe Vera Confidently and Safely
Topic 4: History and Folk Use of Ginger
Topic 5: Ginger's Benefits: The Scientific Research
Topic 6: How to Use Ginger Confidently and Safely
Lesson 8 Topic 1
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
History and Folk Use of Aloe Vera
Aloe is so multi-purposed, every kitchen should have a potted aloe on the windowsill. When minor burns, scalds, or cuts occur, you can simply cut off one of the aloe's thick, fleshy leaves, slit it lengthwise, scoop out its clear inner gel, and apply it to the injury.
Not only does aloe gel dry into a natural bandage, it also promotes wound healing and helps prevent infection. When ingested, aloe latex can serve as a potent laxative -- so potent, in fact, that most authorities recommend against using it to this effect.
The English word "aloe" comes from the Arabic alloeh, meaning "bitter and shiny," an apt description of its wound-healing inner leaf gel. Drawings of aloes have been found in Egyptian temples dating back to 3000 B.C. It has even been said that Cleopatra used aloe gel cosmetically to make her skin shine. Egyptian medical writings from 1500 B.C. recommend aloe for infections, skin problems, and as a laxative -- uses still supported by modern science.
Ancient Greek, Roman, Indian, and Chinese physicians imitated the Egyptians, recommending aloe externally for wounds and hemorrhoids, and internally as a laxative.
American pioneers used aloe gel to treat wounds, burns, and hemorrhoids. Again, these are uses of aloe that continue to this day. So does the cosmetic use of the herb; it is an important ingredient in many skin creams.
Lesson 8 Topic 2
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
Aloe Vera's Benefits: The Scientific Research
Aloe Gel
In 1935, an American medical journal released a report regarding the successful treatment of one woman's X-ray burns with aloe gel. Not only was this the first formal report released about aloe's burn-soothing benefits, it also confirmed centuries of the herb's folk use. Since then, several studies have supported aloe's ability to spur the healing of first- and second-degree burns, and other minor skin conditions, including acne and poison ivy rash.
Aloe contains various compounds (bradykinase, salicylic acid, and magnesium lactate) that reduce the inflammation, swelling, and redness of wounds, and help relieve pain and itching.
When treating wounds with aloe, bear in mind that aloe works best for superficial wounds. In fact, for deep wounds, aloe can actually slow the healing process. In a study of cesarean section incisions, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers discovered that incisional wounds not treated with aloe gel healed completely in 53 days. On the other hand, incision wounds treated with aloe took 83 days to heal. So feel free to use aloe gel on minor wounds. Do not use aloe on deep wounds or wounds that require stitches.
As previously mentioned, aloe contains salicylic acid, an ingredient found commonly in many types of acne medications and topical remedies. In an acne study published by the Journal of Dermatology and Surgical Oncology, aloe was shown to speed the healing of pimples by three days, when compared with standard medical treatment.
In addition to encouraging wounds to heal, aloe gel can also help prevent infection in wounded skin. Several studies have found aloe to be effective against many different bacteria and fungi that can invade a wound, including Escherichia coli, and strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Candida. Aloe also boosts the immune system, which helps the body fight infection.
Aloe Latex
Another part of the aloe plant, the latex found in its leaf skin, contains compounds (anthraquinones) with powerful laxative action. Aloe laxatives may cause severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea. Many herbalists discourage its use, although aloe laxative tablets are still available. If you use aloe as a laxative, never exceed the label dose recommendation and reduce your dose or stop using the product if you develop intestinal cramps.
Recently, health food stores have introduced aloe juice beverages, with claims of "enhancing digestion" on the label. These products have mild laxative action and are safer than aloe latex.
Lesson 8 Topic 3
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
How to Use Aloe Vera Confidently and Safely
To help soothe wounds, burns, scalds, or sunburn, and to help avoid wound infection, wash the affected area with soap and water. Next, select a lower (older) aloe leaf, snip it off, slice it lengthwise, apply the gel, and allow it to dry.
To enjoy the cosmetic benefits of aloe, apply gel from the leaf to freshly washed skin. Discontinue use if you experience any skin irritation.
If any wound does not heal significantly within two weeks or appears to be getting worse, consult a physician.
