The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Skin accounts for 16% of the body’s total weight – therefore what we apply to our skin has immense potential for good or for harm, depending on whether we use natural or chemically based products.

Aloe Vera is highly recommended for inclusion in almost all skin and hair care products because it has a powerful and amazing ability to regenerate new healthy cells anywhere on the body. Aloe Vera has in fact been called “The Facelift Plant” because it can when correctly used; take “10 years off the age” of the skin.

So – how do we use it and what exactly does it do??

Firstly, if you grow Aloe Vera and wish to use your fresh plant – this is fine when used freshly applied to the skin. However, the fresh plant cannot be added to skincare products. It will grow mould and bugs in your products within a week.

For inclusion of Aloe Vera into skin and hair care products, commercially prepared Aloe Vera ingredients must be used.

• These are available as:
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Aloe Vera Liquid
• Aloe Vera OilAloe Vera Juice (high grade 99.7% pure)

NOTE: Using Aloe Vera at a ratio of more than 15% will contribute to a drying effect.
Products containing Aloe Vera need to include humectants to buffer Aloe Vera’s drying effect.

How does Aloe Vera work its magic in skincare products??

Aloe Vera has a unique ability to penetrate the human skin up to 7 layers deep. In this action it is able to transport all ingredients incorporated in a skin cream/lotion etc through these layers to deep tissue for optimum regeneration.

One reason Aloe Vera penetrates the skin is because it lowers the surface tension of water, permitting water and other moisturising ingredients to submerge deeply into the skin to replenish fluids. As it penetrates, the hyaluronic acids found in Aloe Vera, sink deeply into the skin, removing toxins and allowing the regenerating properties of the plant to work in a more effective manner.

Aloe Vera helps to keep facial pores unclogged and gives skin a healthy glow because the enzymatic activity in the plant speeds up the blood circulation and sloughs off dead skin. The amino acids in the plant then help to promote the growth of new cells. Additionally, Aloe Vera furnishes the skin with a protective coating to help retard the growth of harmful bacteria.

Studies have shown that Aloe Vera’s legendary anti-ageing properties lie in the plants amazing capacity to produce fibroblast cells six to eight times faster than normal cells. These cells manufacture collagen, which keeps skin firm. Hands will become softer and smoother as Aloe allows the skin to rejuvenate itself at a cellular level. Aloe’s keratolytic action also breaks down and softens hard skin on the feet and hands, restoring its suppleness.

Retina A, known in the medical world as Retinoic Acid, has enjoyed popularity as a prescription drug with anti-ageing qualities. It has the same action as the polysaccharides in Aloe Vera, making the epidermal cells fit more tightly together. This cell density reduces wrinkles, but the drug has many side effects, one of them being skin irritation. Aloe Vera does not cause skin irritation – quite the opposite in fact.

Aloe Vera not only penetrates deeply into tissue, but it does so very fast, carrying all the other ingredients in your formula along with it, into the deep layers of tissue. On its own, Aloe Vera is not a good moisturiser; it must be combined with other emollients to best achieve its unique benefits.

Aloe Vera is an excellent anti-acne treatment product because its astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties prohibit the growth of bacteria, including staphylococcus. It mops up excess oil, relieves pain and itching, reduces infection and scarring and may safely be used on even the most sensitive skin.

Eczema and Psoriasis – Again the anti-inflammatory, anti-itch action of Aloe Vera in a moisturising base is most effective at calming the skin, relieving redness, soothing pain, removing toxins and dead skin cells, plus it provides a protective coating to help retard the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. The amino acids in Aloe Vera then help to promote the growth of new healthy cells. Drinking Aloe Vera juice at the same time will help provide new skin cells with the micronutrients needed to develop into strong and healthy cells.

Sunburn and Burns – Most sunscreens are loaded with toxic chemicals which are now being shown to cause more harm to our skin than was ever previously thought. Whilst Aloe Vera is not a sunscreen, it does however provide a protective coating on the skin which will reduce some of the damage caused by the sun rays. Aloe Vera is however the remedy against the pain, redness and skin damage caused by the sun, chemical or radiation burns and household accident burns. It takes the sting and pain out of sunburn, windburn and almost all burn types.
Aloe stimulates the growth of healthy skin cells and limits the body’s production of scar tissue and it does this quickly. Researchers believe that the active ingredients in Aloe Vera probably act as a substrate inhibitor, which means it binds the enzyme system together to prevent the production of thromboxane, which causes cell death after a thermal injury. Aloe speeds up the healing of burns, including severe burns and revitalizes damaged skin cells.

