Aloe: medicinal properties and contraindications

Aloe is a genus of plants known for its healing properties and decorative effect. All representatives of the genus are valuable in alternative medicine, and some of them are even officially recognized as medicinal and included in pharmacopoeias. To use the healing potential of the plant, it is important to know how it looks, what is included in its composition, and how it can be useful for the body.

Chemical composition

Almost all types of aloe are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Researchers found more than 70 active components in aloe tree-like, most of which give a synergy effect, that is, have an enhanced effect in combination with other substances. Aloe leaves are 97–98% water. Few plants contain so much water. But this water contains great value - the active substances in aloe are present in high concentration, which provides such a pronounced effect.

Aloe contains such vitamins in high concentration:

• A (beta carotene);
• B1;
• folic acid;
• choline
• B2;
• B3;
• B6;
• E;
• vitamin C.

Some of these vitamins have pronounced effectiveness in the fight against free radicals. They prevent aging, are important components to prevent the development of cancer and inflammatory processes. In addition, aloe contains vegetable lipid compounds:

• cholesterol;
• lupeol;
• campesterol;
• β-sitosterol.

The plant is also rich in amino acids, which play a role in the proper functioning of most systems and organs:

• valine;
• phenylalanine;
• proline;
• leucine;
• arginine;
• alanine;
• glutamic and aspartic acid;
• glycine;
• histidine;
• leucine and isoleucine;
• methionine;
• tyrazine.

In addition, mineral compounds were found in aloe leaves:

• calcium;
• chlorine;
• chromium;
• nitrogen;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• zinc;
• sodium;
• copper;
• iron.

Also, tannins, enzymes, 12 types of organic acids, flavonoids are present in significant concentrations. Thanks to its rich composition, aloe is recognized as one of the most powerful medicinal plants.

How it looks and where it grows

Aloe is a large genus of plants in which there are more than 500 species. The range for it is Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar. But many species are distributed throughout the world as indoor and greenhouse plants. To date, classifiers classify the genus of these plants in the Asphodelaceae family, although previously all varieties of aloe were separated into a separate family.

Most representatives of the genus are succulents, that is, plants that can hold a large amount of moisture in the aerial part. They need this feature in order to survive in an arid climate.Therapeutic types of aloe have similar botanical characteristics:

1. Volumetric rhizome with multiple small processes that are designed to extract moisture from the ground.
2. A basal rosette, as well as sessile leaves on a woody trunk.
3. Fleshy leaves with a thick skin and mucous juice inside.
4. Smooth or jagged edges of the leaves, depending on the variety.
5. Peduncles and inflorescences during flowering at the top of erect trunks.
6. Plant height - from 40-50 cm to 3 m, depending on the variety.

Different species have differences, but by common signs, it is easy to determine whether the succulent belongs to the genus Aloe. Moreover, varieties growing in the natural environment are different from those grown under artificially created conditions. For example, in the natural environment, aloe tree can grow up to 3 m, and in the house - a maximum of 1.5 m.

Views

To date, botanists emit as many as 500 varieties, but most of them are not accessible to people living outside the plant area. The most popular varieties of aloe:

• tree-like;
• Vera;
• spinous;
• dichotomous.

In this genus there are not only succulents, but also herbaceous plants and shrubs. At home, it is best to grow agave (aloe tree) or faith - they are much more decorative and more valuable than other species.

Collection and storage

Mostly fresh leaves of the plant are used, as well as juice obtained by processing the aerial parts of aloe. But you can procure plant materials for future use. To obtain juice, you can cut the leaves all year round, freeze or pasteurize and store in the refrigerator for 30 days.

You can also dry the cake, remaining after receiving the juice, grind into powder and use for the preparation of medicines. Store funds prepared from fresh plant juice, can be no longer than 1 week.

What is the difference between aloe and agave

In fact, there are no differences between aloe and agave. The fact is that only one variety is called agave. This aloe tree-like, the most common and popular species, which is widely used in alternative medicine as a source of valuable components that positively affect human health.

Aloe tree is the official name of the plant, but it began to be called agave because of the extremely rare flowering that can be observed once every 70-100 years.

Agave is the most popular houseplant. It has xiphoid, dense fleshy leaves, the edges of which are covered with sharp teeth. Inside there is a thick, transparent, jelly-like juice with a greenish tint. Aloe is tree-like and unpretentious and can grow without specific care and fertilizers. The main thing is to water it at least once every 10 days.

The healing properties of aloe

Almost all varieties of aloe have pronounced medicinal properties, which are due to the rich composition of the plant. The universal healing properties include the following:

• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerative;
• immunomodulatory;
• wound healing;
• antibacterial;
• tonic;
• neuroprotective;
• hepatoprotective;
• choleretic;
• cardioprotective;
• diuretic;
• cleansing.

In the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the ability of aloe juice to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and eliminate inflammatory processes is used. With skin diseases, the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe are used. This plant relieves inflammation in cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastritis, helps to normalize digestive function.

