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The Benefits of Aloe
As a kid, my mother bought a tiny aloe plant for the windowsill in the kitchen. When my sisters would get sunburned in the summertime, she’d snap off a fleshy leaf and rub the clear gel onto their skin. I was fascinated by the way the insides would ooze out and create a soft, tingly barrier when rubbed onto the skin.
Aloe is a recognizable plant, with over 300 species in existence, but it tends to be underrated because people aren’t aware of its full range of capabilities. Aloe is a flowering succulent plant, which has fleshy leaves that retain water. This helps it to survive in dry, desert climates. It also provides an excellent source of natural healing and protection for our skin.
Historically, the use of aloe to soothe and help heal scrapes, cuts, and burns dates as far back as the Greeks and Romans. Cleopatra, with her well-documented obsession with beauty and youth, used aloe in her skin care regime because Egyptians considered it to be the “plant of immortality.” Galen relied heavily on aloe for treatment, supposedly basing his use on the writings of Aristotle, so aloe has an extensive pedigree of approval through the ages. Hey, if it was good enough for Cleopatra, it’s good enough for us!
Aloe can be used in two ways, both topically and orally. It is most popularly used to soothe burns and cuts, but it is also effective on infections and pimples, most likely due to containing a gentle enzyme and antibacterial properties. It also has almost the same p.H. balance as skin, and that, coupled with it’s high water content, is what makes it such an excellent ingredient in skin care products.
Many dandruff-fighting shampoos list aloe as an ingredient, which helps to remove dead skin cells and add moisture to the fresh skin underneath. If you’ve got itchy, dry skin— which is particularly problematic in the wintertime— aloe moisturizes and creates a silky barrier over the skin for long-lasting protection.
When taken orally, aloe aids in soothing digestion problems, heartburn, and acid reflux. Aloe is chock full of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, so it’s actually a richly nutritious drink that can help you balance out shifty blood sugar, if that’s something you struggle with. Additionally, all of the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of aloe drinks can help you fight off microorganisms that cause those miserable winter illnesses we all dread.
If your sensitive skin is being ravaged by the trials and tribulations of winter like numbing cold, dry indoor heat, and chapping winds— try smoothing on a restorative Aloe mask. Not only will it help infuse your skin with moisture, it will also add a layer of protection against the elements.
Tags: aloe, natural skincare
just came back from Jamaica where Aloe is used for everything. It cleared up an allergic reaction/rash I got from a harsh washing detergent I used there. It also was great for sunburn. Beats Benandryl hands down!
Comment by lexi — March 11, 2009 @ 10:01 am