Beneficial Properties of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most versatile and useful medicinal plants. In this article, we look at some of the most beneficial properties of aloe vera.

Aloe vera is one of the most versatile and wholly useful medicinal plants known to man. The beneficial properties of aloe vera are numerous. This is true whether you use it topically or you consume it.

It’s easy to find various forms of aloe in natural medicine stores, pharmacies, and even in supermarkets. However, these tend to just be hydrating creams that only include aloe as one of their many ingredients.

In this article, however, we are going to look at ways to use the gel from this plant directly. This will allow you to fully enjoy the beneficial properties of aloe vera.

Extracting Aloe Vera Gel

Experts recommend that you extract aloe very gel from a plant that’s 3 – 5 years old. Wait until the plant has not been watered for two or three days so that the gel is more concentrated.  Start by cutting the largest outermost leaves, always close to the base of the plant. Make sure to use the cleanest cut possible.  Then cut a slice of approximately 5 centimeters, or 2 inches and further cut that in half. Finally, just apply the product directly to the area you want to treat with the gel.

The leftover piece can be saved in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap so it can be used later.  It’s important to remember, however, that the properties of the gel diminish over time. That being said, you shouldn’t keep it for more than 20 days.

Properties of Aloe Vera Gel

• Antiseptic: forms a protective barrier over wounds to prevent germs from entering.
• Bactericide.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Aid to skin regeneration.

Thanks to these properties, you can use aloe vera gel for a wide variety of external purposes.

Uses for Aloe Vera Gel

• Cuts, wounds, and other minor skin injuries: besides helping these to heal, aloe reduces scarring.  To make a scar disappear, apply aloe vera gel twice a day for a number of days, since this is a slow yet effective treatment.
• Burns: Not only does aloe work as a pain reducer, it also prevents infection and the appearance of scarring.
• Insect bites: If we apply aloe vera directly to the area around the bite, we reduce pain and will have faster healing.
• Psoriasis: Apply the gel directly onto each outbreak, twice a day for 30 days, and you may see your skin condition improve.
• Acne: Continued use of aloe vera gel will help acne disappear and prevent pimples from leaving permanent scars.
• Treatment of topical infections: useful for treating hordeola (styes), herpes, athlete’s foot, etc.

Another use for aloe vera gel is for after hair removal. It can be directly applied to the skin to treat and prevent skin imperfections, such as dark spots.