Aloes are desert lilies which have been used around the world for more than 3,500 years. Aloe Vera – Latin for “true aloe” – is the most widely-used of more than 200 varieties of this plant. It has long, thick-skinned spiked leaves which are full of a clear gel-like substance. Reputed to aid in the healing process, and protect and moisturize, aloe vera is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions and moisturizers, sunscreen creams and burn gels.

Aloe vera plant

Reference to aloe is found in many ancient works like the Bible. One of the first documented users of aloe vera was Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, who lived from 68 to 30 B.C. She is said to have used the gel on her skin as protection from the sun, and to keep her skin youthful.

To extract the aloe vera’s healing gel, simply break or cut off a piece of the aloe vera plant. Some liquid will run out and this can be applied topically. The part of the leaf remaining on the plant will ‘heal’ itself by forming a seal on the cut or broken area, so don’t worry about killing your plant. You can also peel off the tough green skin, including the thorns, and fillet, chop, crush or blend the firm gel-like substance within to use for topical applications, either on its own or mixed with other healing ingredients.

Aloe Vera is a cellular regenerator with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects. The gel has been used to heal skin which has been damaged, like first-degree burns. Other uses include soothing sunburn, treating eczema and acne, shrinking warts, lessening the painful effects of shingles, and reducing the symptoms of psoriasis. And, of course, softening and moisturizing dry and rough skin.

Aloe vera gel

The healing properties of aloe vera come from the 18 amino acids it contains. It also has eight enzymes, including Bradykinase which helps to reduce excessive inflammation when aloe vera gel is applied to the skin topically, thereby reducing pain. Other enzymes help digest dead tissues in wounds. Salicylic Acid, an aspirin-like compound, also helps in pain relief. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Glycosides called Saponins form about 3% of the gel in the aloe vera plant. They are soapy substances which provide cleansing and antiseptic activity, and act as anti-microbials against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts.

Lignin, a cellulose-based substance, is another component of aloe vera which acts as a carrier for other elements of this plant. It carries the aloe vera’s soothing properties to damaged skin areas where it strips toxic materials, increases the blood circulation to the area and flushes dead tissue away. Lignin is also keratolytic, meaning it destroys and softens hard skin.

Aloe vera can also be taken orally, but this is another subject for another day. Next, look out for my post on how to use aloe vera in a healing salve for wounds and sores, including cancer tumors which have come to the surface.

Posted: December 2nd, 2009 under Alternative Remedies, Healing Foods, Wound Healing.
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