Aloe Vera is a popular medicinal plant that has great benefits for the body. Thanks to its unique composition, it has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antibacterial and other effects. Therefore, it is successfully used in cosmetology, pharmacology, classical and folk medicine.
Morphological description
The appearance of aloe is very diverse, from miniature ornamental plants to trees 8-10 meters high. All its species are characterized by sword-shaped leaves extending from the base-stem, along the edge of which there are rather sharp thorns. The color of the leaves ranges from pale light green to rich green. The roots are fibrous, located near the surface.
From the stem, once every 2-3 years, from January to April, a long peduncle with flowers from red to white, which are collected in a multi-flowered dense raceme, grows. The aloe flower has a strong smell that can cause headaches. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule.
Under artificial conditions, it reproduces with the help of pups or shoots, which quickly produce roots in water. In the natural environment it reproduces by both seeds and children. It is a light- and moisture-loving plant, not resistant to cold.
Features of the plant leaf
Aloe leaves have an unusual structure and include a gelatinous, gel-like core surrounded by a layer of sap and a thin, tough skin. Leaves can accumulate large amounts of water, increasing significantly in size. To preserve moisture, the leaves close their pores, which prevents the evaporation of water when there is insufficient supply from the outside. During prolonged drought, the size of the leaves visually decreases due to the consumption of moisture reserves. Also, in unfavorable conditions, the plant sheds its lower leaves in order to preserve life.
Patient reviews
What is usually of interest to patients who have been prescribed aloe injections? Instructions, injection techniques and reviews - this information may be useful to them. Many speak positively about a medicinal product such as aloe extract. This product helps strengthen the immune system and enhance the body's protective functions. In addition, aloe has shown high effectiveness in the treatment of bronchitis and stomach ulcers.
Patients note the pain of injections as the main disadvantage. This is normal for this drug. Novocaine is usually used for pain relief. The great advantage of aloe extract is that this drug has virtually no side effects. In some cases, signs of individual intolerance may be observed.
Difference between Aloe Vera and Agave
In addition to external morphological characteristics, plants differ in composition. Thus, aloe vera is characterized by more fleshy leaves, therefore, containing a larger amount of gel.
Which aloe is healthier: According to research conducted in 2011 at the Venice Scientific Institute in Italy, it was found that homemade aloe is 200% richer in nutrients.
In our conditions, it is easier to use agave - an affordable and unpretentious crop for home cultivation. But you can also use a more exotic type - aloe vera, the medicinal properties of which and recipes are similar to the use of agave.
Benefit
For a long time, aloe juice has been used to treat skin wounds, eye problems, and inflammatory phenomena in the body. They used it to treat skin defects, add it to tea, and prepare vitamin mixtures. Women enjoy using aloe as a dietary supplement due to its laxative properties and use it to care for hair, hands and face. Pharmacology, having studied the composition of a natural medicine, uses it as an ingredient in many medicines.
Collection and preparation of aloe
The plant accumulates the maximum useful substances by the age of five. The lower and middle leaves are subject to harvesting, which are collected together with the stem-enclosing sheaths. They are removed very carefully, excluding breakage or tearing of the sheet, at any time of the year (for home cultivation).
Fresh leaves are suitable for juice and other dosage forms - they should be stored in the refrigerator for 10-12 days before preparing to maximize their beneficial properties. At T 00C, the raw materials are stored for about a month: for this, the leaves are washed, dried and wrapped loosely in foil.
Dry the raw materials in the shade, in a ventilated area, whole or cut into pieces. After drying, the leaves acquire a wrinkled appearance, honeycombed at the fracture and are very fragile. Store in paper or fabric bags for 2 years.
The question often arises: why keep the removed leaf, why can’t it be used fresh? Aging allows you to obtain biostimulated products from the leaf: in the cold, vital processes slow down, and unique biostimulants begin to be produced to maintain cell viability.
What can be used for treatment?
