Aloe Vera Barbardensis Miller has been used for thousands of years. Well known to aid healing of sun burn, it's also great for digestion, reducing bruises, and healing burns resulting from radiotherapy.
I love this pic of Aloe at our property in NSW Australia, where it grows so well.
BENEFITS
Aloe Vera has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Thus it has the potential for helping treat many conditions
For many years I grew Aloe Vera at our farm and created products. I hosted small groups for health talks and farm tours. My main focus is now nutrition and wellness coaching, with less time for making products. I still use Aloe regularly though, for a variety of health issues.
I've put together this info on Aloe and hope your find it handy. I've popped in some links below too, to other blogs on inflammation, gut health and antioxidants. Remember, only use the inner leaf gel, which is white or clear.
Aloe uses:
Eat a little gel to aid digestion
Gut healing
Boosts immune
Helps reduce inflammation in the body
Help ease constipation
May help reduce aches and pains
Rub inner leaf gel onto skin to add nutrients and moisture
Use on bruises - this really works to heal bruises fast!
Abrasions - heals wounds
Rub onto gums to aid healing of gingivitis - use as a mouth wash
Use on scalp for healthy skin and maybe encourage hair growth
Insect bites
Itchy dry skin
Sun burn
Dab onto coldsores to aid healing and reduce healing time
Hand sanitiser
Radiation burns from cancer treatment
Shaving or after shave
May help regulate blood sugar levels
Facial cleanser
Great for emulsifying dirt on gardener's hands!
You may like to watch 2 short reels I created, about Aloe and how to harvest it, these are on instagram - see posts: 4th April 2022 and 29th October 2021.
SKIN-YOUR LARGEST ORGAN
There can be many toxins in body products, especially fake fragrance which may contain phthalates. There's only have one you, so it's worth investing in your one amazing body. Try sourcing natural products or creating your own using ingredients such as Aloe, honey, shea, olive oil, coconut oil, egg, milk, lemon, cocoa butter, rose-hip oil.
Your skin is the body’s largest organ and much of what is applied to the skin is absorbed into the blood stream.
It makes sense to apply to the skin what is also good for you to consume!
HYDRATING SKIN MIST:
Simply mix aloe juice with Rose water for a refreshing spray to use anytime on your face.
ORAL HEALTH
Create your own mouth wash, with aloe juice & a couple of drops of lemongrass oil
NUTRITION for your body, inside and out:
Aloe Vera contains 20 amino acids, vitamins A, C, E and B-group vitamins. It also contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.
BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Aloe Vera possesses natural detoxifying properties that can help to cleanse the digestive system and the circulatory system.
As nutrient absorption is increased, blood circulation and nutritional quality in the body’s cells are improved.
When the blood is oxygen rich, it provides nutrients within the cells more proficiently. Healthy cells assist your body’s ability to ward off infections, and increase vitality.
DIGESTION: Aloe improves the gut microbiome. It is antimicrobial, so it can help heal the gut lining and restore the balance of gut microbes.
Adding a small piece of the inner gel to a smoothie a couple of times a week, is a great way to add nutrients.
It is soothing and contains natural laxatives.
Aloe Vera contains enzymes which help you to break down nutrients in other foods, enabling good digestion and nutrient absorption.
Scroll to the bottom for how to harvest the gel.
I VIEW ALOE VERA AS MEDICINAL, RATHER THAN A FOOD. HOW MUCH IS SAFE TO CONSUME VARIES DEPENDING ON THE INDIVIDUAL. YOU MAY NEED TO CHECK IN WITH YOUR HEALTH PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING.
ONLY USE THE INNER LEAF GEL
The beneficial part, is the white/clear inner leaf gel.
The yellowish sap between the inner gel and the outer leaf is called aloin. It tastes bitter, is a laxative and can be irritating to the skin
NOTES: Who can use Aloe Vera?
*Aloe is safe to use in small amounts, for most people. It would make sense to use it when you need it, then take a break, like with any supplements.
*With deep cuts, allow them to seal, to heal over and dry out for a day or two before using Aloe, since it's high water content to allow air to dry out the wound.
*Aloe can thin the blood, which may reduce risk of blood clots and be a good thing! However, this means that it can't be used with blood thinners or any products which thin the blood.
*People on chemotherapy or other medications related to immune function, or auto-immune disorders should seek advice before using Aloe.
*Pregnant women may be advised to seek advice before using Aloe Vera too.
We grew our Aloe Vera in rows amongst lemon grass, to shelter it from the later afternoon sun. It grows best in dappled sunlight in sub tropical or tropical climates.
(It doesn't look this tidy any more!)
HOW TO USE
Cut the leaf at an angle.
Leave in a glass for about 30 minutes, to drain the Aloin, or latex. You can add water to the glass, which may speed up the aloin draining.
Aloin is the yellowish sap between the inner gel and the outer leaf. It tastes bitter, is a laxative and can be irritating to the skin
Rinse or cut the residual sap from the end of the leaf.
Fillet the leaf, then the gel is ready to use directly on your skin, in home skin care products or in smoothies.
Aloe is water based, so it doesn't have a long shelf life.
Keeping it in the leaf and just cutting a section off each time you need to use some, is the best way to prolong the life of a cut leaf.
Add lemon juice, and, or, mixing with fat based compounds such as shea, coconut oil or olive oil will help prolong the life of your aloe gel.
Have you found your health challenges overwhelming at times?
Let's chat, so you can learn more about eating toward an healthier you and find out how our coaching sessions would work.
I offer individualised nutrition programs, tailored to your unique needs.
Not ready for health coaching? You can follow me on instagram, I share plenty of nutrition tips and healthy lifestyle ideas. @_thenaturalspace_
Wherever you are on your health journey, celebrate every win, however small, and just keep going. You've got this! Laura x
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