Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, originally from North Africa, has been used as a medicine and as a beauty product for thousands of years. Cleopatra was said to use aloe vera gel as part of her daily skincare.

It grows in hot, dry regions of the world. If you wish to grow it yourself at home note that it is extremely sensitive to frost and cold damp climates so should be kept in containers indoors during winter and can then be moved out to a sunny spot during summer. It can be planted by division, transplants or is available as a potted plant in most garden centers. It requires good drainage. Aloe vera grows upright with thick, succulent leaves and tubular yellow flowers. It is part of the lily family which includes onions and garlic.

Aloe Vera has many uses in the home. The leaves contain a gel which is almost tasteless, colourless and odourless. The gel is used externally to treat cuts, burns, eczema, stings and sunburn. It eases pain, heals, reduces inflammation and dries into a natural bandage. Aloe gel is useful for all dry skin conditions. Research shows it also helps treating fungal infections like athletes foot. To apply, simply cut a leaf off of the plant, and squeeze the gel onto the skin. A pot of aloe vera in the home is useful for easy access to treat minor burns and cuts immediately they happen. Relief from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis has been found when applying an aloe vera poultice to the joint.

Internally it is taken for digestive system problems, mouth ulcers, gum disease and to improve the immune system. It is also used when detoxifying. Because of the seriousness of conditions like colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease and I.B.S. permission from your homeopath or doctor should be obtained first. As Aloes stimulate uterine contractions and it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Aloe Vera is used to rejuvenate the skin and lessen age spots. It also penetrates deeply into the skin layers. These reasons make it popular with the cosmetic houses for use in skin care products.

The leaf contains many enzymes, essential amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins E, C, B1, 2, 3, and 6 and the minerals iron, manganese, calcium and zinc.

It is important that you obtain pure aloe vera products if commercially made. One of the ways of doing this is to check with the International Aloe Science Council, Inc .

So why not get a plant in your garden or home for both first aid and beauty ?

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Aloe Cleansing Gel
from Aloe Therapy

2 oz. Aloe vera gel
1 tsp. almond Oil
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
1/2 tsp grapefruit seed extract or Vitamin E oil
4 drops Sandalwood essential oil
2 drops Lavender essential oil

Mix well and put in small jar. Gently clean face with Gel, then remove with damp washcloth or tissue.

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