Aloe helps to cope with various skin infections, restore many functions in the body. The chemical composition of the plant can affect the female and male body in different ways depending on age and physiological state.

For women

Like most plants that are rich in plant hormones, aloe has a beneficial effect on the female body.It is used in the treatment of diseases of the reproductive system to eliminate pathogenic microflora and stop inflammatory processes. Aloe also has the following healing effects:

• Helps stabilize hormones
• restores the menstrual cycle;
• stabilizes the body with menopause;
• increases libido in women;
• protects against cancer.

Aloe can also be used in the treatment of diseases of the mammary glands. For preventive purposes, it is used to strengthen the endocrine system. In general, aloe has a beneficial effect on women's health, stimulates the immune system, its use has a positive effect on appearance. The main advantage of aloe is its ability to slow down the aging process, restore the skin, strengthen hair and stimulate their growth.

For men

Aloe arborea is part of many herbal preparations that are used to treat sexual dysfunction in men. In addition, this type of plant is used in the treatment of prostatitis, to prevent the development of benign and malignant tumors of the organs of the reproductive system. Aloe is useful for men as a powerful adaptogen that can withstand heavy loads without harm to health.

This plant is especially valuable for men who play sports. It allows you to prevent pathological processes in the body that develop as a result of excessive physical exertion, promotes rapid recovery, reduces the toxic effects of pharmaceuticals that are used by bodybuilders to build muscle mass. In addition, aloe is used in the treatment of urological infections in men and other diseases of the genitourinary system.

During pregnancy

Experts do not recommend the use of aloe during pregnancy, because this plant contains in high concentration plant analogues of female hormones. These substances can affect the development of the embryo, and can also trigger bleeding, premature birth, and miscarriage. But during pregnancy, aloe is also useful, it can be used externally for skin diseases to care for it.

During pregnancy, many drugs are prohibited, including antibiotics and antiviral drugs, but aloe may be an alternative. It can be used, for example, for colds for gargling, with a cold for instillation of juice in the nose, when other drugs can be harmful. The ingestion of drugs based on this plant is allowed only according to indications and after consultation with the attending physician. Many herbal remedies, although prohibited during pregnancy, are sometimes prescribed by doctors, but it is important to assess the ratio of the degrees of potential risk and benefit.

When breastfeeding

Aloe during lactation has a beneficial effect on the condition of the woman’s body, but pediatricians do not recommend using this plant for oral administration, since there are risks for the child. It is a powerful laxative, contains substances that penetrate into breast milk and enter the baby’s body during feeding. As a result, a baby may develop diarrhea.

Aloe, like other medicinal plants, can provoke severe allergic reactions, which is also extremely dangerous for children up to a year. If necessary, you can use aloe juice externally during breastfeeding. This herbal remedy is used to treat and treat breast diseases. In addition, aloe juice can be used to treat and prevent colds during lactation, but breast-feeding should be avoided during oral administration.

For children

The internal intake of aloe vera preparations is allowed from the age of 12. Until this age, the plant is used only externally.Already from 3 years old, aloe juice can be used to treat skin diseases, runny nose, conjunctivitis, otitis media, stomatitis.

For the treatment of childhood diseases, concentrated aloe juice is not used, it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1 or 1: 2, depending on the goals and age of the child. Before using aloe-based products for treating children, an allergy test must be performed. A small amount of diluted juice should be applied to the wrist and follow the reaction. In case of redness, burning and itching or other unpleasant sensations, it is necessary to wash off the product and lubricate the skin area with anti-allergic ointment. In case of an allergic reaction, it is strictly forbidden to use aloe juice.

When losing weight

Aloe is often used by manufacturers of dietary supplements as an ingredient in weight loss products. Of course, it is much safer and more efficient to use the plant in its pure form. Firstly, it is possible to obtain a large concentration of active components, and secondly, fresh aloe juice does not contain chemical toxic additives and has no side effects when used correctly.

Aloe does not just help to lose weight, this plant eliminates the cause of excess weight. Taking plant juice produces the following effects:

• normalizes digestive function;
• stabilizes the speed of metabolic processes;
• cleanses the body and intestines from toxins and toxins;
• stimulates the processing of adipose tissue.

By taking aloe, you can significantly increase the effectiveness of training. Also, the plant can serve as a source of minerals and vitamins.

Aloe in folk medicine

In alternative medicine, the healing properties of different types of aloe have been used for more than 2000 years. This plant is widely used in the treatment of various diseases, but in each case, the recipe and dosage regimen are different.

With diabetes

With diabetes, aloe vera is most often used. It is important to understand that this plant is not able to cure the disease, but it can improve well-being, prevent the development of complications of diabetes, significantly improve the quality of life of the patient. Aloe vera regulates metabolic processes, protects the cardiovascular system, helps maintain a stable level of glucose in the blood even without insulin in the initial stages.

