Tuesday, September 2, 2008
ENERGY AND THE MIND
Aloe Vera energizes and invigorates, promoting a sense of well-being and promoting a more harmonious state between the emotions and the body, thus ensuring release of tension leading to an improvement in general health.
USING ALOE VERA LEAVES
Cut a leaf as close to the main stem as possible and preferably from the base of the plant where the leves are the oldest and the most potent. The plant will seal itself and suffer no damage.
To use the leaf, wash it well and slice it in half lengthwise. Apply it as it is, gel side on the area to be treated, or remove the gel taking care to avoid the prickly skin.
Some people prefer to let the gel drain into a container in order to avoid contamination from the yellow sap, which can be irritant. The sap will stay in the outer skin if it is not scraped.
To eat a little gel, peel off the outer leaf and wash off its yellow sap (this tastes bitter and may cause a mild stomach upset but it will do no lasting barm). The gel below this layer has a vaguely "plantish" but fairly neutral taste.
To use the leaf, wash it well and slice it in half lengthwise. Apply it as it is, gel side on the area to be treated, or remove the gel taking care to avoid the prickly skin.
Some people prefer to let the gel drain into a container in order to avoid contamination from the yellow sap, which can be irritant. The sap will stay in the outer skin if it is not scraped.
To eat a little gel, peel off the outer leaf and wash off its yellow sap (this tastes bitter and may cause a mild stomach upset but it will do no lasting barm). The gel below this layer has a vaguely "plantish" but fairly neutral taste.
ALLERGY TEST
Although it is the safest of plants, there are a few people who are allergic to Aloe Vera. To find out if you are allergic, dab a small amount of juice or gel on the inside of your elbow. Leave for a few minutes.
If there is a stinging sensation or a mild rash develops, wash the affected part and do not use Aloe Vera.
If there is a stinging sensation or a mild rash develops, wash the affected part and do not use Aloe Vera.
WHEN TO AVOID USING ALOE VERA
Generally Aloe Vera is a very safe plant to use. However, the latex or sap can be irritant and purgative, so it is removed during the processing. Inferior brands of gel are sometimes made from poor grade Aloe Vera and therefore look for the Seal of Approval on the label.
- The yellow sap can be irritant, avoid contact with the skin.
- Care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Although Aloe Vera can alleviate the discomfort of haemorrhoids (piles), it can also exacerbate it, so use it with caution, especially if you are using it internally.
- Seek medical advice before taking Aloe Vera if you have a history of liver or gall bladder problems, cystitis or uterine haemorrhage.
- Do not take internally during pregnancy or if breastfeeding because of laxative effects.
REJUVENATING SKIN PREPARATION
Research is still ongoing within the cosmetic industry indicates that the gel increases production of fibroblasts (cells in the dermis responsible for producing collagen, which keeps skin firm and supple).
As we age, fibroblasts slow their collagen production, so the skin wrinkles more rapidly. Because Aloe Vera accelerates collagen production, facial lines become less pronounced.
Aloe Vera is especially effective as a moisturizer because it carries nutrients and moisture down through all layers of the skin. It has moisture-binding properties and therefore it protects the skin from moisture loss.
Since it is nonallergenic and antibiotic, Aloe Vera is recommended for sensitive and problem skins. It is also reputed to remove age spots. It is always worth trying Aloe Vera gel on some skin disorders, because it is natural antiseptic, antibiotic and bactericide, the gel will prevent the spread of infection. It also promotes rapid cell regeneration, helping blemishes to heal without scarring.
Scars from chickenpox and shingles can be minimized by applying Aloe Vera gel, and it can also help during the actual attack, cooling the associated heat and reducing itching.
Internal use of the juice will also help treat the skin.
As we age, fibroblasts slow their collagen production, so the skin wrinkles more rapidly. Because Aloe Vera accelerates collagen production, facial lines become less pronounced.
Aloe Vera is especially effective as a moisturizer because it carries nutrients and moisture down through all layers of the skin. It has moisture-binding properties and therefore it protects the skin from moisture loss.
Since it is nonallergenic and antibiotic, Aloe Vera is recommended for sensitive and problem skins. It is also reputed to remove age spots. It is always worth trying Aloe Vera gel on some skin disorders, because it is natural antiseptic, antibiotic and bactericide, the gel will prevent the spread of infection. It also promotes rapid cell regeneration, helping blemishes to heal without scarring.
Scars from chickenpox and shingles can be minimized by applying Aloe Vera gel, and it can also help during the actual attack, cooling the associated heat and reducing itching.
Internal use of the juice will also help treat the skin.
ALOE VERA AND SUNBURN
For centuries Aloe Vera gel has been used to relieve burns. Aloe Vera is not a sunblock, but it is a moisturizer, and will help reduce dehydration and burning. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe inflammation caused by overexposure to the sun.
The pure gel of Aloe Vera brings instant relief as it cools and reduces irritation and, because it moisturizes, minimizes the risk of "peeling". The effects of mild sunburn can be alleviated with a cooling application of cold Aloe Vera gel to the forehead and back of the neck.
The pure gel of Aloe Vera brings instant relief as it cools and reduces irritation and, because it moisturizes, minimizes the risk of "peeling". The effects of mild sunburn can be alleviated with a cooling application of cold Aloe Vera gel to the forehead and back of the neck.
HOW ALOE VERA AFFECTS THE BODY
Taken as a drink, Aloe Vera will cleanse and detoxify, and improve joint lubrication. This in turn will create more energy and improve mobility. In external injuries and swelling, sprain and sunburn, the high water content of the gel (96%) carries nutrients to the site of the injury, improving cell regeneration. The anti-inflammatory and anesthetizing constituents reduce heat and pain.
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