As already mentioned, aloe has numerous healing properties. The lower parts of the leaves are suitable for treatment. Young plants are not used - they have not had time to accumulate the required complex of beneficial properties. The plant should be about 3-4 years old. It is recommended not to water the succulent for several days before cutting. Before use, the leaves must be wrapped in dark paper and refrigerated for 2 weeks.
The following are used both for the manufacture of drugs and in their pure form:
- Fresh Juice. Internally - for stomach diseases and as an immunomodulatory agent, externally - for the treatment of wounds in the form of compresses and for pain in the throat and gums as a gargle;
- pulp extract. For gynecological and eye diseases, as well as gastritis.
The above components are obtained from the gel - the transparent substance of the plant leaf.
Important! Aloe juice and pulp are not stored for long, so it must be used immediately.
Pulp
Most often, the pulp is used in its natural form, but it is possible to use an infusion. The latter helps in the fight against conjunctivitis and diseases of the nasopharynx, as well as with a severe cough. The pulp as a nutritional element promotes weight loss, serves as a remedy for diseases of the digestive system, and improves immunity.
Juice
In most cases, the pulp is drained and juice is extracted from it. It is used in many medications.
In undiluted form, the product can be used:
- for colds;
- for the treatment of gastritis;
- as an immunomodulator;
- for hair treatment;
- as an antibacterial agent.
Preparing the juice is very simple:
- It is necessary to finely chop or grind the leaves kept in the refrigerator in a blender.
- Pass the resulting mass through cheesecloth, pour the juice into a glass container and let stand for 2-3 hours in a cool, dark place.
The plant juice is stored for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Chemical composition
The leaves contain many useful components (about 200), which determine the value of the crop:
- water (up to 97% of the mass);
- esters;
- traces of essential oils;
- acids: citric, cinnamic, malic, succinic, chrysophanic, l-coumaric, hyaluronic, isocitric, salicylic, etc.;
- tannins;
- resins;
- flavonoids, incl. catechins;
- beta-carotene;
- enzymes;
- bitterness;
- minerals: phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, chromium, zinc, cobalt, etc.;
- amino acids: threonine, methionine, leucine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine;
- simple sugars: fructose, glucose;
- polysaccharides, incl. acemannan;
- vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, E, retinol, choline;
- steroid molecules: sitosterol, composterol and luteol;
- anthraglycosides: nataloin, emodin, aloin, homonataloin, rabarberone;
- substances of the phenolic group, incl. anthraquinone.
Medicinal properties of aloe
Each therapeutic effect of a plant is determined by a group of beneficial substances contained in aloe.
- Antibacterial, incl. against staphylococci, streptococci, typhoid, intestinal, diphtheria and dysentery bacilli, antiviral and antifungal - due to acemannan, aleolitic, phenylacrylic, chrysophanic and cinnamic acids, vitamin C;
- Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic – salicylic acid, bradykininase enzyme, steroid molecules;
- Antitoxic – acemannan, aloin (a substance from anthraquinone derivatives), phenolic components, catalase enzyme;
- Antioxidant - manganese, copper, vitamins C and E, anthraquinone and phenol molecules;
- Choleretic – zinc, selenium and inositol components;
- Calming – magnesium, manganese, B vitamins;
- Laxative – anthraquinone and phenolic group substances;
- Pain reliever – salicylic acid, bradykininase enzyme;
- Antihyperglycemic - two fractions of acemannan - Erboran A and B;
- Antiallergenic – bradykininase enzyme;
- Anticancer – aloemodin, which is an anthraquinone molecule, acemannan, antioxidant vitamins and minerals;
- Wound healing, incl. in relation to sluggish, long-term processes - vitamin C, the enzyme bradykininase;
- Regenerating – vitamin C, catalase enzyme, anthraquinone;
- Immunomodulatory - due to polysaccharides, magnesium, and the enzyme bradykininase.
