Ancient healers referred to the Aloe Vera plant as the "Potted Physician", as an acknowledgment to its natural medicinal qualities for human health and healing.

The juice derived from the Aloe Vera plant is a powerful internal remedy for common ailments such as:

• Constipation
• Intestinal worms
• Stomach ulcers
• Asthma
• Inflammation
• Infections and 
• Weak immunity.

In addition, the gel extracted from the cells inside the leaf, is extremely effective for alleviating many skin conditions including,

• Cold sores
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Sunburn and more!

What is Aloe Vera?

A green, triangular plant with serrated leaves, Aloe Vera is revered for its succulent "gel" which contains a rich array of active nutritional components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, anti-oxidants and amino acids.  Also, it contains powerful compounds called, "anthraquinones", that are known for their naturally stimulating laxative effects.

The Aloe Vera succulent has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, dating back to ancient Egypt. The plant is native to North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands.  Today, aloe vera is grown in tropical climates worldwide.

Aloe Vera's potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic qualities help to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans, internally and in the treatment of wounds and skin problems. 

Aloe Vera plants can be sourced from most good local nurseries and are a very worthwhile plant for you to have access to at home when you need it.

Here are our 5 most recommended uses for Aloe Vera:

1. Eliminate Age Spots

Aloe vera gel is a natural skin beauty treatment that has stood the test of time.

When the clear liquid is pressed from the thick, fleshy leaves of the aloe vera plant and applied topically, it promotes the growth of healthy, new skin cells.

Just be sure to choose your source carefully, because Aloe Vera gel that has been processed will not work as effectively.

We source the purest Aloe Vera used in the creation of our skin blemish clean up gel product called, Skin's Love Potion.

2. Relief from Burns, Insect Bites & Rashes

Applying aloe vera gel direct from an aloe plant once the burn is cool, will provide quick pain relief.

Again, having an Aloe Vera plant at home is a great remedy to help alleviate burns, insect bites, rashes and even razor burn from shaving, whenever these discomforts arise.

Simply slice off a piece of leaf and apply the gel inside directly to the affected area. Another effective addition to using aloe vera gel for burns and bites is a high-quality Lavender Pure Essential Oil or a clean dressing soaked in cool chamomile tea. Add ice to the tea to cool more rapidly. This will help reduce pain, inflammation and soothe the skin.

3. Speed Up Healing: Cold Sores, Psoriasis, Eczema & Herpes

Many external skin conditions, like Acne, Psoriasis and Eczema, are typically a "last resort" indicator from your body that it has internal chaos going on that needs to be eliminated.

As always, fasting is the number one way to help your body to detoxify and reset.  However, due to its powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, applying Aloe Vera directly from a plant or from a jar of Skin's Love Potion will help soothe the skin and speed up the healing process of blemishes or irritations.

Other natural remedies that can assist in healing inflammatory skin conditions include:

• Hot Salt Baths infused with Epsom Salts and pure Essential Oils Baths before bedtime. Our handcrafted Detox Bath Salts available in our store are a super convenient way to go;
• Light exfoliation with Sea Salt and Essential Oils in the shower is also very beneficial in releasing dead skin cells and activating circulation which helps to speed up healing of inflammatory skin.  Again, for convenience, get your hands on our house made exfoliate product, Renew Salt Scrub
• Use a chemical-free, plant based moisturiser like our handcrafted Divine Body Butter, Nourish Daily Moisturiser or simply use Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil;
• Drink 1 shot glass full of Joule of Thor Aloe Vera elixir every morning or evening and include plenty of extra virgin olive oil in your diet (add to green salads, steamed vegetables).

4. Oily Hair, Dandruff & Itchy Scalp

Excessively oily hair, dandruff, or itchy scalp can be treated with natural aloe vera. A 1998 study found that aloe vera helped resolve scalp inflammation caused by dandruff. The fatty acids found in the aloe plant have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and heal scalp problems.

Combine 1-2 teaspoons full of aloe vera gel direct from an aloe plant with a 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and a 1 teaspoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.  Gently combine into the palms of your hands, then massage into your scalp. Allow to soak into your hair and scalp for 15-20 minutes.

Next, use a good quality, mild organic shampoo to wash your hair as normal, before rinsing and patting dry.  Repeat this process 2-3 times per week until you notice the difference and avoid regular chemical shampoos and conditioners as much as possible.

5. Internal Digestive & Anti-Inflammatory Aid

Drinking the juice of the aloe vera plant can be extremely beneficial in helping heal many digestive ailments and discomforts from constipation, to candida, stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aloe Vera assists the body to break down food for more rapid nutrient uptake, whilst helping to restore the ecology and acid/alkaline balance in the digestive tract.

Additionally, aloe vera's anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties are extremely effective in bad gut bacteria, thereby boosting the immune system.

As a gut health and digestive system aid, source organic aloe vera juice from your local health food store, or get your hands on our proprietary aloe vera gut health elixir, Joule of Thor and take 1 shot glass full per day.

The Main Takeaway

Aloe Vera is a versatile, natural remedy with a proven track record, that you should have easy access to at home for whenever you need it.

From insect bites, to sun burn, acne, skin blemishes and restorative gut health, the aloe vera plant seemingly has no limits as a natural medicinal tool. 

If you don't already have an Aloe Vera plant in your garden or sitting in a pot on your porch, take the time to source one from your local nursery so that you always have fresh Aloe at your fingertips.

Finally, when purchasing aloe vera products, choose the best quality you can find sourced from local health food stores, your farmer's markets or here in our store at: tolmanselfcare.com

Tolman Self Care.