Everyone knows aloe vera is a welcomed, soothing remedy for burns, but it’s also useful in a variety of ways, when minor external first aid is needed.
Here’s just a few:
Please note: Aloe vera should never be used in place of an antiseptic. Once an injury is cleaned and treated as necessary, aloe gel can be applied to help protect the wound and speed the healing process.
Photo
I’ve extremely sensitive skin and needed to look into something that worked well, particularly with my face, because all the products I’ve used are simply much too harsh.
If you’ve that same overly sensitive skin, you may want to try this aloe vera facial mask as well. It may sound a little gross at first, but your sensitive skin will love it!
You’ll need:
4 tbsp of PURE aloe vera gel (as in, get it from the plant!)
2 tbsp of PLAIN yogurt
6 tbsp of FRESH cucumber juice. (note: if you don’t own a juicer, you can grate a peeled cucumber onto a fine net cloth, or muslin cloth – fold the cloth around the grated cuke, and ‘wring’ the cucumber juice into a bowl)
Mix all ingredients well and gently apply to your face and neck, and leave it there for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water, (don’t scrub it or anything!) and then a final rinse with colder water to close the pores. Pat face dry with a towel, and you’re good to go!
The yogurt and cucumber cleans, and the aloe vera moisturizes and soothes. I, personally, do this once a week. More than that, certainly will not hurt.
Give it a try!
Photo
Are your fingernails looking not-so-healthy, dried out, brittle and cracked? Aloe vera can help as a nail strengthener to aid in holding the beauty of your fingernails and looking healthy and strong.
Ultimately, a good diet rich with protein, calcium and vitamin C, plus drinking plenty of water, is very important. This very simple aloe vera solution, along with a proper diet, will help particularly if you work with your hands a great deal, or for during those bitter cold winters!
What you will need:
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel2 drops witch hazelIn a small bowl, stir the two ingredients using a fork or wire whisk until blended completely. With your fingertip, gently rub a small amount of the aloe vera and witch hazel gel on your entire fingernail, wiping off any excess gel with a clean tissue.
The witch hazel mixed with the aloe vera gel is for lifting excess oil while keeping your nail healthy and conditioned.
You can use the aloe vera and witch hazel gel mixture as often as you feel you need to.
Posted in Aloe Vera Beauty TipsAloe vera causes weight loss and this is not so weird. I was always in good shape, but a certain age and then began to show concentrations of fat on my stomach and my waist.
Not a big deal and I had ignored it until a discussion with a friend of mine. He said to me that drinking aloe vera juice, my body will be detoxified. So the extra fat will be dissolved by my detoxified and enchanced body easily. That's how aloe vera causes weight loss!
I knew that aloe helps and protects the skin and strengthens the immune system, but I had never seen this big picture described by my friend.
I started drinking some aloe vera juice three times a day, before eating something. At the same time I started to do a few push ups, two - three times a day.
At the first week I did less than 15 push ups each time. At the second week I went up to 20. At the third week 25 to 30 and the fourth week 30
Vitiligo is known that has not any medical cure but aloe vera gel seems to be the natural remedy. Aloe, this miracle plant, has many health benefits.
A few years ago the first symptoms of vitiligo - white spots on the skin - began to appear on my face and my hands. After I had ignored these symptoms for a while and then I went to the doctor, I learned from him that there is no cure for signs of vitiligo with medication, but medicines can only give a little help.
However, I followed the recipe written by the doctor, two ointments and pills, but I had no obvious improvement in my condition except only a short time after applying the creams on my face.
When these two ointments and the pills finished, I did not visit the doctor again. I thought that if there is no cure for vitiligo, there is no also reason to take further medication.
At that time coincidentally, a friend of mine recommended me the Aloe Vera Gelly, an ointment of pure stabilized aloe vera gel from Forever Living Products. This product is known because it's natural treatment on minor burns and cuts, minor injuries and skin diseases.
Aloe vera is also known for its properties of cell remediation and cell regeneration, ie anti aging properties. So I thought that it was a good idea to implement Aloe Vera Gelly on my face after every shave instead of "after shave" lotion. And so I did.
The result was unexpected! One month later my face skin had softened, had no wrinkles and more importantly, vitiligo signs on my face were almost invisible! Instead, vitiligo symptoms - the white spots of vitiligo - on my hands were still visible but now less.
I think that is because even if I did not implement Aloe Vera Gelly direct on my hands, using my hands to apply it on my face, a small amount of the gel always remained. But that small amount has not enough time to penetrate into the skin and fully treat it, because hands have always something to do, they are busy.
But today, after about two years of regular use of Aloe Vera Gelly, there are not any vitiligo spots visible on either, my hands and face.
Thanks for reading!
Strato's Note:
Γειά σου Τέλλη, Hello Telly, what an amazing story! Thank you for your contribution. You are the # 1!
Well, we incline to forget the nature's herbal remedies and sometimes when we use them again by coincidence, we are pleasantly surprised from their natural power!
(Update 31 Mar, 2010, - Because of that many visitors who read aloe vera true stories send requests for more information about Aloe Vera Gelly from Forever Living Products, I quote some information below.)
