ORGANIC HEALTH
organicgardener.com.au^73
Skin soothers
Calendula and chamomile are two other excellent
herbs for the skin.
Dried flowers from both annual and perennial
chamomiles (Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum
nobile) made into a cool wash can be used to lessen
the pain of sunburn, added to bath water to soothe
itchy skin and used to wash and soothe a graze.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) petals are
rubbed directly onto a bite to soothe the pain, or
made into a cool wash for red, dry or irritated skin.
The wash applied to sores, cuts and grazes will
improve healing, but always make sure the wound is
clean before applying.
TO MAKE A WASH: Put 2–3 teaspoons of petals
or flowers into a bowl and pour one cup of boiling
water over the top. Cover, cool and strain. Use
within a few hours.Many local nurseries and garden
centres will sell plants, but here are
someselectedonlinesuppliers:
greenpatchseeds.com.au
daleysfruit.com.au
allrareherbs.com.au
greenharvest.com.au
renaissanceherbs.com.au: a
wholesale grower that supplies
local nurseries; contact them
to find your nearest nursery
with Aloe vera.Left: Bitter aloe (Aloe ferrox) also has medicinal uses
but is not a good substitute for Aloe vera.
Below left: Aloe vera stems and gel.
Below: Dried chamomile flowers.selected^ suppliers
Aloe gel uses
Aloe vera has been used for centuries in many
different cultures. When researching our community
gardens book, Pam Vardy and I spoke to people
from more than 20 different cultures and found that
nearly all grew Aloe vera, using it in similar ways. One
El Salvadorian woman rubbed fresh gel on her face
saying ‘It improves your skin so that you look lovely.’
Tai from Vietnam used aloe vera to treat itchy skin,
while Maria who immigrated from Greece, smoothed
the gel over minor scratches and grazes.
Aloe vera is particularly useful for treating minor
burns, including sunburn. With any burn, I always
reduce the heat by soaking the affected area in cold
water fi rst. If the burn is serious, seek medical help.
If minor, then after soaking, rub a thin layer of gel
over the reddened skin. Leave on for an hour, then
wipe off gently with a clean wet cloth and reapply
more aloe if needed.
More generally, you can gently rub it onto bites and
stings to relieve pain and reduce swelling. As well as
helping to heal minor scratches and grazes, it also eases
fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Smooth it onto
dry skin to soothe and moisturise, and on varicose veins
and haemorrhoids to reduce painful swelling.
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