The plant enhances the secretory activity of the digestive glands (chrysic acid, sodium), normalizes metabolic processes, has a tonic, nourishing, rejuvenating and moisturizing effect on the skin by activating the growth of fibroblasts, relieves itching and irritation. Promotes regeneration of skin damage without scarring. Reduces blood cholesterol levels and promotes the breakdown of cholesterol plaques. Eliminates inflammation in the biliary tract, normalizes the function of the gallbladder.
The use of various dosage forms of aloe
Fresh Juice
- Chronic gastritis with low acidity, tendency to constipation, colitis, biliary tract diseases, stimulation of digestion and appetite. It is also prescribed for prolonged cough. Take three times a day. 1 tsp each before meals.
- Tuberculosis. Take three times a day. 1 tsp each before meals.
- A wide range of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes: wounds, burns, cracks, lupus, trophic ulcers, radiation damage to the skin, eczema, epithelioma, herpetic rashes, psoriasis. Also helps with acne. Apply juice to pathological elements 5-6 times a day.
- Used for joints in inflammatory diseases for rubbing.
- Inflammation of the nasopharynx and gums, ulcerative stomatitis. Lubricating damage with juice, irrigation or turunda with juice.
- Cervical erosion, vaginal candidiasis. Tampons soaked with juice are inserted into the vagina overnight for 2 weeks.
- Acute rhinitis. 2-5 drops in each nostril 4-5 times a day.
- Improves the body's defenses against infectious agents - 1 tsp. morning and evening, before meals.
Sabur – evaporated juice
- Constipation is atonic and chronic.
- Stimulates digestion.
- Choleretic effect.
Take diluted, 0.03–0.1 g per dose once a day.
Syrup
- Gastrointestinal diseases of acute and chronic course.
- Posthemorrhagic and hypochromic anemia (in combination with iron).
- Helps with intoxication, after long-term illnesses to restore the body. Recommended for asthenic conditions.
Prescribe 1 tsp. twice or thrice a day, half an hour after meals.
Aloe extract liquid in ampoules
- Eye diseases: blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, progressive myopia, etc.
- Chronic gastritis, enterocolitis, peptic ulcer and duodenum.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Inflammatory gynecological diseases.
- General diseases with a long, chronic course (chronic arthritis, scleroderma, epilepsy, etc.).
Intended for subcutaneous administration in a course of 25-50 injections of 1 ml (adults) and 0.5 ml (children over 5 years old) once a day. If necessary, injections are prescribed in a repeated course.
Aloe extract according to Fedorov, eye drops, dietary supplement
- Farsightedness and myopia;
- Dry eye syndrome;
- "Night blindness";
- Myopic chorioretinitis;
- Diabetic retinopathy;
- Blepharitis;
- Cataract.
Prescribe 1 drop 2-5 times a day, into each conjunctival sac.
Aloe liniment
Prevention and treatment of skin lesions during radiation therapy. Apply to the affected skin 2-3 times a day, cover with a sterile napkin.
Aloe at home - traditional medicine recipes
Improved digestion, appetite, recovery after long-term illnesses
Mix 250 grams of honey with 150 grams of aloe juice, add 350 grams of good fortified red wine. Leave for 5 days. Take 1 tablespoon before meals, 4 times a day for 14 days.
Gastrointestinal diseases
In a ceramic container mix: 15 grams of aloe juice, 100 grams of liquid honey, 100 grams of liquid goose fat, 100 grams of cocoa. 1 tbsp. per appointment, dissolved in 200 ml of hot milk, between meals.
Tuberculosis
4 stems of aloe, aged for 10 days, chop and mix with 1 bottle of red wine or 1 liter of alcohol, leave for 4 days. Take 100 ml (wine) or 40 drops (alcohol) three times a day.
Oncological diseases
Aloe preparations are recommended for a short course, up to 30 days maximum. Fresh formulations should be prepared and stored for no more than 5 days in the refrigerator (with long-term storage, ready-made aloe preparations lose their healing powers). Use aloe with high quality honey. Dilute honey with aloe juice at a ratio of 1:5. Take 1 tsp. three times a day. before meals. The same mixture can be lubricated on the skin before a radiation therapy session.
