Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, also known as the true or medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe that is believed to have originated in the Sudan. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine. Many scientific studies on the use of extracts of Aloe Vera have been undertaken, some of them conflicting. Despite these limitations, there is some preliminary evidence that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, minor skin infections, sebaceous cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans. Aloe Vera juice is used for consumption and relief of digestive issues such as heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome, although it bears significant potential to be toxic when taken orally. It is common practice for cosmetic companies to add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream, and shampoos. Aloe Vera extracts might have antibacterial and antifungal activities, which possibly could help treat minor skin infections, such as boils and benign skin cysts and may inhibit growth of fungi causing tinea.

  • For constipation, cramping, diarrhea: Dilute 1 to 4 oz. of aloe vera juice in a cup of apple or cranberry juice, or drink aloe vera juice alone. Do not drink more than 4 oz. of aloe vera juice daily.
  • For burns/sunburns: Apply small amounts of aloe vera juice directly onto the skin for soothing relief. Aloe Vera should not be used to treat open and/or deep wounds.
  • For poison ivy: Pour aloe vera juice over the affected skin surface to calm and soothe.
  • For heartburn, GERD: Ingest 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice 20 minutes before eating to alleviate the symptoms of heartburn.
  • For itchy scalp, oily hair, dandruff: Apply aloe vera juice directly to the roots of the hair. You can leave treatment on for an hour or overnight if you prefer.
  • For acne, pimples, blemishes: Apply a thin layer of aloe vera juice as an acne mask. Allow mask to dry for 15 minutes and rinse face with cold water.