For diabetes, it is recommended to use fresh aloe vera juice, diluting it with cold boiled water (1 teaspoon in a glass of water). Drinking the drug is recommended immediately before meals 3 times a day. The course of treatment can be 30 days, after which you need to take a break.

With pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a rather insidious disease. It is difficult to predict what and when will provoke an attack, therefore, doctors recommend sticking to a therapeutic diet (table No. 5). Aloe is one of the few plants that can be used to treat pancreatitis. Leaf juice when taken orally produces the following effects:

• stimulates the production of pancreatic enzymes;
• relieves inflammation;
• activates the regeneration of cells of this organ.

In the treatment of the pancreas, it is not recommended to use drugs containing alcohol. The ideal option is to use a decoction or fresh aloe juice diluted with warm boiled water. The broth is prepared in a water bath. You need to take 2-3 medium-sized leaves, pour 600 ml of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes, and then insist under the lid. Drain the liquid through a sieve and take 50 ml 3 times a day. Fresh plant juice is also taken three times a day, but 1 teaspoon each. It is advisable to take herbal medicines before meals.

With gastritis

Aloe for gastritis with low acidity is used in combination with fortified red wine. For 0.5 liters of wine you need to take 1 cup of fresh juice, mix, leave for a week in the refrigerator, and then drink 50 ml 2 times a day. For gastritis with high acidity, it is recommended to take pure aloe juice with warm boiled water, 1 tbsp. spoon every morning.

For the intestines

To restore the intestines, with constipation, flatulence and other problems, you can use fresh beetroot juice with aloe juice in a ratio of 1: 1 for 2 teaspoons 2-3 times a day. You can also brew 1 liter of water 2 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed leaves and insist under the lid, and then drink the resulting drug 100 ml before each meal.

For constipation

Aloe has a pronounced laxative effect, so it can be used for constipation. If the problem is chronic, you must undergo treatment using this plant. For constipation, fresh aloe juice with warm water is used. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of fresh juice must be dissolved in 250 ml of water. Drink on an empty stomach in the morning for 2 weeks.

You can also use an oil mixture made from leaves, and olive oil, taken in equal proportions. Take the oil mixture 2 times a day for 1 teaspoon with a large amount of water. The duration of treatment should not exceed 14 days.

With gout

With gout, aloe helps to quickly remove uric acid salts from the body, as well as relieve pain during attacks. It is necessary to prepare such a therapeutic drink - take 100 ml of juice, 1.5 l of medicinal-table mineral water with a carbonate composition and mix the ingredients, drink 100 ml every 2 hours. You can also use aloe juice in its pure form, just washing it down with water.

With colitis

Aloe vera is best suited for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the intestines. It is used as a powerful antibacterial and cleanser, and stimulation of the immune system additionally serves to restore the body. To cure colitis, you need to block the acute stage by taking medications and start using aloe. It is necessary to mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of ground black tea without additives and 3 tbsp. tablespoons of aloe juice or gruel from ground leaves. The resulting product is divided into 3 doses and consumed before meals.

For the liver

Aloe has a pronounced hepatoprotective effect, contains substances that stimulate the regeneration of liver cells. You can use this plant in the presence of such indications:

• viral hepatitis;
• alcoholic hepatitis;
• fatty liver disease;
• cirrhosis.

It is necessary to use aloe in combination with lemon and honey. You need to take 200 g of leaves, 1 lemon, 5 tbsp. tablespoons of honey. Grind the components in a meat grinder, mix and place in a glass jar, eat 1 teaspoon before each meal. For prevention, you can use this mixture 2 times a year to cleanse the liver and prevent the development of pathological processes. It is possible to undergo cleaning more often, for example, after a course of antibiotics or long-term use of pain medication.

For the kidneys

Aloe can be used to treat kidneys if they do not have large stones. But the plant must be taken only after the inflammation has been removed. In acute processes in the tissues of these organs, aloe can only harm, as it has a too pronounced diuretic effect. In chronic nephritis, aloe is used to stabilize the functioning of the kidneys - they drink an infusion of fresh leaves of the plant. It is necessary to grind 100 g of leaves, pour 1.5 liters of boiling water, insist 2 hours and drink 3 times a day, 1 glass each.

With hemorrhoids

Aloe with hemorrhoids helps to reduce the size of nodes, eliminate inflammation, itching, pain, and prevent the development of complications. The treatment uses candles made on the basis of aloe juice with coconut oil. You can also do cooling compresses with the juice of this plant 2-3 times a day.

Aloe gel is prescribed even in traditional complex therapy, if there is a chance of a cure without surgical intervention. It must be applied topically - lubricate the anus 3-4 times a day. It is also recommended to take the plant juice inside, 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day. The fact is that with hemorrhoids constipation and inflammation are extremely dangerous, and the use of the drug inside will help prevent the development of complications.Plant material acts on the immune system, and not just on blood vessels, therefore, when used internally, it protects the body and stimulates its recovery.

