External Applications
Apart from wound care, the oldest aloe application is probably cosmetic use. Aloe vera is the largest moisturiser known from nature. In the 20th century, science increasingly studied the desert plant, including the Sorbonne in Paris. Prof. Mahilewsky explains the healing effects of aloe vera by the fact that its gel has an extremely high degree of skin penetration:
While almost all cosmetic active ingredients only reach the first two layers of the skin, aloe penetrates much deeper.
Some experts even assume that it penetrates to the periosteum and can supply the tissue there. At the same time, it accelerates cell regeneration by a factor of 6-8 and also has skin-caring and soothing properties.
Aloe protects against dehydration, tightens and smoothes the skin, reduces the formation of wrinkles and increases the rejection rate of old and dead skin cells. In addition, aloe leads to the storage of collagen, which smoothes the skin from the inside after only a few weeks, making it look younger and more elastic.
Internal Applications
In contrast to the external application of aloe, an effect is not necessarily to be expected after a single ingestion.
Successes only become apparent after about 4 weeks. The simple formula applies: Prevention is easier than cure!
The broad internal spectrum of action is based on the immune-strengthening properties of aloe and thus on the principle of helping people to help themselves.
In addition to the main active ingredient acemannan, the combination of zinc, vitamin C and secondary plant substances (flavonoids) is responsible for this: saponins inhibit the growth of fungi as well as the development of bacteria and viruses. Bioflavonoids also activate enzymes.
Tanins inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine, so that the most important immune organ is not attacked in the first place or can regenerate more quickly. Fatty acids such as cholesterol with their anti-inflammatory properties ensure that inflammations of organs in the body can also heal.
For all internal applications, you can mix the fresh juice with fruit or vegetable juice, but not with hot drinks (see also recipes). They would destroy the sensitive vitamins and the important acemannan.
There are no known contraindications for external use. Allergy sufferers should nevertheless do a test on the forearm or thigh. If there is no reaction, the application is safe.
Internal use for pregnant women and children should always be discussed with a doctor.
Aloe Vera is an excellent "first aid measure" and should not be missing from any medicine cabinet.
Consultation with a doctor is indispensable for all clinical pictures, even if we only explicitly point this out again for some life-threatening diseases.