Aloe vera: gel, actions, to relieve sunburn?

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, aloe vera gel is a summer essential, especially to soothe sunburn and take the “fire” out of the burn. Discover all its uses.

What is aloe vera?

I’aloe vera or aloe barbadensis are the botanical names of aloe, a succulent plant from hot and dry regions of the globe. It seems to come from the Middle East or Egypt, and it was the Egyptians who used it for laxative purposes. However, it is important to distinguish between:

• aloe vera gel (the translucent mucilage) extracted from the inside of the leaves,
• And sap or latex yellow in color from the wall of the leaves. Very bitter, it hardens in air and is soluble in alcohol.

These two substances have different uses in herbal medicine and cosmetics.

Aloe vera quickly soothes the heat of sunburn and deeply hydrates the skin. In case of 1st or 2nd degree sun burns, the application of pure aloe vera is also useful to accelerate healing. It is applied several times a day directly to the sunburn until healing. Warning: thesun exposure is not recommended after applying aloe vera gel due to its sensitizing photo effect.

The gel obtained directly from the aloe vera leaf (slightly liquid and viscous clear gel) or bought pure in the trade is used in application on injured skin areas. Repeat several times a day if necessary. This gel is used in case of 1st and 2nd degree burns, skin infections and inflammations, genital herpes, lichen planus, psoriasis. “In cosmetics, it can be used as a serum before applying day cream, specifies the naturopath. And it is possible to use it as a natural lubricant alone or with a latex condom, but with caution“, specifies Amélie Mounier, FENA certified naturopath, in Vincennes.

Aloe vera gel, pale green to colorless in color, contains tannins, and is rich in 12 vitamins (A, B, C, E), 20 minerals and 18 amino acids, enzymes and polysaccharides (natural carbohydrates), a real nutritious cocktail! It is known for its moisturizing, healing and softening properties. In local application directly on the skin, aloe vera gel relieves skin lesions : eczema, sunburn, burns, shallow cuts, inflammation. It is also suitable for the mucous membranes in case of genital herpes. In cosmetics, aloe vera pulp is used in the composition of hair products and creams for the face and body for hydration purposes. Aloe vera gel is also edible: cold extracted, it is diluted in drinks intended to relieve digestive disorders.

What are the benefits of aloe vera for the skin?

Aloe vera has multiple benefits for the skin. It can be used:

→ In case of acne.

→ In case of sunburn.

→ Against redness : aloe vera gel is moisturizing. As a mask on the face, neck and décolleté, it relieves redness and hydrates. Apply generously and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing.

→ Against psoriasis : Applying aloe vera gel to mild to moderate psoriasis lesions reduces their severity and appears to improve comfort for people with psoriasis.

→ Against lichen planus: this autoimmune disease is manifested by lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Applying aloe vera gel to injured areas helps reduce symptoms. Aloe vera gel can be used as a mouthwash 3 times a day to relieve mouth lesions.

What are the benefits of aloe vera on acne?

The healing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and skin regenerating effect of aloe vera recommends applying it to a cleansed face in the morning and/or evening before the cream or vegetable oil.

What are the benefits against herpes?

Aloe vera gel can be effective in relieving lesions caused by this viral infection. Thanks to its healing and anti-inflammatory effects for the skin and mucous membranes, aloe vera creates a protective film and activates cell regeneration. It may be interesting to use it in addition to an allopathic treatment, recommends the naturopath.

What are the benefits of aloe vera when the hair is dry?

The aloe vera gel used as a poultice on the hair is fortifying. It is effective in case of inflammation of the scalp. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of gel with 1 tablespoon of honey. Coat the hair with the mixture and leave on for 1 to 3 hours before shampooing.

What is aloe vera juice used for?

“The juice aloe vera, also called latexcontains aloin. This bitter-tasting substance is a powerful laxative that can quickly become irritating.“, warns the naturopath. It is reserved for internal use in the treatment of occasional constipation and for a very short period of use.​​​​

What are the indications for aloe vera capsules?

Internally: the juice (latex) of aloe vera is used in capsulein the evening at bedtime in case of occasional constipation, only a few days. Starting with small doses and increasing as needed.

What precautions to take with aloe vera?

• Use the purest aloe vera gel possible to get all the benefits of aloe vera gel.
• For internal use, favor products reserved for this purpose and check that they do not contain sap or aloin to avoid the undesirable laxative effects.
• The gel should be stored at low temperature and should not be heated.
• Isun exposure is not recommended after applying aloe vera gel due to its photo-sensitizing effect.
• There consumption of aloe vera latex also exposes you to serious side effects: discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, risk of cancer. The greatest vigilance is recommended.

What are the contraindications of aloe vera?

I’internal use of aloe vera gel and latex is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, fragile individuals and children. Fresh leaves containing gel and latex should not be eaten by these populations.

But also in case of abdominal pain of unknown origin, intestinal obstruction and acute intestinal inflammation. Aloe vera is also prohibited in case of kidney disorders due to the strong laxative properties of the sap and the substances it contains. “People taking laxatives or diuretics should also avoid interactions with aloe vera juice“, indicates the naturopath.

thanks to Amelie MounierFENA-certified naturopath, in Vincennes.