With cholecystitis

With cholecystitis, aloe does not help right away, it is important to use it regularly for a long time, combining with proper nutrition. To normalize the functioning of the gallbladder, it is necessary to take aloe vera juice before meals, 1 teaspoon each, washed down with cold green tea, which tones the walls of the gallbladder and eliminates stagnation of bile.

With a cold

Aloe is effective in treating the common cold, regardless of the reasons that provoked it. It can be used for sinusitis, sinusitis, vasomotor rhinitis, colds and allergic rhinitis. The effectiveness of aloe is clinically proven, so the plant is used by pharmaceutical companies to create drugs that promote the rapid restoration of the nasal mucosa. There are two ways to use a plant to treat a cold.

1. Take fresh plant juice, dilute it with cold boiled water or pharmacy saline in a ratio of 1: 1. The resulting mixture is instilled 2 drops in each nostril 3 times a day for a week.
2. It is necessary to mix aloe in equal proportions with Kalanchoe, prepare the juice and instill 2 drops 2 times a day in each nostril.

Aloe helps eliminate infection and inflammation, plant components stimulate mucosal cells to recover, in addition, the use of juice eliminates edema and congestion.

In oncology

Oncological diseases are considered a contraindication to taking aloe, therefore, without the permission of a doctor, it is strictly forbidden to use this plant. The fact that aloe is a powerful natural stimulant, and the use of plants can spur tumor growth. But it can be used, for example, in the period of postoperative recovery or in case of a breakdown associated with prolonged chemotherapy.

Depending on the diagnosis and condition of the body, the dosage differs, which must be clarified by the attending physician. Usually this plant is used as follows - cut leaves are placed in the refrigerator for 10-12 days, and then passed through a meat grinder. An equal part of honey is added to the obtained slurry, mixed and sent to the refrigerator. After a day, the juice is decanted, and the cake is discarded. Juice is taken 1 teaspoon 3 times a day before meals.

When coughing

Aloe blocks inflammation during coughing, liquefies sputum and stimulates the excretion of excess mucus from the bronchi. Thanks to the use of aloe, it is also possible to eliminate pathogenic microflora in the respiratory tract, to boost protective mechanisms to fight infection. For cough, the following recipes are used:

1. Fresh juice is taken 1 teaspoon 4 times a day, washed down with hot milk.
2. Alcohol tincture is used for compresses on the chest, first heating it to 35 degrees, so that the penetration of active components through the skin occurs faster.
3. Aloe gel is mixed with honey in equal parts, add a pinch of ginger and take 1 tbsp. spoon 4-5 times a day.

Cough treatment should not last longer than 14 days if the problem has become chronic. For the treatment of cough, provoked by acute respiratory infections, 3-5 days are enough.

For burns

Aloe is an indispensable tool for the treatment of minor burns, for example, obtained with careless tanning. This plant must be kept in the kitchen to treat household burns. For example, if the mistress accidentally burned her hand, you can immediately treat the burn with fresh aloe juice, the main thing is to remember to wash the leaf.

Extensive burns can also be treated with aloe. To do this, it is better to use a classic ointment - mix olive oil with plant juice in equal proportions and rub the affected areas 2 times a day. It is not recommended to independently use the plant juice for burns of the III and IV degrees, since in this case surgical treatment is required and there is a high risk of infection.

With bronchitis

For the treatment of bronchitis, a universal recipe for aloe vera honey infusion is useful.To prepare the medicine, you will need 250 ml of honey and a glass of chopped leaves, preferably ground in a meat grinder. It is necessary to warm the honey to 60 degrees (you can use it in the microwave or in a steam bath), pour the prepared vegetable raw materials and insist for 3-4 hours, and then eat 1 tbsp. spoon 2 times a day.

You can also use alcohol tincture to rub the chest in chronic bronchitis. The procedure should be performed 2-3 hours before going cold.

With pneumonia

To treat pneumonia, you need to use traditional medicines prescribed by your doctor. Aloe can only be used as an adjuvant, which will improve blood circulation in the lungs and help the body fight the infection. It is necessary to use the infusion - to brew 20 g of raw materials with 300 ml of water and drink 50 ml each when the product cools down.

Another recipe used in the treatment of pneumonia is aloe vera tincture with honey. You need to take 500 ml of fortified wine, which contains the maximum dose of alcohol, 10 ml of juice from leaves twisted in a meat grinder, and 50 g of honey. It is important that the honey is fresh, not sugared. All components must be mixed, and then kept for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Take 40 ml 2 times a day.

With a cold

With colds, aloe is used as an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent. It must be taken with warm boiled water. You need to cut the sheet, grind on a cutting board and pour 0.6 l of boiling water, leave for 15–20 minutes, and then drink 150 ml every 2-3 hours, at least 4 times a day.