If you are interested in using aloe as a laxative, aloe juice products are milder and are preferable to aloe latex. Aloe latex should not be ingested by pregnant women -- it may stimulate uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. Similarly, nursing mothers should not use aloe latex -- the latex enters the mother's milk and may cause stomach cramps and violent purgation in infants.
Aloe latex's cathartic power may aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Anyone with a gastrointestinal illness should not use aloe latex as a laxative. In general, aloe latex is not recommended for internal use.
Lesson 8 Topic 4
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
History and Folk Use of Ginger
In addition to being a delicious spice, ginger is the herb for preventing nausea caused by motion sickness and morning sickness caused by pregnancy. It also helps prevent heart disease.
Ancient Indians used native ginger in cooking, to preserve food, and to treat both arthritis and digestive problems. They also ate the herb before religious ceremonies -- it left them smelling sweet and therefore presentable to their gods.
Ginger appeared prominently in China's first great herbal, the Pen Tsao Ching (Classic of Herbs), compiled around 3000 B.C. by legendary emperor/sage Shen Nung. The Pen Tsao Ching recommended ginger for colds, fever, chills, tetanus, and leprosy, and, much like the Indian practice, recommended eating fresh ginger to eliminate body odor.
As time passed, the Chinese also adopted the Indian practice of using ginger to treat digestive upsets. Chinese women took it to relieve the nausea of morning sickness. Chinese sailors adopted ginger to prevent seasickness, chewing the root while at sea.
Further, the Chinese consider ginger an antidote to shellfish poisoning, which is why Chinese fish and seafood dishes are often seasoned with the herb.
Ancient Greek traders learned of the Asian practice of using ginger as a digestive aid. They brought the herb back to Greece, where, after big meals, it was served wrapped in sweetened bread. Over time, the herb was baked into the sweet bread, and this indigestion preventive evolved into the world's first cookie, gingerbread.
In England and the American colonies, ginger was incorporated into ginger beer, a stomach-soothing drink that was the forerunner of today's ginger ale and is still a popular home remedy for nausea and vomiting.
Lesson 8 Topic 5
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
Ginger's Benefits: The Scientific Research
The ancient Chinese were right -- ginger does prevent the nausea of seasickness, other types of motion sickness, and morning sickness caused by pregnancy.
Ginger's anti-nausea action received its first scientific verification in a 1982 publication of The Lancet, a British medical journal. During the course of this study, researchers at Brigham Young University gave 36 volunteers with a history of motion sickness either 100 milligrams of the standard anti-motion sickness drug, Dramamine, or 940 milligrams of ginger powder. A short time later, the participants were seated in a computerized rocking chair programmed to induce motion sickness. The chair was further equipped with a switch that allowed its riders to stop the motion when they began to feel nauseated.
Compared with the Dramamine group, those who took ginger lasted 57 percent longer. The researchers also recommended ginger capsules, ginger tea, or ginger ale for the morning sickness of pregnancy.
Since that study, many others have confirmed ginger's value for prevention of motion and morning sickness. For example, Swedish Navy researchers tested it on 80 naval cadets in heavy seas. Compared with the placebo group, those who took ginger experienced 72 percent less seasickness.
Many oncologists now recommend ginger for nausea associated with chemotherapy.
Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration, endorses ginger to prevent and treat motion sickness and indigestion.
Ginger also helps prevent heart disease and stroke in three ways:
·It helps reduce cholesterol, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
·It helps lower blood pressure
·It prevents the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks and some strokes
Finally, ginger has anti-inflammatory action, lending support to its traditional use as a treatment for arthritis.
Lesson 8 Topic 6
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
How to Use Ginger Confidently and Safely
In food, grate fresh ginger root to taste for a fragrant aroma and warm, spicy flavor.
For motion sickness, the recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams about 30 minutes before travel. Commercial ginger capsules are usually most convenient, but a 12-ounce container of ginger ale also provides the recommended amount (provided it actually contains ginger and not artificial flavor -- check the label).
You can also drink two cups of ginger infusion. To make it, use two teaspoons of powdered or fresh grated root per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes.
To help treat arthritis or prevent heart disease and stroke, use ginger in cooking, drink ginger ale or ginger tea, or take ginger capsules.