Historically, a major use of aloe vera was to aid in the treatment of minor skin irritations. Many households kept a live aloe, or
My close relationship with aloe vera began about four years ago.
Actually in 2006 I had been suffering from a chronic sinus infection for over three years despite the frequent treatment and medication, including two painful operations.
Someone I knew who had been working in the city came to see me and my wife, to talk about this 'amazing miracle plant' called aloe vera.
I had been using aloe vera for years topically in creams, tooth gels and shampoos, but was not cognizant of its benefits and medicinal properties when taken internally.
I decided to drink the aloe vera gel, I used an aloe vera nasal spray and another of the products he recommended us, the bee propolis, a natural antibiotic from the beehive.
The results were amazing. Five months later, the sinus infection had disappeared. I was feeling healthy again thanks to the amazing aloe vera.
Strato's Note:
Edward thank you very much for sharing with us your aloe vera true story!
Because of that many visitors who read your story send requests for more information about a particular aloe vera juice and bee propolis, I quote some information below.
Aloe Vera Gel
Magical Aloe Vera Gel Sunburn Treatment After a Day at Santa Barbara, California
Aloe vera gel sunburn treatment is indeed the best treatment for sunburns. One weekend I went to visit Carolyn, a friend in Santa Barbara, California. We went to the beach and there I managed to get an amazing sunburn.
Well, I burn easily in the sun and I am aware of it. But it is so relaxing to lay on the beach under the sun. It is oh-so tempting to lay yourself out on a big beach blanket and soak up those golden sun rays......
I've learned to suffer through these bouts of burn and I was ready to suffer one more time. But when we went back to home, Carolyn took one look at me and said, "No you don't, young lady!"
She stepped outside her back door and plucked a leaf from a rather ugly plant alongside her porch. She took the goo from that plant and gently smoothed it over the burned area. She said that by morning I would feel and look like new. "Yeah, right", thought I.
Well, that "goo" was aloe vera gel. Pure aloe vera gel. Right from the plant. And Carolyn was so right. In the morning I had NO MORE SUNBURN, only a pale tan where the burn had been before.
I couldn't believe it. Aloe vera is a miracle plant. I have spent my life getting burned, drying out, hurting and itching. For the most part I avoid the sun altogether. Now this miracle plant, aloe vera, had healed a very, very bad sunburn. Over night.
I keep aloe vera on hand now. I don't need it often, but every once in a while it is a real life saver!
Strato's Note:
MaryAnn thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your aloe vera true story!
Yes, aloe vera gel is the best treatment for sunburns! However, aloe vera can also prevent sunburn.
Strato's Note #1: Aloe vera for first aid is miraculous. Not only stops the bleeding but also protects the wounded or burned spot of our body from infections. Read this true story by Barry Leban which describes with few words but comprehensive, how he used aloe vera for first aid.
Hello, my name is Barry Leban and I live in Negril Jamaica. I fell of my motorcycle, landing on my side with the bike on top of me.
My home was close so when I went there, I heard one man says I should go to the doctor and another one says to put aloe on it. I decided not to go to the doctor and to put aloe on it.
The worst spot of the wound was too ulcerated and bloody. I put a piece of aloe vera leaf on it, wrapped it and the pain was gone as well as the swelling and later I had no scabs.
Strato's Note #2: Barry, thanks a lot for sharing your aloe vera true story with us. It's amazing to hear such stories from several people around the world describing the various health benefits of aloe vera.
Barry, you live in Jamaica and there you are blessed with any kind of plants and you can find fresh aloe vera any time at your backyard. But there are other friends who do not have this chance and they keep asking me if there is an aloe vera product for first aid. So, the following quotes below are precisely for those friends.
Aloe First Spray is an excellent addition to any first aid kit. This exclusive skin protection formula provides a first line of defense against minor skin irritations. Formulated in a base of stabilized aloe vera gel, Aloe First contains Bee Propolis, Allantoin and eleven exclusive plant extracts:
Aloe vera juice and my dog's health improvement.
We own an 11 year old Golden retriever. I found 99% pure aloe vera juice in our drug store and decided to see if it would help my varicose veins and I have seen a noticeable difference.
Our dog has problems with his hips and some days cannot get off the floor. Since I have been giving aloe vera juice to him, he has started running again.
Now, he is full of energy and his health seems so much more improved. His fur feels soft again and he sheds alot less!
What a wonderful product!
Strato's Note:
Kathy, thank you so much for sharing with us your aloe vera true story(ies) about your dog and about how you have seen a noticeable difference of your varicose veins!
Aloe vera juice indeed is useful not only for us, but also for our pets. Aloe vera pet care products are the best products we can offer them. They boast natural properties that are conducive to their healthy skin, healthy coat and their overall health.
A product that is the first care for our pets is Aloe Veterinary Formula from Forever Living Products.
"What is the best way and time of the day to drink or eat raw aloe vera?"
Strato's answer:
In other words, how and when to use aloe vera? Well, this is a very good question, its answer is missing from the main pages of AloeveraChangeslives and I will be happy tο answer it.
