Aloe Vera: The Summer Soother

As a child I remember my grandmother breaking off a leaf of the little plant in her kitchen to smear the sweet smelling, clear substance on sunburned skin after a long summer day. There was something poetic about this woman, whose name happened to be Vera Beach, applying Aloe Vera on her grandkids after a day at the beach! Aloe Vera has been used topically since biblical times, and even before, for skin irritations, wounds and burns, along with internally all sorts of intestinal ailments. In ancient Egypt it was used both for embalming and for beautifying the skin. Thought to have originated in the Sudan and the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe is now cultivated in northern Africa, the Near East, Asia, and the southwest Mediterranean region, as well as the southern United States, Mexico and Venezuela.

In more recent times, Aloe Vera has been used as a folk remedy for everything from skin cancer, coughs, sore throats and colds to gallbladder ailments, excess bile, edema and whooping cough. It is touted for its antibacterial and antiviral properties and has been tested over the last 20 years for its effectiveness on the Herpes simplex virus, strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and the flu.

When it comes to sunburn or other skin ailments the anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe are what is most sought after.  For topical application, Aloe direct from the plant is a great way to go. This is the purest, most natural form of the healing Aloe juice. Beware of commercial aloe concoctions which may contain minimal aloe extract and be heavy on synthetic ingredients, such as dyes, perfumes, fillers and preservatives. Aloe can also be taken internally to help with constipation.  It is best to find a quality, natural, purified Aloe Vera Juice product to use for this purpose.  

Skin Cleanser for Dry or Sensitive Skin
By Leigh Broadhurst, from Herbs of The Bible by James A. Duke, PhD

Mix together and store in a covered jar.
¼ cup rose water
¼ cup glycerin
2 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
4 capsules freeze-dried royal jelly or royal jelly honey.