Ginger is considered safe in amounts typically recommended, though allergic reactions are possible. Though ginger generally relieves indigestion, some people who take it to prevent motion sickness report heartburn.
Lesson 8 Assignment
Activity: Aloe Vera and Ginger
Buy a small potted aloe plant (most nurseries have them). Keep it on your kitchen windowsill. Water it once a week. Snip off a bottom leaf, slit it open lengthwise, and use a knife or small spoon to scoop out the inner leaf gel. Once you've done this, you can use aloe gel to treat minor household burns and cuts.
Visit your local health food store, supplement center, or herb shop -- any place that sells medicinal herbs. Explore all the different ginger products, including fresh ginger root. Buy one or more, if you wish, or simply decide which one you would buy if you needed either herb. That way, if you decide to use the herb, you can go right to the product you want.
In your textbook, read the sections on these two herbs.
Lesson 8 Review
Activity: Aloe Vera and Ginger
1. Which part of the aloe plant helps treat burns and wounds?
A. The root
B. The leaf latex
C. The inner leaf gel
D. The flowers
2. Which type of wound should not be treated with aloe?
A. Sunburn
B. Minor cuts
C. First-degree burns
D. Cuts that require stitches -- for example, surgical incisions
3. For a mild laxative effect, use:
A. Aloe gel
B. Aloe juice drinks
C. Aloe latex
D. Aloe root
4. Before gingerbread was a cookie, it was a:
A. Pain reliever
B. Digestive aid
C. Hangover remedy
D. Cough suppressant
5. Which of the following does ginger not do?
A. Prevent nausea
B. Lower cholesterol
C. Treat inflammation
D. Prevent asthma
6. Before you drink ginger ale to prevent motion sickness, you should:
A. Wash your hands
B. Consult a physician
C. Check the ingredients to make sure it contains real ginger and not artificial flavor
D. Refrigerate it
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Topic 1: History and Folk Use of Aloe Vera
Topic 2: Aloe Vera's Benefits: The Scientific Research
Topic 3: How to Use Aloe Vera Confidently and Safely
Topic 4: History and Folk Use of Ginger
Topic 5: Ginger's Benefits: The Scientific Research
Topic 6: How to Use Ginger Confidently and Safely
Lesson 8 Topic 1
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
History and Folk Use of Aloe Vera
Aloe is so multi-purposed, every kitchen should have a potted aloe on the windowsill. When minor burns, scalds, or cuts occur, you can simply cut off one of the aloe's thick, fleshy leaves, slit it lengthwise, scoop out its clear inner gel, and apply it to the injury.
Not only does aloe gel dry into a natural bandage, it also promotes wound healing and helps prevent infection. When ingested, aloe latex can serve as a potent laxative -- so potent, in fact, that most authorities recommend against using it to this effect.
The English word "aloe" comes from the Arabic alloeh, meaning "bitter and shiny," an apt description of its wound-healing inner leaf gel. Drawings of aloes have been found in Egyptian temples dating back to 3000 B.C. It has even been said that Cleopatra used aloe gel cosmetically to make her skin shine. Egyptian medical writings from 1500 B.C. recommend aloe for infections, skin problems, and as a laxative -- uses still supported by modern science.
Ancient Greek, Roman, Indian, and Chinese physicians imitated the Egyptians, recommending aloe externally for wounds and hemorrhoids, and internally as a laxative.
American pioneers used aloe gel to treat wounds, burns, and hemorrhoids. Again, these are uses of aloe that continue to this day. So does the cosmetic use of the herb; it is an important ingredient in many skin creams.
Lesson 8 Topic 2
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
Aloe Vera's Benefits: The Scientific Research
Aloe Gel
In 1935, an American medical journal released a report regarding the successful treatment of one woman's X-ray burns with aloe gel. Not only was this the first formal report released about aloe's burn-soothing benefits, it also confirmed centuries of the herb's folk use. Since then, several studies have supported aloe's ability to spur the healing of first- and second-degree burns, and other minor skin conditions, including acne and poison ivy rash.
Aloe contains various compounds (bradykinase, salicylic acid, and magnesium lactate) that reduce the inflammation, swelling, and redness of wounds, and help relieve pain and itching.
