Some massive company is always trying to push the latest lab-developed ointment or skincare product and it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Multi-million dollar ad campaigns and clever packaging works, and it makes us forget that the best ointment on the planet comes courtesy of Mother Nature: aloe vera gel. Although it may seem somewhat surprising, there’s a bounty of benefits associated with various aloe vera healing properties.
The historical use of aloe vera healing dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it for natural wound care and healing. Over the centuries, different cultures around the world have ascribed aloe gel with a near-miraculous healing capacity not only to promote the healing of wounded or infected skin and restore it to health, but also to help keep it beautiful.
Aloe Vera Healing Properties: Nature’s Own Band Aid
Aloe vera healing properties have been described as a portable first aid kit that you can use to treat cuts, burns, bruises, scrapes, sunburn, bites and stings. When aloe vera gel is applied topically onto or into a wound, it serves as a natural, band aid or wound dressing that seals it against outside infection, accelerating the body’s own healing process. It is an effective, inexpensive first-aid solution for all minor burns and scalds.
How Aloe Vera Healing Works
Like all other succulents, aloe vera is a self-healing plant. If a living aloe leaf is cut or torn, it will immediately seal the “wound” to prevent the loss of water and nutrients and to protect against bacterial contamination. Within minutes, the aloe gel will seep out to the surface and form a water-tight, rubber-like coating over the injured area. This gel coating contracts as it dries, pulling the edges of the wound shut. Within days the wound heals completely with zero scarring.
The same natural, healing mechanism is triggered when aloe vera is applied topically to a wound, accelerating the healing process. Aloe gel forms a seal over the damaged skin, helping to staunch bleeding and protect against wound infection. Aloe vera healing provides essential nourishment to the traumatized tissues, while stimulating the regeneration of skin cells and connective tissue. Aloe gel also alleviates inflammation, reducing redness and swelling.
A Wealth of Aloe Vera Healing Properties
Aloe vera gel contains a wealth of biologically active compounds that give reason for the many aloe vera healing properties. It is rich in nourishing phytonutrients that play a key role in the healing process. These include vitamins, especially the antioxidant vitamins A, B complex, C and E, minerals including calcium, magnesium and zinc as well as amino acids like tyrosine and phenylalanine. Other beneficial compounds include: prostaglandins, polysaccharides, saponins, enzymes, glycoproteins, anthraquinones, plant sterols and lignin. – Source
Flickr Photo: Éamonn
The long list of aloe vera healing properties is in itself a good reason to always have a tube of aloe vera gel around. In all things health related, natural is always better.