Hair and scalp care – Aloe Vera benefits the hair and scalp in the same way that it benefits our skin. Hair is mostly composed of keratin, which contains amino acids, oxygen, carbon, traces of hydrogen, sulphur and nitrogen. Aloe Vera’s chemical composition is very similar to keratin and this helps to revitalise the hair with nutrients.

The polysaccharides and lignin in Aloe Vera have a deep penetrating action to bring deep cleansing to the scalp to allow nutrients to penetrate and work deep below the scalp surface to revitalise and stimulate new hair root growth. The saponins in Aloe Vera are naturally cleansing and soap producing agents which both clean and strengthen the hair follicles.

Scalp conditions, like dandruff, psoriasis and alopecia (hair falling out in patches) are all improved by the use of Aloe Vera. Add Aloe Vera to your shampoo, conditioners, or use it alone on scalp and hair. Aloe Vera gel is lovely to improve hair sheen or may be used as a straight gel which dries quickly improving hair and scalp quality.

This amazing plant is simply the most beneficial herb for use in products such as: facial masks, creams and lotions, anti-wrinkle creams and moisturisers, hand, nail and foot care products and all hair care. For salves and ointments, pain and eczema creams, sports injury and burn products.

There is no better ingredient.

• All Aloe Vera ingredient forms available in our store.

“Aloe barbadenisis” – The miracle plant

Aloe belongs to a class of plants known as the “Xeroids”, so called because they have the ability to close their stomata (or pores) completely to avoid loss of water. They are able to survive long periods of drought stress. Almost all of the Xeroids are able to close over any wound almost immediately in order to conserve the plants precious water. The Aloe wound heals amazingly fast and the Aloe plant then begins to grow in another direction. This power to heal itself so rapidly points to its remarkable wound healing ability.

Much research has taken place on Aloe Vera and its many benefits over the last 45 years – much of that research has been undertaken in Russia, although we know from Sumerian clay tablets dating from 2100BC that it was being used then and possibly as far back as 5000BC. The early Egyptians revered Aloe and called it the “Plant of Immorality”.

Aloe Vera is a veritable storehouse of nutritional compounds – more than 75 have so far been identified. It has been found to contain the most essential ingredients to the human body, but more importantly these “essentials” appear to work in a “synergistic” way to heal the body and skin.

Some of Aloe Vera’s wide ranging properties are: –

• An efficient detoxifying agent



• A powerful immune system stimulant
• A strong anti-inflammatory agent
• An analgesic
• A stimulator of cell growth
• An antiseptic
• An elixir of longevity
• An accelerator of tissue healing
• A digestive system aid
• A powerful wound healer
• A rich source of nutrients
• A rejuvenating and anti-ageing herb
• A moisturiser and cohesive agent
• An absolutely essential herb for use in skin & hair care
• An effective veterinary herb
• A bactericidal agent, important in fighting tooth & gum disease
• An anti-arthritic herb
• Helpful for heart conditions, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, ulcers and much more.

Let’s take a more indepth look at Aloe Vera’s amazing properties:
Firstly: What does the plant contain??

Enzymes – These are critical to human and animal life. Their function is to convert the proteins in the food we eat into amino acids, which then provides fuel for every cell in the body.

Vitamins – Found in Aloe Vera are:
Vitamin A (Beta-carotene)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Choline (a B vitamin)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (rarely found in plants)
Vitamin C (an anti-oxidant)
Vitamin E
Folic Acid (vitamin B complex)
Also Zinc, Manganese and Chromium.

Fatty Acids – Including Caprylic Acid.

Minerals – 20 minerals are found in Aloe Vera. Essential for correct functions of enzyme systems.

Mono & Polysaccharides – These are vital to Aloe Vera’s healing power. In particular, “Acemannan” a Polysaccharide, which stimulates white blood cells to destroy bacteria, tumour cells and to boost immunity. They line the gut, helping to prevent leaky gut. These unique polysaccharides are absorbed straight into the bloodstream and quickly enhance immunity and in skincare terms they are the chief moisturisers of the plant. Aloe Vera contains approximately 90% or more of these Polysaccharides.

