
18/02/2025
Aloe vera, scientifically known as Aloe barbadensis, is a succulent plant widely recognized for its medicinal properties and health benefits. This versatile plant has been used for centuries in various cultures for its healing capabilities.
Key Components of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains over 75 active constituents, including:
Vitamins: Such as A, C, E (antioxidants), B12, folic acid, and choline.
Enzymes: Including amylase and lipase, which aid in digestion and inflammation reduction.
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc are essential for various bodily functions.
Sugars: Mucopolysaccharides like acemannan help retain moisture in the skin and promote healing.
Anthraquinones: Compounds with analgesic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is celebrated for its wide range of medicinal applications:
1. Skin Health
Burn Treatment: Aloe vera gel is commonly applied to minor burns and sunburns due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Wound Healing: It accelerates the healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.
Acne Treatment: Its antibacterial properties make it effective against acne.
2. Digestive Health
Laxative Effects: Aloe latex contains compounds that can act as a laxative, helping to relieve constipation.
Gastrointestinal Relief: Aloe vera juice may alleviate symptoms of conditions like heartburn and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce redness and scaling associated with various skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
4. Immune System Support
The polysaccharides in aloe vera are believed to enhance immune function by promoting the growth of immune cells.
5. Antioxidant Effects
The presence of vitamins A, C, and E contributes to its antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals in the body.
NOTE:
Aloe vera is a powerful plant with numerous medicinal uses ranging from skin care to digestive health. Its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds contributes to its effectiveness as a natural remedy. However, while many benefits are supported by research, some claims require further investigation. It's advisable to consult healthcare professionals before using aloe vera for medicinal purposes.
DIY Aloe Vera Facemask:
The first crucial stage in any home remedy or recipe involving aloe is preparing the fresh leaves. The process is as follows:
* Cut fresh aloe vera from the garden (yes they grow everywhere in Thailand)
* Soak up the aloe vera standing up in a jar or a cup (for about 30mins) to remove the green gooey bit.
* Slice off the sides of the leaf to remove the spikes (but not too much of the leaf)
* Place the leaf curved side up and remove the outer layer with a knife or vegetable peeler
* Use a sharp knife to remove the layer of clear, inner gel.
* Cut the gel into small pieces.
If you refrigerate the cubes, they will last up to 7 days. Although there are several things you could do with the gel, an Aloe vera face mask helps to moisturize skin and address issues such as acne, fine lines, irritation, and it exfoliates too.
Now the ingredients:
1 tablespoon fresh aloe gel
2 – 3 drops fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon coconut oil or honey.
Method:
Place the gel and coconut oil into a bowl
Add the lemon juice
Blend the mixture thoroughly.
How to use:
Gently smooth the mixture over your face, avoiding the area around the eye, and on your neck
Leave the mask on for 20 minutes
Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Note: If there is any burning, rinse the mask off and exclude the lemon juice next time as it can irritate some people’s skin. If the irritation is marked or prolonged, do not use aloe again as you may be allergic. If necessary, seek medical assistance.