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Aloe
(Aloe vera)
What
is it used for?
The ingredients
in aloe vera gel can relieve pain, reduce swelling, ease
itching, and increase blood flow to injured skin to help
the healing process. People use aloe vera gel to treat sunburn,
poison ivy, and other rashes. They also use it to treat
insect stings and frostbite, and as a first aid remedy for
minor burns (ones that don't blister), cuts, and scrapes.
What's
the best form to use?
The best source
of aloe vera gel is a live potted
plant
that you can keep on your windowsill (more on
this below). Using the gel straight from the plant ensures
that it's fresh and that its active ingredients are full-strength.
Here are two other choices:
- Pure
aloe vera gel from a health food store.
The label should say that it is 90 to 100 percent
pure aloe vera. To keep it fresh (and refreshingly
cool), store pure aloe gel in the refrigerator.
- A
commercial aloe vera product from a drugstore.
Be aware that many "aloe" lotions and other products
contain very little aloe and may have no health benefits.
Check to see that "aloe vera" appears near the top
of the product's ingredient list. Avoid buying a product
whose label says "aloe vera extract" or "reconstituted
aloe vera."
How
do I use it?
For
sunburn, rashes, insect stings, and frostbite:
Simply spread aloe vera gel gently on irritated skin and
let it soak in and dry. Many people find that aloe vera
gel stops pain and itching as soon as it touches the skin.
You can reapply it as often as you wish.
- For
cuts and scrapes: Be sure to wash wounds well
before applying aloe vera gel.
- For
minor burns: Immediately cool a burn first by
running it under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes. Don't
put ice on a burn, because the coldness can damage
burned skin. Then, if the burn is minor (not blistering),
you can gently apply aloe vera gel.
How
can I grow an aloe vera plant?
You can buy aloe vera plants at most plant stores and
nurseries. They are very easy houseplants to grow. Place
your plant in or near a window and water it thoroughly
when the soil dries out. Be sure the pot has good drainage
and don't water it too often: overwatering aloe vera plants
may cause the spongy leaves to rot at the base of the
plant.
How do I get the gel
out of an aloe vera plant?
- Cut
off a plump lower leaf near the central stalk.
- Cut
off any spines along the edges.
- Slit
the leaf lengthwise.
- Squeeze
out the gel from the center of the leaf (you can use
the tip of a butter knife), and apply it to your skin.
Caution!
Do not use aloe vera on serious wounds, infected wounds,
or incisions from surgery. It may actually slow down healing
in these conditions. Also, in rare cases, some people
may have a mild allergic reaction to aloe vera. If you
have increased itching or get a rash after applying aloe
vera gel, stop using it.
The use of herbs is not recommended during pregnancy and
breast-feeding except under the guidance of a health professional. |
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