One can think of the Aloe Vera plant the way they would consider certain necessities they always keep on hand, whether at home or at the office. It is an essential part of ones first aid kit, because of its immediate healing qualities in its use as an antiseptic, aiding in an assortment of ailments and circumstances. Just as you would keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of an emergency, so should you always grow an Aloe Vera plant in a pot inside your home (or keep aloe vera topical ointment in your medicine cabinet!).
Aloe Vera as an Antiseptic
Aloe Vera’s antiseptic constituents include salicylic acid, which acts much the same way as aspirin as it keeps down inflammation. Cinnamonic acid retards the growth of bacteria. These two antiseptics, along with sulphur, urea nitrogen, phenol and lupeol all contribute to fighting infection and are part of this unique plants make up. It is potent yet gentle in action and helps to heal infections on the body, inside or out, as well as ulcers and wounds.
Topical Application of Aloe Vera the Antiseptic
Because of its components, aloe also helps to alleviate pain when applied as a poultice and left over the wounded area, while it also acts by fighting off infection through its antiseptic qualities. For instance, if you were to burn your arm, you would simply cut off a piece of the plant, (one of its leaves) and crush, chop or grind the leaf with a wooden spoon or some other utensil and place it over the wound. It can also be put into a thin, preferably cotton, piece of clean linen or cloth. This is then placed over the area of the wound and held there by wrapping a bit of plastic around the whole thing or using a clothes or safety pin. This is a first line of defense before infection has a chance to set in. Its antiseptic qualities will immediately help to begin the healing process. You can keep this poultice on for quite a while, checking it every so often to make sure you have no reaction to its juices. The juice from the plant carries the healing qualities of the herb, which travels under the skin. This can be done again and again until you find relief.
It is interesting and important to note that the total healing properties lie within the use of the entire plant and not solely in the gel, as commonly thought. Its antibacterial properties are held within the rind and sap of the plant. In order to get the best results for your particular needs, the Aloe Vera plant in its entirety must be used because its outer and inner parts all work synchronistically together.
Antiseptic Uses of Aloe Vera
The beauty of the aloe plant is not only in it’s interesting shape and form, but also in its variety of uses. Its antiseptic qualities make it a refreshing way to cleanse the skin, while encouraging cell regeneration and warding off infections which can lead to acne. For those of any age, but especially the teenage and twenty something years, this is the time to take care of your skin. By using safe, chemical free Aloe Vera on your skin, you can keep it supple, soft and free of blemishes. Its antifungal properties help to keep certain skin infections and breakouts from occurring. There are a variety of ways in which people can use aloe vera.
Here is a small list of some of Aloe Vera’s benefits for when it is used as an antiseptic.
- Helps in healing burns
- Used topically for blistering
- Helps to heal fungus
- Contributes to the healing of herpes
- Great for insect bites
- Works well for skin injuries
- Gently works for vaginal infections
- Works to heal skin sores
- Used to help heal urinary tract infections
By drinking the juice from the Aloe Vera plant, it has the ability to destroy bacteria in the system as well as viruses. At the first sign of a problem is when it will help the most in warding off illnesses such as bronchitis, colds, respiratory infections and sores. It has been shown to attack free radicals in the body.
Why Choose Aloe Over as Chemical Antiseptic?
When you get a cut and reach into your medicine cabinet to find something that will reduce the possibility of your minor wound turning into an infection, chances are you pull out a chemical cream or ointment and begin slathering yourself with a store-bought product that is loaded with artificial additives. But check out that ingredient list. What does “insert unpronounceable ingredient here” even do? Nevermind that, what is it? Rather than unknowns, go all-natural with aloe. Choosing aloe as your antiseptic instead of something from the bottle will make sure that you known exactly how your wounds are being taken care of. When you squeeze out a batch of aloe vera gel, you know exactly what you will be applying to irritated areas. Isn’t that a relief?
Not only do you know what you are getting when you pick aloe, but aloe has more skin benefits than just acting as an antiseptic. Aloe will also moisturize your skin and reduce the chances of scarring! Your skin will be well cared for when you use aloe vera gel!
Anyone can grow an aloe vera plant (see the Plant Care section for some great tips and advice on how to care for an aloe plant), but for those who wish to purchase it from a natural food store, make sure it is fresh and does not contain preservatives, as these are chemicals and cause internal problems.
Diet recipes for diabetics says
Good post! This is the kind of information that should be distributed on the online community. I would like to read more of this.
Recipes for diabetics
francine marchand says
love these infos will use them on my surgery on my scars,
Manekraj Goliya says
Please keep me on your mailing list for your news letter s.Thanks.