Description

The Care and Keeping of Sensitive Skin

Chapter One

The Best Herbs for the Treatment of Sensitive Skin

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) First aid plant, medicine plant

Gel or juice

Uses: medical burns, sunburn, cuts, wounds, insect stings, bruises, acne and blemishes, scars, wrinkles, poison ivy, warts, welts, skin ulcers, eczema, shingles, and dandruff (straight from the plant).

Actions: astringent, emollient, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, anti—inflammatory, immune support, wound and tissue healer, and demulcent.

Constituents: glucomannan, polysaccharide, steroids, organic acids, enzymes, antibiotic, amino acid, saponin, and minerals. It contains phytochemicals: acemannan, beta carotene, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, cinnamic acid, coumarin, lignins, p-coumaric acid, and saponins. It contains nutrients: amino acids, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E.

Note: It is possible to develop intolerance if aloe is used in excess.

Caution: DO NOT take internally during pregnancy.

Aloe vera gel (a member of the lily family) has been used for centuries as a folk cure for burns, cuts, and skin problems. It is believed that Cleopatra may have used it as a cleanser.

It contains more than twenty amino acids and carbohydrates and is common in first aid creams, shampoos, and other natural body products.

It is known to restore tissue close to the center of a bad burn by inhibiting the release of thromboxane, which is thought to be directly responsible for cell death and permanent scarring. It speeds healing and stimulates new tissue growth. It can also help to heal cold sores and diaper rash.

There are more than two hundred different species of aloe vera in dry regions around the world. It is known to speed the healing of damaged tissue, counter irritation and inflammation, and deliver a slight numbing effect. It also fights infection.

Taken internally, the juice is known to help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation from radiation, increase blood vessel generation in lower extremities in people with poor circulation, and soothe stomach irritation. It can also be helpful against infection, varicose veins, skin cancer, and arthritis. It can be used as a laxative and is helpful in the treatment of AIDS as well as skin and digestive disorders.

Combined with whipped egg whites, it makes a good firming mask. As an astringent, it has soothing properties. It contains a polysaccharide that helps skin retain moisture.

Because aloe vera gel penetrates the skin very quickly and reduces inflammation, it is used to treat a wide range of sports injuries, such as sprains, strains, and turf burns. To increase cell-healing time, use aloe gel in the initial ice compress. Soothe more into the injury site two to three times per day.

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