Whether it’s a boo-boo on the back of my hand or a blemish on my nose, one of my very favorite skin soothing treatments is fresh Aloe Vera leaf. I buy the whole aloe leaf (organic if possible) and keep them in the fridge. Select firm, plump leaves free of brown discoloration and they should last in cold storage for a couple of months. Then once a day I slice off a 1″ thick piece, cut open the moist, jelly-like center and apply directly to my skin – any part of my choosing:)…both morning and evening. The fresh, raw aloe leaf works so much better than the processed topical solutions you find in stores.
Here’s some more info on the wonders of the Aloe plant from the Sunfood website:
“The gel of raw aloe vera contains vitamins C and E, plus the minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and chromium, as well as antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, enzymes, sterols, and lignins and, most importantly, polysaccharides. It is the polysaccharides in aloe that help it do everything from fighting infections, to boosting the immune system. Aloe has many health giving properties and there is no better way to harness its power than by utilizing the gel straight from the fresh leaves.
- Naturally antiseptic and antibacterial – can be applied to cuts, scrapes and abrasions
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory – can ease the pain of poison oak, poison
- Cools and speeds healing of sun burns
- Weight loss, detoxification
- Prebiotic
Aloe has also been used to treat the following conditions:
Eczema, acne, rashes, psoriasis, scarring burns and other skin disorders. Candida, burns, stretch marks, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, athletes foot and many more.”
I like to place Aloe gel in a blender and add it to any smoothie for a richer, creamier texture. And even better, Aloe is known to soothe and help heal a sensitive or stress ulcerated stomach.
Enjoy!
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