Thursday, June 6, 2013

Aloe - Great for Burns

Aloe vera is great for anything that burns...inside or out!

Aloe soothes wounds, scrapes, rashes, and sunburn.  It promotes the removal of dead skin cells and stimulates growth of living cells.  It stops pain and reduces chance of infection.,  Aloe neutralizes body toxins, balancing the pH of the skin or internally, the blood.  Aloe promotes growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines, and is very effective for soothing digestive issues.  It has been used in the treatment of HIV; as it hinders the virus from spreading throughout the body. 

Aloe is one of the oldest therapeutic herbs.  Drawings of the plant dating to 3000 B.C. have been found in Egyptian temples.  Aloe is found in Egyptian medical writings and is thought to have been included in their embalming process.  Alexander the Great heard of aloe's healing powers when he conquered Egypt and sent an army to seize the island on which the plant grew.  He wanted to use the plant in healing his soldier's wounds.

Whole leaf aloe is rich in over 200 nutrients; many times stronger in nutrients than the gel.  It is generally recommended to use the gel, externally and the whole leaf juice, internally.  Do not use the yellow juice lining the leaf as it is very cathartic.  Every kitchen should have an aloe plant on the windowsill, where it is easily accessible as a first aid in burns.  Another idea is to keep the gel in the refrigerator, where its cold temperature will help to cool a burn.  The plant is easy to grow, it likes sandy soil and a bit of sun.  Be careful not to over-water...it is a desert plant.  In Ohio, you must bring the plant indoors for the winter.

Lisa Purdy is not a physician, and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription.  Any information given is for educational purposes only.  You are responsible for your own health choices.

No comments:

Post a Comment