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[Cornish Gems]

In an earlier topic....
HMOTW topic HMOTW asked about Aloe Vera.

Below is the infornation we had been planning on sending out with our plants before we lost the parent one..

ALOE VERA

INTRODUCTION

Aloe Vera is a grey-green plant indigenous to Africa. The succulent leaves contain a clear gel which can soothe and even heal skin. Then the base of the leaf produces a yellow sap which can be dried and is then called, ‘bitter aloes’. This can be used as a means of stopping thumb-sucking or nail-biting because it tastes so bitter or it can be turned into a tincture for use as a laxative.

A juice is commercially made and is helpful in settling and healing the stomach after an illness. However, if you continue to have problems, then seek professional advice as you may be suffering from something such as an ulcer.

MEDICINAL USES

LEAF SAP TINCTURE

Once this yellow sap from the base of the leaf has been dried, it can be diluted by being soaked in alcohol. The recommended proportions are 50g of sap in 250ml of vodka (30-40% alcohol) although if you wish to hide the bitter flavour a bit, try using rum instead. It is possible to store this by pouring it into a sterile, dark-coloured glass bottle and if then put into a dark cupboard should last up to 2 years.

To use, add 3 drops of tincture to 2 teaspoons of water in order to stimulate the appetite, or try taking 5-8 drops IN water before breakfast if you need a laxative.

THE GEL

Burns - Although the aloe vera can be beneficial for burns, this is only for those that are not more than, say, the size of a 50p piece. For larger burns, please seek medical advice. It is recommended that once you have cut a piece of leaf and rubbed its inside on your burn, that you do not store it to use again because it is very important to keep a burn free from bacteria. You could end up doing yourself more harm than good. Apply the gel liberally and let it dry naturally and reapply as often as needed. It can also soothe sunburn because it reduces the heat and therefore takes away some of the pain.

Scratches and Wounds – Once you has washed these, just apply some gel and reapply when you need to.

Eczema and Mild Psoriasis – Applying gel to the problem areas daily can help soothe the skin.

Facial Spots – Apply gel to the spot by using a cotton bud. It is particularly helpful for those which have become red and painful. You may like to dip the bud into lavender essential oil as this can also help soothe and clean the spot. You can also make a lotion for facial breakouts by simply adding 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 8 drops of tea tree oil and 8 drops of lavender oil to 50ml of cooled boiled water. Keep this mixture in a sterile bottle and shake well. Always shake again before using and apply with cotton wool pads preferably at night before going to bed.

Facial Skin Toning Lotion – Add 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to 100ml of witch hazel and shake well. Apply with cotton wool pad after washing. You can even add this mixture to 50ml of cooled boiled water and store it in a sterile bottle in the fridge and this can be especially good on hot days. If you wish, put it in a pump-action spray bottle and use it as a facial spritz.