You can use a tasty enough medicine that even children will like. It is necessary to take 50 ml of juice, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar and 2 tbsp. tablespoons of lemon juice. Beat the prepared raw materials in a mixer and serve as a cocktail. This powerful mixture lowers temperature, fights inflammation, helps with sore throat and cough, and also helps strengthen immunity.

With halazion

For the treatment of halazion, a solution of juice with boiled water is used, it must be instilled into the sore eye every 3-4 hours for 1 week. You can also rinse your eyes with cotton dipped in aloe juice diluted in equal parts with warm boiled water. It is important to test the product before use - if it causes redness or irritation, it is not recommended to use it for the eyes.

With psoriasis

Psoriasis is difficult to cure with just one aloe, but it undoubtedly helps to recover faster, especially with exacerbations. To make a medicine, you need to take the following ingredients:

• 50 g goose fat;
• 3-4 leaves of aloe;
• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter.

It is necessary to melt the fat in a steam bath, scroll the leaves through a meat grinder and send there. Boil for 30 minutes, and then strain into a clean container (using sterile gauze for this) and rub the affected areas of the skin with ointment 2-3 times a day.

With prostatitis

Hazel in combination with aloe and a golden mustache is an effective complex to combat common male problems. It is necessary to prepare a mixture of juice from aloe leaves and golden mustache, as well as brew hazel bark and fresh leaves (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). Strain the prepared infusion and mix with 1 glass of juice, shake and drink 200 ml 2 times a day.

Also, experts in the field of traditional medicine recommend using aloe vera in combination with additional sources of vitamins and minerals. You can make a healing mixture of the following ingredients:

• 200 g of fresh aloe leaves;
• 50 g dried apricots;
• 50 g of dates;
• 50 g of prunes;
• 20 g of almonds;
• 20 g of walnuts;
• 50 ml of honey.

You need to take all of the above ingredients, grind in a meat grinder, and then just mix with honey. Put the resulting vitamin-mineral mixture in a clean, dry jar and take 1 teaspoon 2 times a day.

With angina

In the treatment of tonsillitis, aloe juice is used as a local disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent.A rinse is prepared from it, and you can also take it inside as a powerful stimulator of immunity.

Aloe preparations are effective for angina. They are widely used by therapists, pediatricians, otolaryngologists. But you can cure a sore throat with home-made medicines based on the plant. Here are recipes for tonsillitis.

1. Take a glass of warm boiled water, add 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and 2 drops of tea tree oil. Gargle about 5-7 times a day.
2. Brew with boiling water (500 ml) 1 tbsp. spoon of crushed leaves and insist. Gargle at least 5 times a day.
3. Brew 1 liter of water 1 tbsp. spoon of leaves, take 50 ml of the drink 3 times a day.
4. To rinse, take 200 ml of water, 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of aloe juice. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day.
5. Mix 1 teaspoon of Kalanchoe juice, aloe vera and golden mustache, add 200 ml of warm water and use to rinse your throat 4-5 times a day.

With these recipes, a sore throat of a bacterial or viral nature disappears in 3 days. But in some cases, complications may occur, so it is better not to refuse to visit a doctor and use herbal medicines as an additional component of therapy.

To stimulate the immune system to fight a bacterial or viral infection that provoked an inflammatory process in the throat, it is necessary to take 1 teaspoon of juice inside before breakfast.

With dermatitis

Dermatitis is treated with ointment, prepared on the basis of aloe. It is prepared from fresh plant juice and olive oil, in a ratio of 2: 1. You can also prepare an ointment with alcohol tincture, but use it only if there is no damage to the skin. It is also good to wipe the affected areas of the skin with pure plant juice or a decoction.

You can prepare an infusion from the collection of different types of plants and use it for baths if the affected significant part of the skin is more than 30%. It is necessary to take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of chopped aloe leaves, 10 g of chopped calamus root, 10 g of pharmacy chamomile and 5 g of St. John's wort inflorescences. Collection brew 1 liter of boiling water, stand for 1–2 hours and use for baths. It can be diluted with water.

With herpes

Herpes is a disease that is triggered by a viral infection. The complexity of the treatment is that there are no drugs that could directly affect the virus. That is why only symptomatic agents are used. Aloe juice is one of the most effective means, and you can use it both externally and internally. Fresh juice of the plant must be applied to ulcers and blisters that appear on the mucous membranes. Inside, take 1 teaspoon of juice 3 times a day. This will boost the immunity to fight a viral infection, as well as speed up recovery.

With tuberculosis

With tuberculosis, aloe juice is taken for a long time, but only in combination with the main therapy. Without antibiotics, it is impossible to cope with the bacteria that cause this disease. Aloe is used as an immunomodulatory, antitussive and anti-inflammatory drug. It is necessary to take 1 tbsp. spoon 1 time a day on an empty stomach, in the morning, drinking plenty of water. The duration of treatment is not less than 1 month, but not more than 60 days.

