Ancient Egyptians dubbed aloe vera the “plant of immortality”. You may have used aloe vera already if you’ve ever experienced a bad sunburn; it’s the clear green goop that is commonly found in nearly every pharmacy aisle. The earliest recorded use of aloe vera by humans goes back to 16th century B.C.
While it’s great for healing sunburned skin, there are so many more uses you should know about.
Healing from the inside out
Aloe vera can be a powerful healing agent when taken internally. It can soothe and repair intestinal tissue that is damaged. Stomach ulcers can also be soothed and repaired with aloe. An aloe remedy should also be considered if there are inflammation issues in the digestive and/or intestinal system.
Here are some internal ailments that aloe can help remedy:
- IBS
- Constipation
- Indegestion
- Stomach ulcers
- Intestinal ulcers
- Ulcerative colitis
- Gingevitis
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Juicing with aloe
Prepare raw aloe vera leaves by using a knife to cut off the hard outer layer of skin and discarding it. Take the gel and translucent flesh of the aloe vera leaf and blend it with a fresh squeezed juice of your choice such as orange or pineapple. Drink this first thing in the morning before breakfast.
This is a great way to introduce kids to aloe because it doesn’t really have a taste to it. The rind of the aloe leaf does contain laxative properties so be sure to use with caution should you decide to incorporate it into your morning juice.
Fresh aloe gel
Slicing an aloe vera leaf open lets out a clear to yellowish gel. This gel can be saved when preparing the aloe for consumption. Save it in a small tupperware container by itself. This gel has a runny consistency to it and has a plethora of positive health benefits. Keep the gel refrigerated to extend it’s life.
Also, remember to use a clean cosmetic spatula instead of dipping your fingers in the container to avoid contamination.
Aloe skin benefits
Use it as a moisturizing face gel every morning to help smooth wrinkles. It can also help erase dark spots and even out your skin tone. This gel is especially helpful for small trouble spots such as pimples and other small blemishes. Just dab a bit on the troubled area three times a day until the blemish disappears.
This clear gel works wonders for acne sufferers. The gel can be used as a moisturizer. The aloe vera flesh, when used as a remedy, has the ability to draw out toxins from the skin, such as those from an insect bite or from acne. For severe acne, use the entire flesh of the aloe as opposed to just the gel.
Place a slab of aloe, with the exposed side down, on the affected area and leave for at least one hour up to overnight. This technique works best for treating most skin conditions with aloe.
Aloe can help remedy the following skin conditions:
- Wounds
- Cuts
- Burns
- Sunburns
- Cold sores
- Rashes
- Diaper rash
- Blemishes
- Bug bites
- Scabies
- Dry skin
- Dandruff
- Psoriasis
- Herpes
- Eczema
By Jeanette Padilla, Natural News; | References: Medical News; RX List; Real Natural; How Stuff Work: Health;
About author: Jeanette Padilla is an experienced herbalist and iridologist. Click here for more on aloe vera and aloe vera natural remedies written by her.