When treating wounds with aloe, bear in mind that aloe works best for superficial wounds. In fact, for deep wounds, aloe can actually slow the healing process. In a study of cesarean section incisions, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers discovered that incisional wounds not treated with aloe gel healed completely in 53 days. On the other hand, incision wounds treated with aloe took 83 days to heal. So feel free to use aloe gel on minor wounds. Do not use aloe on deep wounds or wounds that require stitches.
As previously mentioned, aloe contains salicylic acid, an ingredient found commonly in many types of acne medications and topical remedies. In an acne study published by the Journal of Dermatology and Surgical Oncology, aloe was shown to speed the healing of pimples by three days, when compared with standard medical treatment.
In addition to encouraging wounds to heal, aloe gel can also help prevent infection in wounded skin. Several studies have found aloe to be effective against many different bacteria and fungi that can invade a wound, including Escherichia coli, and strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Candida. Aloe also boosts the immune system, which helps the body fight infection.
Aloe Latex
Another part of the aloe plant, the latex found in its leaf skin, contains compounds (anthraquinones) with powerful laxative action. Aloe laxatives may cause severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea. Many herbalists discourage its use, although aloe laxative tablets are still available. If you use aloe as a laxative, never exceed the label dose recommendation and reduce your dose or stop using the product if you develop intestinal cramps.
Recently, health food stores have introduced aloe juice beverages, with claims of "enhancing digestion" on the label. These products have mild laxative action and are safer than aloe latex.
Lesson 8 Topic 3
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
How to Use Aloe Vera Confidently and Safely
To help soothe wounds, burns, scalds, or sunburn, and to help avoid wound infection, wash the affected area with soap and water. Next, select a lower (older) aloe leaf, snip it off, slice it lengthwise, apply the gel, and allow it to dry.
To enjoy the cosmetic benefits of aloe, apply gel from the leaf to freshly washed skin. Discontinue use if you experience any skin irritation.
If any wound does not heal significantly within two weeks or appears to be getting worse, consult a physician.
If you are interested in using aloe as a laxative, aloe juice products are milder and are preferable to aloe latex. Aloe latex should not be ingested by pregnant women -- it may stimulate uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. Similarly, nursing mothers should not use aloe latex -- the latex enters the mother's milk and may cause stomach cramps and violent purgation in infants.
Aloe latex's cathartic power may aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Anyone with a gastrointestinal illness should not use aloe latex as a laxative. In general, aloe latex is not recommended for internal use.
Lesson 8 Topic 4
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
History and Folk Use of Ginger
In addition to being a delicious spice, ginger is the herb for preventing nausea caused by motion sickness and morning sickness caused by pregnancy. It also helps prevent heart disease.
Ancient Indians used native ginger in cooking, to preserve food, and to treat both arthritis and digestive problems. They also ate the herb before religious ceremonies -- it left them smelling sweet and therefore presentable to their gods.
Ginger appeared prominently in China's first great herbal, the Pen Tsao Ching (Classic of Herbs), compiled around 3000 B.C. by legendary emperor/sage Shen Nung. The Pen Tsao Ching recommended ginger for colds, fever, chills, tetanus, and leprosy, and, much like the Indian practice, recommended eating fresh ginger to eliminate body odor.
As time passed, the Chinese also adopted the Indian practice of using ginger to treat digestive upsets. Chinese women took it to relieve the nausea of morning sickness. Chinese sailors adopted ginger to prevent seasickness, chewing the root while at sea.
Further, the Chinese consider ginger an antidote to shellfish poisoning, which is why Chinese fish and seafood dishes are often seasoned with the herb.
Ancient Greek traders learned of the Asian practice of using ginger as a digestive aid. They brought the herb back to Greece, where, after big meals, it was served wrapped in sweetened bread. Over time, the herb was baked into the sweet bread, and this indigestion preventive evolved into the world's first cookie, gingerbread.
In England and the American colonies, ginger was incorporated into ginger beer, a stomach-soothing drink that was the forerunner of today's ginger ale and is still a popular home remedy for nausea and vomiting.