A remedy made from goat fat and aloe leaves is also used. At a temperature of 60 degrees in the oven you need to melt 200 g of fat and a glass of crushed leaves. Stir for 30 minutes, then strain and pour into a clean jar. Use the resulting mixture to rub into the chest before bed.

With otitis media

Aloe is effective for otitis media of bacterial, viral and fungal nature. This plant can also be used to prevent or eliminate complications resulting from otitis media. Aloe juice is used in pure form for external otitis media, as well as for inflammation of the middle ear, if there are no complications (perforation of the eardrum, purulent discharge). Aloe juice should be soaked in cotton wool and inserted into a sore ear for 20-30 minutes. The procedure is carried out 3-4 times a day.

With purulent otitis media and complications, you can use aloe juice mixed with boric alcohol in a ratio of 1: 1. Shake this mixture well and drop 2-3 drops 4 times a day into the ears with a pipette. You can also use alcohol tincture of aloe. You need to take a jar or a bottle of dark glass, fill it with a third of chopped fresh aloe leaves, insist for 2 weeks and add medical alcohol to the top and use it 2-3 times a day for instillation.

For allergies

Aloe helps to quickly and effectively cope with allergic reactions, therefore it is used as an adjuvant. Depending on the clinical symptoms of an allergic reaction, it can be used in different ways. If this is a skin reaction, the juice should be applied to the affected areas 2-3 times a day, and also take 1 teaspoon in the morning and evening. If an allergy causes a runny nose and lacrimation, it is necessary to instill in the nose and eyes the juice of the plant, diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1.

With varicose veins

Varicose veins are treated in the early stages with aloe juice. It is necessary to use an ointment prepared on the basis of this plant. To prepare the ointment, you need the following ingredients:

• 50 ml of hemp oil;
• 50 ml of linseed oil;
• 50 ml of aloe juice;
• 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry garlic powder.

It is necessary to mix all the ingredients and soak the ointment for 2 days in the refrigerator, and then use it to rub the problem areas 2 times a day.

With mastopathy

With mastopathy, aloe juice can be mixed with golden mustache juice and honey, soaked with a mixture of gauze swabs and applied to a sore chest. It is also recommended to take this herbal remedy for 1 tbsp. spoon 2 times a day. It is forbidden to use this medicine during breastfeeding.

With polyps

To eliminate polyps, it is necessary to mix aloe juice with sea buckthorn oil in equal parts and take ½ teaspoon 3 times a day. If the polyps are inflamed and cause discomfort, you can instill fresh plant juice in the nose 2-3 times a day. For children, this tool is used in diluted form, adding saline or boiled water in equal proportions.

With stomatitis

Ulcers and sores in the oral cavity occur due to a fungal or bacterial infection. Aloe not only copes with pathogenic microorganisms, but also stimulates the restoration of the mucosa. To cure stomatitis, you can use the juice of the plant. There are three effective ways.

1. Lubricate the wounds in the mouth with fresh aloe juice after each meal, at least 3-4 times a day.
2. Take 100 ml of warm boiled water, add 1 teaspoon of juice and mix. Rinse your mouth 3 times a day.
3. Take a young leaf of aloe vera, rinse and cut. Inside, put on mouth ulcers and walk with it for 20-30 minutes, repeating a couple of times a day.

You can also combine juice or infusion of aloe with a decoction of the petals and branches of tea roses. It is good to apply fresh juice in combination with plantain juice and honey if stomatitis is triggered by a fungal infection.

With hypertension

Aloe helps to cleanse blood vessels and eliminate cramps that trigger an increase in blood pressure. For hypertension, you can use a mixture of aloe, walnuts and honey. You need to grind in a meat grinder 5 large leaves of aloe and ½ cup walnut kernels, add 2 tbsp. tablespoons of natural honey, mix and send in the refrigerator. After 12 hours, take the resulting mixture of 1 tbsp. spoon in the morning and evening.

With cystitis

Aloe for cystitis is used to make healing baths and infusions. It is necessary to pour 1 liter of boiling water of 2-3 crushed leaves of the plant, insist 2 hours and drink 100 ml 3 times a day. Baths are also made from the same infusion at least 2 times a day.

This is not the only recipe that is used in the treatment of cystitis. You can also try to prepare a remedy using milk. To eliminate pain with cystitis, you need to pass through a meat grinder 4-5 leaves of aloe and ½ cup almonds. Separately mix milk with ground almonds and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes. With this mixture, pour the pulp from the leaves of aloe and stand for 30-40 minutes, drink 1 tbsp.spoon 4-5 times a day, store in the refrigerator.

With flux

Aloe is used for flux, as well as for the rapid restoration of wounds on the gums after tooth extraction. To eliminate inflammation and relieve pain, it is necessary to cut a small piece of the washed aloe leaf, dip it with salt on the inside (where the juice) and put it on the gum. To eliminate pain and bleeding after removal, as well as to accelerate tissue repair, you just need to apply a cut leaf without salt for 10-20 minutes 2-3 times a day.