Infectious and allergic rhinitis, incl. for runny nose in children
Squeeze the juice from the leaf and strain. Clear the nasal passages of mucous contents and then instill 1-3 drops into each nostril after 3-4 hours. A similar method is used for sinusitis, only 5-6 drops of juice are instilled.
Inflammatory diseases of the throat (pharyngitis, laryngitis, sore throat)
Mix juice and warm boiled water 1:1. Gargle with the mixture 3-5 times a day. After the procedure, drink warm milk with 1 tsp. aloe juice
Inflammatory and other eye diseases
Pour 1 ml of aloe juice into 150 ml of hot water, cool and rinse your eyes with infusion 3-4 times a day.
Inflammatory gum diseases
Leave 100 grams of crushed leaves in a sealed container for 60 minutes, strain. Use as a mouth rinse.
For diabetes
Take fresh juice 1 tsp. three times a day before meals. You can dilute it in water.
Chronic constipation
Grind about 150 grams of aloe leaves, removing the thorns, add 300 grams of warm liquid honey to the pulp, leave for 24 hours, heat and strain. Take 1 tsp. an hour after eating every morning.
Aloe for hemorrhoids
Treatment is carried out outside of exacerbation, in the absence of bleeding from the nodes. Particularly effective in the initial stages. Candles. Coat a piece of leaf pulp without skin and thorns with a mixture of honey and butter and insert into the rectum. Repeat twice, morning and evening. Decoction for lotions and compresses: chop 5 leaves of the plant and add 500 ml of water, place in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Soak clean gauze in the cooled broth and apply to the nodes for 15 minutes (lotion) or half an hour, covering with cellophane (compress). You can soak a gauze swab in the broth and carefully place it in the anus for half an hour (for internal localization).
Skin damage: wounds, abrasions, ulcers, frostbite
Mix honey and fresh juice 1:1, add medical alcohol - 1 tbsp. for 200 ml of mixture, store in the refrigerator. Lubricate the damage 3-4 times a day, place a clean cotton napkin on top.
Dilated capillaries, skin redness, wrinkles
Every evening, apply aloe juice to cleansed facial skin and massage it thoroughly with your fingers for 1-2 minutes. Course – 12 procedures, every other day. To prevent skin aging, frostbite, sunburn, and dryness, you can take an aloe leaf, cut it lengthwise, remove the thorns and lubricate cleansed facial skin on the mucous side in the morning or evening 1-2 times a week.
Aloe for hair
To stimulate growth, strengthen, and prevent hair loss. 1 tbsp. Boil the crushed leaves for 10 minutes in 500 ml of water, cool and strain. Wipe the scalp with the decoction 2-3 times a week, do not rinse. For hair loss, make a mask - rub a paste of crushed leaves into the hair roots, cover with cellophane and leave for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
To preserve youthful skin
Aloe mask: 1 tbsp. sour cream ~ 20% mixed with 1 tsp. aloe juice and 1 tsp. yolk. Mix and apply to the face and neck, when the first layer dries, add another layer and so on for 20 minutes. Rinse with water at a contrasting temperature. Repeat once a week. Suitable for any skin type. You can add 1 drop of juice to your usual face cream or eyelid gel.
Sexual impotence, impotence
- Mix in equal parts: aloe juice, butter, goose fat, dried rosehip powder. Heat the mixture without letting it boil. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day, dissolved in 200 ml of hot milk, 30 minutes before meals. Keep refrigerated.
- Mix: 30 grams of chopped parsley seeds, 350 ml of red wine, 100 grams of chopped rose hips, 250 grams of honey and 150 grams of aloe juice. Leave for 2 weeks, shaking the contents once a day. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals.
What does it help with?
As mentioned above, agave pulp is used as a medicine and as a cosmetic product. Let's take a closer look at what aloe juice helps with.
What does it cure?
This gift of nature can be called a panacea, because... The list of healing qualities is quite extensive.
