There are hundreds of different aloe plants, but aloe vera stands out for its ability to act on the skin and hair, as well as internally.
This shrubby, spiky plant, abundant in Cambodia, has been cultivated mainly for its soothing gel for thousands of years. Apart from its leaves, aloe vera is the only edible form of the plant.
Skin use
Aloe vera gel is highly recommended for skin problems, sunburn and minor burns. Many Cambodian households have a pot of aloe vera in front of the house.
This translucent gel, which should not be mixed with the sap or the skin, is also used in hair lotions. The gel is said to stabilise excess sebum on the scalp, promoting hair growth.
The gel is also said to be effective against acne and oral hygiene. Finally, studies have shown that treatment with aloe vera can help anal fissures heal more quickly.
Applying the gel to any part of the body is not necessarily pleasant - in fact, it's a slightly sticky gel that's not too pleasant - but it's effective, and it's advisable to rinse off after application.
Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera gel can be mixed with water to create aloe vera juice, which is packed with nutrients. The nutrients in aloe vera juice can have beneficial effects on health. Beta-carotene is a yellow-red pigment found in aloe vera plants. It acts as an antioxidant and can therefore contribute to eye health, in particular retinal and corneal function.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a particularly painful condition. A study has shown that aloe vera juice can reduce heartburn symptoms without any unpleasant side effects.
Treating constipation
Aloe vera juice contains several compounds known to act as laxatives. While aloe vera juice is unlikely to cause digestive problems in people with normal bowel movements, it has shown promise in relieving constipation.
Nutrition
Aloe vera juice is a rich source of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. This lowers the body's oxidative potential and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.
Aloe vera juice contains high levels of magnesium, which is a vital nutrient for nerve and muscle function. Magnesium helps the body carry out over 300 different enzymatic reactions, including those that regulate blood pressure. It also helps regulate the heart rate.
Preparation
The process is simple: just peel it finely, isolate the gel and rinse it to avoid using it with the sap. The gel can then be applied as is for skin problems or blended for internal use.
Tips
Rather than buying those drinks claimed to be made from aloe, which are green in colour and contain a few small pieces of gel (?), it's better to either buy juice from an organic shop or prepare it yourself by mixing it with other fruits. Externally, a preparation of 50% aloe vera and 50% beeswax makes an excellent anti-wrinkle treatment and regenerates tired skin.
Illustrations: Kate (cc)
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