Aloe Vera: Succulent Burn Cream

Aloe Vera is highly effective in treating burns and wounds. We have used it on oven burns as well as sun burns with great results. It is also apparently useful in treating diabetes and some blood diseases. This is thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectins.

It is a perennial hailing from North Africa and the Mediterranean and has been used in herbal medicine for over 5000 years.

"Research studies highlight the tremendous healing powers of aloe when used both internally and externally. Some of the benefits include: as a pain and allergy inhibitor, for inflammation, fluid retention, perspiration odours, itching, hemorrhaging and to close cuts for cell regeneration and healing, to destroy parasites, harmful bacteria and fungi in the intestinal tract, to relieve bowel tension and help produce bowel movements, moisturise skin, increase blood flow, remove toxins and dead tissue, penetrate skin to reach tendons, muscles, joints and the lymph system, and promote the growth of new tissue. It also has a normalising action on fluid levels and the acid/ alkaline balance in the body. Research has shown that aloe vera can increase the proliferation of lymphocytes and stimulate natural immunity through killer cell activity. Aloe has a strong effect on the immune system, by activating and stimulating macrophages, monocytes, antibodies and T-cells, as well as increasing the number of anti-body forming Bcells in the spleen.

One of the most important functions of aloe is to aid the digestive system, as poor digestion can be responsible for many diseases. Our food comprises proteins, carbohydrates and fats that must undergo a process of digestion, which consists of breaking down complex substances into simpler ones so they can be absorbed and used by the body. Aloe is able to assist the body by providing the active properties of a large range of amino acids, monosaccharides, fatty acids and enzymes that act as catalysts in breaking down complex foods so the body can assimilate the nutrients more efficiently." - source

We are lucky enough to have over half a dozen of these plants growing in our circle garden. they take very little maintenance or watering and are as easy to use as snapping off one of their succulent stalks and rubbing the gooey sap onto any wound or burn.