How to apply aloe vera to heal the skin

The other day I dipped my fingers into a mixture of oil and wax that was too hot, just enough to cause a burn. Next I cut an aloe leaf, cut it in half and applied it to my fingers. Within an hour the discomfort had disappeared and there was no sign of blisters.

Aloe is a curious plant from the lily family, like garlic and onion. In medicine, two parts of the plant with very different properties are used:

the acibar or juice obtained by incision of the external part of the leaves, condensed and dried.The gel or pulp of the interior, separated from that external part.

The acibar, when ingested, is a laxative, but it is used very punctually under medical supervision, since it has serious side effects at high doses and in continuous use, as well as numerous contraindications.

The derivatives of the acibar are transformed in the intestine and produce an irritant action on the nerve endings of the intestinal membrane, which leads to an increase in mucous secretion and an increase in peristalsis, together with an inhibition of the reabsorption of water and electrolytes, especially potassium. It causes contraction of the colon producing a bowel movement 8-12 hours after ingesting it.

As a homeopathic medicine, Aloe CH 9 is used in diarrhea, when it is very abundant, sometimes mucous like jelly, accompanied by intestinal gas, with an imperious, urgent desire to evacuate, with great difficulty in containing the stool, which often comes out unwittingly.

Indications of aloe pulp or gel

The pulp or gel of the aloe, on the other hand, is the friendly face of the plant. The fresh pulp extracted from the leaves is used directly, in the form of gel or glycerin extract.

Read Also: Perioral dermatitis: what it is and natural treatment

In topical use, thanks to its mucilages, aloe gel helps to soften, heal and reduce inflammation of the skin. The healing effect is partly due to aloectin B, capable of stimulating immunity.

Aloe became popular in the 1950s when its ability to heal burns, especially those caused by radiation, was discovered.

It is very useful in dry eczema, itching, irritation, burns, acne, wounds, trophic ulcers or psoriasis.

Internally it is used in cases of gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

How fresh aloe vera is applied

The fresh pulp, applied topically, has an excellent ability to heal wounds, sores, and burns by serving as a protective layer in the affected area and accelerating healing.

In the natural application of the leaf it is important to know how to separate the pulp from the external green part: there should be nothing left of the external green part of the plant or internal fibers, as they can be irritating.

Cleanses the skin: The affected or wounded area should be washed well beforehand with clean water. Then, when renewing the application, wash again.If you have gauze: put the pulp on the skin or wound, cover with clean gauze and leave it for at least 3 hours. Renew within 24 hours.If you do not have: Clean the sheet well, cut it in half and apply directly to the inside of the sheet.

Scientific references:

Bhattacharya M et al. Aloe vera barbedensis: A review on its ethanopharmacological value. Journal of Pharmacy Research

How to grow and use an aloe plant

Growing and harvesting an aloe plant for gel and juice is easy. You will need a mature plant that is a few years old. This ensures a higher concentration of the active ingredients. If you are going to use the plant frequently, you should have a few plants in rotation. To harvest the gel:

Read Also: What is tempeh and how can we cook it?

Remove 3-4 leaves at a time, choosing thick leaves from the outermost sections. Make sure the leaves are healthy and free of mold or damage. Cut them close to the stem, as most of the beneficial nutrients are found at the base of the leaves. Wash and dry the leaves. Trim the prickly edges with a knife. Using a knife or your fingers, separate the inner gel from the outer gel of the leaves. the sheet. The inner gel is the part of the aloe that you will use. Cut the aloe gel into slices or cubes. Then, if you want, you can blend it and strain it.