From Mrs. Cog’s Corner

The content on this page is for discussion purposes relating to health and well being only and is not intended to be medical advice. Links and sources provided are for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement of a person, product or treatment.

Aloe Vera (aloe barbadensis) is a known anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

As with many natural healing substances, aloe has an amazing history. Used to treat tuberculosis in ancient Egypt, by the Mesopotamians to ward off evil and even mentioned in the Bible to have been grown by King Solomon, the properties of aloe have been long acknowledged. Read much more here and here.

Keeping healthy aloe plants on hand can replace a plethora of items we buy at the drug store which usually include additional chemicals that are, in my opinion, often unnecessary. A snippet from the end of an aloe stalk will contain sticky juice to apply topically for many benefits.

The Cog household uses Aloe for the following purposes:

1. For minor kitchen burns while cooking, including grease splatters.
2. To soothe and help heal sunburns.
3. For poison ivy, poison sumac reactions.
4. To help heal most skin conditions including acne, eczema, dry skin, etc..
5. Soothes blisters and helps healing.
6. Relieves the itching and helps heal bug bites.
7. Helps to minimize scarring from cuts and scrapes.
8. Aids in the tissue repair from bruises.

For more information:

An entire website devoted to information about Aloe. http://www.aloeplant.info/

Would you be surprised if I told you aloe vera gel was clear? If not, why put a gel with green dye and perfumes on the largest organ you have?  Not only does it have dye, but that green Banana Boat goop has SD Alcohol 40, Glycerin, polysorbate 2, and more. Making your own homemade aloe vera gel could not be any easier. http://blog.allisonlehman.com/2012/07/homemade-aloe-vera-gel/

It doesn't hurt that aloe vera produces at least six natural antiseptics, which are able to kill mold, bacteria, funguses, and viruses. In fact, the plant is so powerful that researchers and scientists are looking into its potential as an AIDS and cancer-fighter. 40 Amazing uses for Aloe Vera! http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/amazing-aloe-vera.htm

Aloe vera is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It requires little in the way of care—simply an occasional watering, warm conditions, and (depending on who you ask) a bit of fertilization now and then. And with this easily grown plant in your home, you are opening yourself to a wealth of medicinal uses. For many, the path to herbalism at home begins with the aloe plant. http://naturalsociety.com/health-benefits-of-aloe-vera-grow-own-medicine/

Aloe demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ⁽⁹⁾ and Aloe vera cream was shown to be superior to silver sulfadiazine creams for the treatment of second-degree burns ⁽²¹⁾.
Studies also suggest that constituents of aloe, such as acemannan, aloeride, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) have immunomodulating and anticancer effects ^{(5) (7) (8)}. Emodin from Aloe vera inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human liver cancer cell lines through p53- and p21-dependent pathways ⁽⁴⁾. http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/aloe-vera

This living “first-aid kit” did so much for me — after nothing else had brought me relief — that I wanted to learn all I could about it. In order to get an expert opinion, I looked up a biochemist who was studying the plant. This researcher confessed that Aloe vera’s curative properties defy accurate scientific analysis. He had discovered, though, one reason why the spiny-leaved plants heal so effectively: They contain numerous cleansing agents and catalysts, as well as (apparently) “every compound essential to the formation and proper function of the human cell.” http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/aloe-vera-medicinal-uses-zmaz79mjzraw.aspx#axzz2wQjLIppn

The 2011 2nd edition of Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects cites the extraordinarily long use of aloe vera for its therapeutic benefits, both internal and external. ^[1] Its use extends as far back as biblical times and was mentioned in the New Testament as an herb for embalming. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-aloe-vera/ (Many excellent clinical studies referenced beneath this article.)

Rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B12 and many more, the gel can effectively be used to help heal cuts and burns. Aloe has also been linked to assist with detoxification, alkalinity, digestion, the immune system, skin health and much more. It truly is a super plant that can even be easily grown in a small pot on a window sill. http://www.naturalblaze.com/2013/07/5-household-plants-for-purified-house.html

More information and uses for aloe: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/aloe-vera/