Aloe vera, or aloe, is a succulent plant that contains gel and latex. Used in herbal medicine and cosmetics, they have many benefits for the skin: sunburn, acne, herpes ... Provided you know how to use them. Instructions for use and precautions for this natural remedy to avoid nasty reactions.
Definition: what is aloe vera?
Aloe vera or aloe barbadensis is the botanical name of aloe, a succulent plant that originates from hot and dry regions of the globe. It seems to come from the Middle East or Egypt, and it was the Egyptians who used it for laxative purposes. However, it is important to differentiate between:
Translucent aloe vera gel (mucilage) extracted from the inside of the leaves,
And the yellow juice or latex from the leaf wall. Very bitter, it hardens in the air and is soluble in alcohol.
These two substances have different uses in herbal medicine and in cosmetics.
What are the uses of aloe vera?
By external route, on the face and the skin: the gel obtained directly from the aloe vera leaf (slightly liquid and viscous clear gel) or purchased purely in the trade is used in application on the damaged skin areas. Repeat several times a day if necessary. This gel is used in cases of 1st and 2nd degree burns skin infections, and inflammations, genital herpes, lichen planus, psoriasis. 'In cosmetics, it can be used as a serum before the application of the day cream, specifies the naturopath. And it is possible to use it as a natural lubricant alone or with a latex condom, but with caution ', specifies Amélie Mounier, FENA certified naturopath, in Vincennes.
Internally: the juice (latex) of aloe vera is used as a capsule, at bedtime in the event of occasional constipation, for only a few days. Starting with small doses and increase as needed. The gel can be ingested with the addition of water. It relieves stomach cramps and helps with difficult digestion. It has a regulatory action on the hepatic functions and, by facilitating the elimination of toxins, it participates in the cleaning of the congested organs (liver, kidneys) while stimulating the immune defenses.
What are the benefits of aloe vera?
- Against sunburn: in the event of sunburns of 1st or 2nd degree, the application of pure aloe vera is useful to soothe the burn and accelerate healing. Several times a day until recovery.
- Against acne: the healing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and regenerating skin effect of aloe vera recommends it when applied to cleansed face in the morning and/or evening before the cream or vegetable oil.
- For dry hair: aloe vera gel used as a poultice on the hair is fortifying. It is effective in the event of inflammation of the scalp. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of gel with 1 tablespoon of honey. Coat the hair with the mixture and leave to act for 1 to 3 hours before shampooing.
- Against redness: aloe vera gel is moisturizing. As a mask on the face, neck, and décolleté, it relieves redness and moisturizes. Apply generously and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
- Against genital herpes: aloe vera gel may be effective in relieving lesions caused by this viral infection. Thanks to its healing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and mucous membranes, aloe vera creates a protective film and activates cell regeneration. It may be interesting to use it in addition to allopathic treatment, recommends the naturopath.
- Against psoriasis: Applying aloe vera gel to mild to moderate psoriasis lesions reduces their severity and appears to improve the comfort of people with psoriasis.
- Against lichen planus: this autoimmune disease manifests itself through lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Applying aloe vera gel to the injured areas helps reduce symptoms. Aloe vera gel can be used as a mouthwash 3 times a day to relieve oral lesions.
What are the benefits of aloe vera for the skin?
What are the side effects and precautions?
Use the purest aloe vera gel possible to reap all the benefits of aloe vera gel.
For internal use, prefer products reserved for this purpose and check that they do not contain sap or aloin to avoid undesirable laxative effects.
The gel should be stored at a low temperature and should not be heated.
Sun exposure is not recommended after applying aloe vera gel due to its photosensitizing effect.
The consumption of aloe vera latex is also exposed to serious side effects: discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, risk of cancer. The greatest vigilance is recommended.
What are the contraindications?
Internal use of aloe vera gel and latex is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, frail individuals, and children. But also in case of abdominal pain of unknown origin, intestinal obstruction, and acute intestinal inflammation. Aloe vera is also prohibited in cases of kidney problems because of the strong laxative properties of the sap and the substances it contains. 'People who follow a laxative or diuretic treatment should also avoid interactions with aloe vera juice,' says the naturopath.
How to choose the right aloe vera?
The succulent being very trendy for a few years, many natural or organic brands now offer their aloe vera gel. Not all are created equal and it is important to take a few precautions to ensure that you are using a quality gel:
Aloe vera, and especially the gel from its pulp, must be the main component of the product, and therefore the first in the list of ingredients printed on the packaging of the gel. If 'Aloe barbadensis leaf juice' is not in pole position, the product may not be as effective. Also watch out for products that promise a high percentage of aloe vera but which do not contain gel, just crushed leaf, with uninteresting virtues and even quite dangerous in the case of internal use.
The aloe vera gel must have been cold stabilized. This technique is the only one that allows all the beauty and health benefits of the product to be retained.
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