Seeing Healing Compounds with Aloe

There are many recipes and methods for preparing drugs from this plant. Probably not a single type of medicinal plant is used as massively as aloe. But there are also traditional recipes that have not lost their relevance for several centuries. It is they who are recommended to be used by specialists for the preparation of home medicines.

Infusion

To prepare a water infusion, you can use fresh or dried aloe leaves. Typically, 1 liter of boiling water should take 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed raw materials. It is advisable to steam the vegetable raw materials in a quality thermos that can maintain the temperature for 6–7 hours. This will not only maximize the benefits of plant materials, but also maintain the temperature of the infusion, because it is advisable to drink it in a warm form, so the active components are absorbed faster by the body.

There is another option for preparing the infusion. It is necessary to take the dried raw materials - cake, which remained from the preparation of juice. 2 tbsp. spoons of dried raw materials brew with 2 cups boiling water, insist under the lid for 2 hours and drink 20-30 ml before each meal.

Tincture

Aloe alcohol tincture can be prepared with alcoholic drinks or with medical alcohol. There are many recipes, which one to choose is everyone's personal business. The result is one - alcohol, which is contained in drinks, draws all nutrients from plant materials and stores them for a long time. Below are 3 recipes for preparing tinctures from this plant that can be useful to everyone.

1. Take 250 ml of quality cognac without chemical additives, pour 100 g of crushed leaves and add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey. Insist in a dark place for 14-15 days, and then strain and drink 20 ml 2-3 times a day.
2. The classic version is 100 g of crushed raw materials per 400 ml of vodka, withstand 2 weeks and use as directed. It is important to strain the tincture and store it in the refrigerator.
3. You can prepare a tincture of wine. It is necessary to mix 700 ml of wine and 200 ml of pasteurized aloe juice, add 3 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar syrup (not sugar, because fermentation will begin), insist in the refrigerator for 24 hours and drink 50 ml.

Alcohol tinctures are contraindicated in various liver diseases, disorders of the nervous system, as well as hypertension. In other cases, you can use tools that include alcohol.

Decoction

When preparing a decoction, 2 tbsp. Are used. tablespoons of aloe leaves per 0.5 liters of boiling water. You need to cook raw materials for no more than 5 minutes after boiling water. Then strain it with a regular gauze or bandage.

Tea

You can also use tea in addition to other products. It is prepared from dried or fresh leaves of a plant. You can buy a ready-made collection in herbal pharmacies, stores specializing in the sale of dietary products. If the house has already prepared raw materials to make tea, you need to pour 250 ml of boiling water in a cup and add 1 teaspoon of the crushed collection, and then insist it for 5-7 minutes.

Aloe tea is most in demand in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and in the prevention of colds. It can be used to stimulate brain activity, as well as a remedy for lingering cough. Drinking 3 cups of drink per day helps people who are already sick, and for preventive purposes it is better to drink tea once a day.

Due to the rapid decline in blood sugar after drinking tea, negative consequences may develop, such as glycemia, diabetic coma. Before use, consult your physician.You can drink tea for 30 days, and after that you need to take a break of at least 3-4 weeks.

Ointment

Ointment from juice is the most popular remedy based on this plant, it helps to cope with a number of diseases, is able to replace some medications. Ointment has the following medicinal properties:

• eliminates bacteria, fungi and viruses;
• relieves inflammation;
• relieves pain;
• soothing;
• normalizes blood circulation;
• cleanses the body of toxins;
• relieves spasms;
• struggling with cough;
• prevents complications from colds;
• boosts immunity to fight infections;
• protects cells from damage.

This remedy is an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicine for rheumatism, bone pain, muscle pain, rash. It is important to know, despite the healing potential, the ointment can be dangerous. It is not recommended to use it for medicinal purposes on open wounds. The ointment can be toxic and dangerous, especially for children. It is important to consult a physician before using this natural product to avoid unwanted effects.

Juice

Aloe juice is easy to make using a blender, meat grinder or juicer. The finished product can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 5-7 days. It is advised to boil it together with an equal amount of water and close it tightly with a lid. Such juice can be stored for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze the product, then it will retain its properties and freshness for a month. It is very convenient to freeze liquid in ice molds, and then transfer finished cubes to vacuum bags in batches.

Butter

You can prepare an effective oil extract from the plant, which is usually used externally for the treatment of skin diseases. It is necessary to grind aloe leaves into gruel, pour 1 cup of raw material into 2 cups of hot vegetable oil and let stand under a closed lid for 3 days, then strain and use. Aloe oil helps cope with burns, wounds, acne and allergic rashes. It can also be used to rub joints and compresses for pain. The oil of this plant can also be used as the main component for creating home-looking care cosmetics.