Lesson 8 Topic 5
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
Ginger's Benefits: The Scientific Research
The ancient Chinese were right -- ginger does prevent the nausea of seasickness, other types of motion sickness, and morning sickness caused by pregnancy.
Ginger's anti-nausea action received its first scientific verification in a 1982 publication of The Lancet, a British medical journal. During the course of this study, researchers at Brigham Young University gave 36 volunteers with a history of motion sickness either 100 milligrams of the standard anti-motion sickness drug, Dramamine, or 940 milligrams of ginger powder. A short time later, the participants were seated in a computerized rocking chair programmed to induce motion sickness. The chair was further equipped with a switch that allowed its riders to stop the motion when they began to feel nauseated.
Compared with the Dramamine group, those who took ginger lasted 57 percent longer. The researchers also recommended ginger capsules, ginger tea, or ginger ale for the morning sickness of pregnancy.
Since that study, many others have confirmed ginger's value for prevention of motion and morning sickness. For example, Swedish Navy researchers tested it on 80 naval cadets in heavy seas. Compared with the placebo group, those who took ginger experienced 72 percent less seasickness.
Many oncologists now recommend ginger for nausea associated with chemotherapy.
Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration, endorses ginger to prevent and treat motion sickness and indigestion.
Ginger also helps prevent heart disease and stroke in three ways:
·It helps reduce cholesterol, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
·It helps lower blood pressure
·It prevents the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks and some strokes
Finally, ginger has anti-inflammatory action, lending support to its traditional use as a treatment for arthritis.
Lesson 8 Topic 6
Lecture and Discussion
Aloe Vera and Ginger
Keep an aloe vera plant on your kitchen windowsill to treat burns, and keep ginger in your refrigerator to soothe an upset stomach.
How to Use Ginger Confidently and Safely
In food, grate fresh ginger root to taste for a fragrant aroma and warm, spicy flavor.
For motion sickness, the recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams about 30 minutes before travel. Commercial ginger capsules are usually most convenient, but a 12-ounce container of ginger ale also provides the recommended amount (provided it actually contains ginger and not artificial flavor -- check the label).
You can also drink two cups of ginger infusion. To make it, use two teaspoons of powdered or fresh grated root per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes.
To help treat arthritis or prevent heart disease and stroke, use ginger in cooking, drink ginger ale or ginger tea, or take ginger capsules.
Ginger is considered safe in amounts typically recommended, though allergic reactions are possible. Though ginger generally relieves indigestion, some people who take it to prevent motion sickness report heartburn.
Lesson 8 Assignment
Activity: Aloe Vera and Ginger
Buy a small potted aloe plant (most nurseries have them). Keep it on your kitchen windowsill. Water it once a week. Snip off a bottom leaf, slit it open lengthwise, and use a knife or small spoon to scoop out the inner leaf gel. Once you've done this, you can use aloe gel to treat minor household burns and cuts.
Visit your local health food store, supplement center, or herb shop -- any place that sells medicinal herbs. Explore all the different ginger products, including fresh ginger root. Buy one or more, if you wish, or simply decide which one you would buy if you needed either herb. That way, if you decide to use the herb, you can go right to the product you want.
In your textbook, read the sections on these two herbs.
Lesson 8 Review
Activity: Aloe Vera and Ginger
1. Which part of the aloe plant helps treat burns and wounds?
A. The root
B. The leaf latex
C. The inner leaf gel
D. The flowers
2. Which type of wound should not be treated with aloe?
A. Sunburn
B. Minor cuts
C. First-degree burns
D. Cuts that require stitches -- for example, surgical incisions
3. For a mild laxative effect, use:
A. Aloe gel
B. Aloe juice drinks
C. Aloe latex
D. Aloe root
4. Before gingerbread was a cookie, it was a:
A. Pain reliever
B. Digestive aid
C. Hangover remedy
D. Cough suppressant
5. Which of the following does ginger not do?
A. Prevent nausea
B. Lower cholesterol
C. Treat inflammation
D. Prevent asthma
6. Before you drink ginger ale to prevent motion sickness, you should:
A. Wash your hands
B. Consult a physician
C. Check the ingredients to make sure it contains real ginger and not artificial flavor
D. Refrigerate it