Global Ecovillage Network/Solution Library/Aloe vera for healing

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The plant Aloe can be used for many healing purposes, amongst which regulating blood sugar levels for diabetes patients. There is a growing prevalence of diabetes in South Africa due to poor diets. Aloe Vera is an effective natural medicine to regulate insulin production in the body, as well as supporting general health. Externally, Aloe is a great remedy for burns, skin problems and general skin care.

Aloe vera plants are easy to care for and are amazingly strong plants. If it does not grow well in your climate, it will happily grow inside. They need bright light and water every two weeks to grow and stay healthy, so keep your plant on a sunny windowsill. It likes warmth, and does not like a cold draft. Aloe vera is most effective when used fresh so use it as soon as it is removed from the plant. The gel found inside the aloe vera leaf contains its health benefits. To extract this gel, cut off a large leaf from the plant.

Either strip away the green leaf from around the gel using a knife, or squeeze the gel out. The plant will heal up around the cut leaf, and will not become infected, due to aloe's anti-bacterial properties. Apply this cool, soothing gel directly onto the skin, or use it internally by adding it to fresh juices. Fresh Aloe smells terribly and tastes very bitter. Don't be put off by it, it's just the strong smell that comes with its strong remedy properties.