In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2
By Dr. Sylvia Adjoa Mitchell
Jamaica has over 3,304 vascular plant species, of which 248 have identified folk medicinal uses (Mitchell and Ahmad 2006), while 94 have been used to make Jamaican root tonics (Mitchell 2011). These medicinal plants include trees, shrubs, vines and herbs, and are found all over Jamaica, in every nook and cranny. Some of these plants grow only in Jamaica (the endemics), while others can be located all over the tropics.
In this article, we will be exploring another of Jamaica’s medicinal plants, Aloe vera.
Common name: Sinkle bible, Aloe
Scientific name: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
(Synonym: Aloe barbadensis Mill.)
Family: Asphodelaceae (Xanthorrhoeaceae)
Aloe has a long history of use in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate countries, from Europe to Australia. It has been recorded in use for as long as there has been a means to record it. Search the internet using its scientific name, you will find a lot!
The common name of aloe in Jamaica is ‘Sinkle bible’ which indicates just how important this plant is to every day Jamaicans. A study we made in Jamaica (Picking et al 2015), indicates that Aloe is the third most commonly used plant for folk medicinal purposes. It also recommends Aloe not be used by pregnant ladies.
pics © S Mitchell
- Some references in the Bible to Aloes:
1. “As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, [and] as cedar trees beside the waters.” Numbers 24:6
2. “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” Psalms 45:8
3. “I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” Proverbs 7:17
4. “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.” John 19:39
5. “And they took the body of Jesus and wound it in linen clothes with the spices (included aloes) as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” John 19:40
Use of Aloe vera in Jamaica
In Jamaica, the review of UWI research (Mitchell and Ahmad 2006b) indicates that Aloe was used for biliousness, colds, wounds, headaches, purgative, to improve appetite, and as a de-wormer. Here are a few recipes along with some information about the Aloe’s phytochemicals as a guide.
Intact Aloe leaves have a yellow liquid just under the skin. Once the leaf is cut and placed in a cup, the yellow liquid oozes out. This liquid contains aloin which is a laxative when used internally. Known as aloe latex or aloe sap, aloin is good for removing toxins from the body but should not be used internally for longer than three consecutive nights, as it will then begin to leach minerals from the body. When used externally, the aloin and myriad of other phytochemicals, help cuts and burns to heal quickly. Importantly, this healing does not leave scars.
When the skin is removed from the aloe and the yellow sap is washed away, what is left is called Aloe Vera gel. Very rich in numerous minerals and vitamins, including B12, the gel can be eaten straight or mixed in juices.
Use of Aloe vera in Montserrat
The table below shows the many ways Aloe is being used in one of the smallest islands of the Caribbean.
| Montserrat’s traditional Aloe recipes | |||
| Recipe | How prepared | How Used | What used for |
| Leaves, salt & lime juice | Cooled | External use | boils, cuts, burns |
| Aloe juice, salt, lime juice | Fresh | Internal use | sore throat gargle, diabetes |
| Aloe juice | Fresh | Internal use | jaundice |
| Aloe juice | Fresh | External use | shampoo |
| Leaves | Split, heated | External use | sprain, sea urchin punctures, wasp stings |
| Leaf pulp, salt | Fresh | Internal use | prevent & treat cancer |
| Leaf & salt | Peeled | Internal use | laxative |
| leaf pulp+wine | Macerated | Internal use | vermifuge for children |
| Leaf gel | Squeezed | Internal use | stomach trouble, bleeding ulcer |
| Leaf gel | Squeezed | External use | sunburn, speeds healing, prevents infection |
Next time we meet, I’ll share with you how I’ve personally used aloe for cuts, and the time when naturopathic medicine and traditional medicine teamed up to use aloe on a patient with acid burns.
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Contact Dr. Sylvia Adjoa Mitchell at: [email protected]
Senior Lecturer, Medicinal Plant Research Group, The Biotechnology Centre, UWI, Mona
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