The unpleasant jelly that the Martians envy us. 😄
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) belongs to the aloe family, which are succulent plants native to Africa.
Not all aloes are medicinal plants, and some species are even toxic to humans.
Aloe vera was already known to the ancient Egyptians.
Composed of large green stems, it is best known for its exudate, which has remarkable therapeutic and cosmetic properties.
It grows in dry and sunny areas.
The gel extracted from Aloe vera leaves has not yet revealed all its secrets.
Preparation of aloe vera
There are two types of products inside the stalks:
- A transparent gel.
- A yellow and bitter sap, called latex.
The sap has laxative properties, otherwise it is of no use. It is even often toxic for humans, as it contains aloin.
The gel, on the other hand, contains many active ingredients.
The sap should always be removed before using the gel. This is why it is important to have some in reserve in case of a sore or burn.
- Cut a stem at the base so that the pulp is visible. It is best to select a plant that is more than 3 years old, as it contains more active substances.
- Leave the tilted stem to stand for 24 hours, so that the yellow sap can drain into a container. Discard the sap.
- Open the stem and collect the gel.
The pulp prepared in this way can be kept for 3 months in the fridge. It is advisable to add a few drops of lemon to prevent oxidation, and to close tightly.
How to use it?
The gel can be used in various ways:
- Orally: directly by absorbing it (viscous and bitter), or in the form of juice or pills.
- Topically: by external massage on skin and scalp.
Benefits
The benefits of the plant are numerous. Some have not yet been confirmed by science.
Medicinal properties
Aloe vera pulp has traditionally been used in cases of :
- Lichen planus.
- Eczema.
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Acne.
- Erythrosis.
- Burn or sunburn.
- Irritation or itching.
- Inflammation of the skin.
- Internal or external wound.
- Accumulation of toxins.
- Colitis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Biliary retention.
- Gallstones.
- Cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis.
Cosmetic properties
Appreciated in dermatology, the application of gel is also valued in cosmetics, to :
- Reduce wrinkles.
- Moisturize dry skin and the scalp.
- Reduce redness.
- Treat oily skin.
- Nourish and soften hair.
Contraindications
As we have seen, the yellow latex is contraindicated, and needs to be separated from the gel before using it.
On the other hand, the gel itself does not cause any major adverse effects.
It is however not recommended to use it with :
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Cough suppressants.
- Cortisone.
Emotional acceptance
Although aloe vera has remarkable properties for alleviating the symptoms of certain diseases, it does not treat the cause.
Yet more than 90% of illnesses have emotional causes.
Emotional acceptance allows us to explore the deep causes within ourselves.
Conclusion
What are the benefits of aloe vera?
There are many, especially for the skin.
The combination of introspection and aloe vera can have spectacular effects on the body‘s self-healing.