List of things that aloe juice treats:
- regulates metabolism;
- saturates the body with vitamins and biologically active substances, strengthens the immune system;
- eliminates constipation;
- helps with gastrointestinal diseases;
The substance is used as a prophylactic and tonic.
Application in cosmetology
Aloe juice has found wide application in cosmetology.
In industrial conditions, it is introduced into cosmetic preparations in the form of an extract. They are used to care for problem skin. In addition, creams with aloe rejuvenate and whiten. Aloe vera gel in cosmetology. Hair products are very popular. Shampoos and balms improve the quality of hair follicles, reduce the formation of dandruff, moisturize the scalp, and add shine to the hair. Soaps, shower gels, body lotions soothe inflamed skin and reduce dryness. Hygienic lipstick eliminates chapped lips and softens them.
Self-produced aloe juice has positive reviews for use in skin and hair care. At home, you can freeze ice cubes with its additives and wipe your face with them. You can also wipe the skin with a cut of an agave leaf. It is good to rub the pulp of the leaves into the scalp: this will give your hair shine.
The homeland of aloe, plant propagation rules and selection of suitable soil for replanting.
Contraindications
- Acute disorders of digestive function;
- Hypersensitivity to aloe;
- Hypertension;
- Severe cardiovascular diseases;
- Chronic diseases in the acute stage;
- Hemorrhoidal and uterine bleeding, menstruation (especially laxatives from the plant);
- Pregnancy (internal use);
- Children under 3 years of age. Externally - it is possible from a year, but 2 times less concentration.
Indications
Why are aloe injections prescribed? Indications for the use of this drug are inflammatory processes, swelling, complications after infections and chronic diseases. The medication can also be used to accelerate metabolism, tissue and cell renewal. Doctors pay special attention to aloe extract due to its ability to increase the number of white blood cells. The production of these cells improves immunity. As a result, the body’s level of protection against pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms increases.
In neurology, aloe is often used in injections to strengthen the nervous system. Indications for the use of this drug also include cerebrovascular accidents. Aloe helps normalize brain activity. The components that make up the drug have a positive effect on the functions of the cardiovascular system. As a result, it is possible to improve the transport of oxygen in the body and increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Side effects and overdose
Failure to comply with the dosage of plant preparations, especially juice, leads to an overdose of antaglycosides and can cause poisoning, the symptoms of which are diarrhea with blood and mucous films, inflammation of the intestines, tenesmus, blood in the urine. Pregnant women may have a miscarriage.
Long-term internal use of the whole leaves, with the peel, is fraught with the development of oncology, since the peel contains aloin, a substance that is a carcinogen in large doses. Thus, in an experiment conducted by American specialists as part of the National Toxicology Program, about half of the rats that were given high doses of a plant extract obtained from the whole leaf developed benign and malignant tumors in the large intestine.
What harm can it do?
Aloe can be both beneficial and harmful. Do not forget about the limited period of use of the plant as a medicine, the danger of overdose, as well as the presence of contraindications.
Contraindications for use
The use of aloe internally is contraindicated for:
- pregnancy - the plant can cause miscarriage;
- breastfeeding and children under 5 years of age - it can cause digestive upset or allergies in a child;
- diabetes - blood sugar levels decrease;
- cancer - succulent accelerates processes in the human body, which means it can lead to an increase in tumor;
- allergies - this is not common, but if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, you should immediately stop using the product and consult a doctor;
- hemorrhoids or internal bleeding - juice will increase blood flow;
- diseases of the genitourinary system.
Overdose
An overdose of aloe can provoke:
- poisoning and, as a result, vomiting and diarrhea;
- internal bleeding;
- allergic reactions;
- stomach pain.
It is very important to observe the time frame for using the medicine with aloe orally - no more than 2-3 weeks. With prolonged use, accumulation occurs in the body, which leads to unwanted side effects. Before using this plant internally, it is best to visit a doctor who will calculate the appropriate dosage and treatment time for you.