Candles

To make aloe vera candles, you can use vegetable oils, paraffin and natural wax as a base. It is also necessary to apply a medicinal oil extract of this plant. This hood mixes well with the base. To make candles according to the classic recipe, you need to take 30 g of petroleum jelly, 10 g of cocoa butter, 10 g of beeswax and 50 ml of oil extract. Melt the wax and oil, warm the petroleum jelly, mix all the ingredients and pour into the forms, then use as directed.

Aloe-based suppositories are used for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, for constipation and bowel obstruction. They also help relieve the condition in inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system in women.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, two varieties of aloe are widely used. Tree and aloe vera are the most popular plants for the care of the beauty of skin and hair. These plants are used by well-known cosmetic brands to create highly effective caring, healing and anti-aging cosmetics. You can use vegetable raw materials for making masks at home.

Mask for problem skin

To get a healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine from aloe juice, you need to add 4 drops of tea tree essential oil and 5-10 drops of lime juice to 1 teaspoon of the product. Apply to cleansed skin and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and use a matting cream.

Rejuvenating mask

To prepare a rejuvenating mask, you need to take 1 teaspoon of aloe juice, add 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, mix and apply on the area of ​​facial wrinkles. Perform the mask every other day to quickly deal with wrinkles. For prevention, it should be done weekly.

Patches under the eyes

You can use aloe as a means to eliminate circles under the eyes. To do this, it is necessary to soak a cotton pad with juice, cut it in half and put it under your eyes for 10 minutes. After the procedure, it is necessary to clean the skin and apply a nourishing cream. You can mix aloe juice with green tea and use it to soak patches. This tool not only refreshes and brightens the skin, it strengthens the eyelashes, normalizes blood circulation, and prevents the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Hair Growth Mask

For medium length hair, take 2 tbsp. tablespoons aloe gel, 1 egg yolk and 10 g of olive oil. Mix all the ingredients and rub into the scalp, and distribute the remaining mixture along the entire length. Wash off the mask after 30-40 minutes, repeat every 3 days. The main rule is that when applied, there should be no burning sensation or other unpleasant sensations.

The use of aloe in cooking

Aloe vera juice is used in cooking, and in some countries it is considered one of the most popular products. This culinary ingredient provides the body with a complex of vitamins, minerals, prevents colds, and relieves fatigue. There are two popular beverage recipes based on this herbal ingredient.

Refreshing cocktail

For cooking, you need the following ingredients:

• 100 g jelly-like aloe juice;
• 300 ml of orange juice;
• 200 ml of mineral water;
• 2 tbsp. tablespoons of honey or sugar syrup.

You just need to mix and cool everything, and then pour it into glasses and serve.

Tonic lemonade

To cool off in the heat and make up for the loss of minerals, you can use aloe based lemonade. For cooking you need the following ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. tablespoons of plant juice;
• 1 tbsp. a spoon of honey;
• ½ cup lemon juice;
• 1.5 liters of sparkling water.

Before serving, cool and strain the drink, as a precipitate may appear in it. You can also decorate it with ice cubes and mint leaves.

Is it possible to give aloe to animals

Since aloe vera has a beneficial effect on human health, it also affects animals. The leaves of this succulent contain nutrients and ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, coat and immune system. Aloe vera is not a medicine in itself, but it stimulates living organisms to self-repair without side effects. Here are the cases in which aloe vera can be used for animals:

• skin diseases;
• burns;
• digestive upset;
• immunodeficiency;
• infections of the eyes and ears.

The main thing is to make sure for a start that the animal is not allergic to this plant.

Contraindications

Aloe is not always beneficial, it can do harm if used if there are contraindications. Due to the powerful effect on all body systems, the juice of this plant has a significant list of contraindications. In the presence of some diseases, aloe is contraindicated in both adults and children. Categorical contraindications include such diseases and conditions of the body:

• tumors of various localization (both malignant and benign);
• bleeding disorder, a tendency to bleeding;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach or intestines;
• cystitis in the acute stage;
• acute diseases of the digestive tract;
• blockage of the ducts of the gallbladder;
• kidney stone disease;
• cystitis in the acute stage;
• pregnancy.

The main contraindication is intolerance to this plant, a hypersensitivity reaction. Aloe can provoke severe allergic reactions in sensitive people, even if used in small quantities.

Interesting facts about aloe

Aloe is one of the most amazing plants, which is considered quite popular. Nevertheless, there are facts about this plant that are not known to everyone.

1. Most aloe species have never been grown in the CIS countries; they cannot adapt to life in such climatic conditions.
2. In regions with a mild climate, aloe can be planted in open ground.
3. The more sun, the more often the plant will bloom.
4. Contrary to popular belief, aloe flowers can be not only red and pink, but also white, yellow, peach.
5. In Japan, aloe is not just a medicinal plant, but the same food product as in the CIS countries, for example, green onions.

As you can see, aloe is a useful plant that can help with many diseases. If you use this flower correctly, you can restore health even in the most severe conditions.

Aloe photo