A basic property of aloe vera is that it cleans the villi of the intestines, while removes those toxins that accumulate all around the villi.
Thus, villi is able to absorb more accurately and easily the necessary nutrients, those our body needs to be preserved.
Also, aloe contains enzymes which help in breaking down the compound food into simpler components, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fat, etc. strengthening the proper functioning of stomach and digestive system.
When to use aloe vera?
So it is good to drink aloe vera juice, first thing in the morning. Even better is to wait, first to go to the toilet and then drink the juice. Our stomach and intestines are empty then and aloe can be beneficial, more easily and without obstacles.
I am sure that, two doses of aloe vera gel drink a day is enough for everyday use. One in the morning and the other in the afternoon, at least three hours before we sleep. Always and in any case 20 minutes before eating.
Thus we are giving time, our stomach to break down aloe in simple organic elements, such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, etc. So when food will start entering, our stomach will be already "oiled" and "well tuned" and able to act reliably...
How much aloe vera gel to use?
You have not need to drink large amount of juice! 40 - 50 ml per dose is enough. If you drink more, our body simply does not have enough time to break down the extra amount of aloe and eventually expel it with the urine.
However, if you feel the need to drink more juice, you can increase doses instead! You can drink 40 - 50 ml aloe juice, three times a day, or four in rare cases.
This happens, occasionally, perhaps to all those who drink for a long time and everyday aloe. Our brain with this "not full - want more" feeling, notifies that needs more aloe to cope with an emergency situation or a permanent problem.
I think that after a not long every day use of aloe vera gel drink, our organism is optimizing the doses depending our needs.
How to drink or eat raw aloe vera?
Certainly, it is good to have your own Aloe Barbadensis Miller plants (the most healthful variety of aloe vera plant) in your backyard.
These aloe plants must be aged 4-5 years, so they are mature and ready for harvest. The younger - immature plants have not yet developed all their ingredients and serve no man.
Cut carefully with a sharp knife an outer leaf near the base of the plant, remove the outer peel - the rind of the leaf and consume the inner gel as quicker as possible.
You can cut it in not many small pieces, mix it with other cut fruits add honey and eat a healthy breakfast and / or lunch, or dinner. Either you can juice it and drink it.
You should definitely keep in the refrigerator the aloe jelly - inner gel left over, because if aloe vera gel stays too long in the environment's temperature, tans like a sliced apple, ie oxidizes and loses all its nutritional value.
What, if I may not keep my own aloe vera plant?
Of course if you live in an apartment and you may not keep aloe vera plants and want to consume aloe vera, you must find products made from stabilized aloe vera gel, which keeps the ingredients 98% unchanged and available to us anytime, almost like when you cut the leaf from the plant.
A remarkable product, combining small pieces of pure aloe vera gel and natural peach juice is Aloe Bits n 'Peaches.
"I am suffering from colitis. Will aloe vera gel help to cure my colitis?"
Strato's answer:
Does aloe vera gel cure colitis?
Disclosure
Hi Prasad, thank you for your question, because for me this is a good opportunity to clarify certain issues.
Personally, I have not studied medicine and all of my answers to your questions are based on the official literature, the experience of our fellow humans and my personal experience and reasearch.
My recommendation on products are based mostly on my personal experience after many years of using stabilized aloe barbadensis Miller products. I will receive compensation from Forever Living Products, when someone purchase products from Retail Aloe Store. Such compensation does not influence the information in this site.
I always try to give my best in what ever I do. Because I believe that the best reward for a job, is knowing that you have done the best you could do for this job.
But as I said, I'm not a doctor and my advice is, always first consult your family physician if you are experiencing a medical problem.
Regarding your question:
Will aloe vera gel help to cure my colitis?
Studies
In the recent years there have been many studies about aloe vera and its benefits for the human health and also for the animal health. I'll mention only two related to colitis.
Dr Lee Cowden (Dallas, Texas) stated that daily consumption of aloe vera gel helps greatly in combat and relieve the annoying symptoms of many diseases such as ulcerative colitis, problems in the esophagus, peptic ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mouth lesions and sore throat.
Dr. B. Frielander (San Diego, California) nutritionist, noted that patients with chronic colon problems, including constipation, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis and Crohn 's disease, benefited from the daily consumption of aloe juice as part of a treatment program. He noted further that the color of their face looked better and their overall health had improved!
Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, colitis wound the colon and make it excitable, leading to bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Aloe vera gel when drunk every day, is particularly effective because of its anti-inflammatory action.
Colitis is most commonly caused by poor diet, lack of fibre, stress or an excess use of coffee and / or alcohol.
Changing our bad habits to healthful habits
Drinking aloe vera gel every day
Thus, abandoning the bad habits or rather changing our bad habits to healthful habits is the best way to help ourselves against colitis.
Stop smoking or / and drinking coffee and instead start reinforcing your body with the proper nutrition, drinking aloe vera gel drink every day and stay active. Aloe will support you the best way and will be very helpful in your body's detoxification.
