An aloe vera plant contains a far greater concentrations of mucilage than is typically found in most plants. Mucilage is a gooey, slippery, sticky substance that relieves dryness, lubricates tissues, and helps irritated areas of the body. With some safety limitations, aloe can be used for wound healing and as a laxative.

Personal Story

My aloe vera plant has grown quite large and is starting to reproduce little aloe plants in the same pot. I generally reach for my aloe when I get a burn or experience sun burn. After cooling the wound with cool running water, it is easy for me to cut off a leaf, slice it down the center, and use the sticky liquid on the burn. It is quite sticky and soothing.

Two Uses for Aloe VeraT

There are two uses for aloe vera. The first is wound healing and the second is laxative.

Wound Healing

Aloe is a mucilaginous herb. Mucilaginous herbs tend to moisturize the skin, soothe inflammation, and heal injuries.

• Research has shown that aloe has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe’s sticky substance is good for moisturizing dry skin.

Laxative

Aloe can also used as a laxative when keeping in mind its safety limitations. Aloe stimulates the body’s capacity for spontaneous movement in the intestine.

Safety

The aloe vera mucilaginous leaf gel from parenchymatious leaf cells is considered Class 1 for internal use and Class 2d for external use. It is considered safe when used appropriately as a topical application. Aloe is Class 2d, meaning it has restrictions since it may delay healing when used following a laparotomy or a caesarean delivery.

The dried juice from the pericyclic region of the cells is Class 2b, 2c, and 2d, which means it has the following restrictions:

• “DO NOT TAKE” aloe vera dried juice during pregnancy.
• Also, avoid aloe vera if you are trying to become pregnant.
• Aloe is not to be used while nursing.
• Do not use as a laxative in children under twelve years of age.
• Do not use as a laxative when someone has unexplained abdominal pain, an obstruction of the intestine, or when someone has an inflammatory condition (appendicitis; colitis; Crohn’s disease; irritable bowel syndrome), kidney dysfunction, or menstruation.
• Do not use in excess of 8-10 days

Action

Consider the benefits of using aloe vera for soothing minor burns.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What do you think of using aloe for wound healing?