Lignins – Responsible for Aloe’s strong penetrating effect on the skin. Up to seven layers deep.

Saponins – They are antiseptic, antimicrobial and cleansing. Very helpful for acne.

Anthraquinones – These are anti-microbial and have an analgesic and laxative effect. They aid absorption in the digestive tract and have an antibiotic quality without side effects.

Salicylic Acid – An anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Aloe reduces pain.

Amino Acids – These affect the brain function and are crucial to all bodily functions. There are 8 amino acids which are essential to the body. These cannot be manufactured by the body – they must be consumed in some way. Seven of these “essential eight amino acids” are found in Aloe Vera. Also required are a further 14 secondary amino acids of which Aloe Vera supplies 11.

Secondly: What does this incredible plant offer to the human body??
Let’s look at the skincare benefits as a separate list later in this article – here we will look at Aloe Vera’s effects medicinally.

As a detoxifier – Taken as a drink, Aloe Vera acts as a gentle cleanser and detoxifier. It helps to maintain correct hepatic function and to keep the kidneys working well. It assists to reduce blood sugar levels and has a beneficial effect on those with diabetes.

Digestion – Considered by Dr. Danhof, a world authority on Aloe Vera and its benefits to the human body. Dr. Danhof, a professor of physiology, believes Aloe Vera to be beneficial to the entire gastro-intestinal system. He maintains that due to its Magnesium Lactate content, Aloe Vera is able to lower activity in the stomach and is effective in reversing both occasional and chronic symptoms in the upper gastro-intestinal tract.

It improves digestion, normalises the PH, reduces yeast content and promotes a more favourable balance of gastro-intestinal symbiotic bacteria. It can help specifically with disorders such as: Chron’s disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, acid stomach, peptic ulcers. It can improve bowel regularity, nutrient absorption and may increase energy levels and well-being. Researchers have noted that Aloe Vera penetrates the wall of the digestive system, flushes out harmful bacteria and assists repopulation of the system with beneficial flora. Inflammation is therefore reduced and there is an increase in absorption of nutrients.
Please Note: If one stops taking the Aloe Vera, the symptoms return. Aloe Vera needs to be taken daily on a continuous basis.

Brain activity – Aloe Vera has been shown to boost memory retention and alertness, it aids in detoxifying ammonia out of the brain, it optimises cognitive activity and brain function and also acts as an antioxidant and maintains balance in the central nervous system.

Drug abuse recovery – The use of Aloe Vera with drug abusers in the early stages of recovery showed considerable improvement in depression levels, anxiety, sleep, appetite, nutritional intake, withdrawal symptoms and assisted energy levels.

Dental and mouth problems – Aloe Vera is effective as an antiseptic mouthwash, assisting inflammation in the mouth, around gums, for lips and roof or floor of the mouth. People with gum disease are usually deficient in vitamin D, so it is important to take vitamin D as well as to treat your gums. Aloe Vera gel is great under dentures for pain and inflammation due to poorly fitting dentures. It may also be used for soaking dentures to prevent infection.
Arthritis, joint and muscle pain – Aloe Vera may be used both internally and externally to reduce inflammation and joint flexibility. Dr Jeffrey Bland says the link between arthritis and the digestive system improves with Aloe Vera use and may explain the improvements felt by some arthritic and osteo-arthritic patients when using Aloe Vera. When there is poor digestion and poor protein absorption, the antigen – antibody complexes can be trapped in the liver and the joints and can create inflammatory processes such as pain and swelling.

Diabetes – It has been shown that diabetic patients who take Aloe Vera for 3 months experience a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels. They also exhibit lower cholesterol levels and a boost of circulation to the extremities. Peripheral neuropathy (numb hands and feet) improves with regular intake of Aloe Vera.

Immune System – With its wide complex of vitamins and minerals and over 200 constituents, Aloe Vera is one of the most powerful immuno-stimulants available. It stimulates, modulates and supports the immune system in a most remarkable way. Dr Danhof reports that Aloe Vera causes the release of tumour necrosis factor alpha, which blocks the blood supply to cancerous growths and a study at the University of Okinawa in Japan, found that daily doses of Aloe Vera could help prevent the onset of lung cancer in smokers.

It has provided beneficial to AIDS sufferers, helping to restore the T and B lymphocyte balance. Aloe increases the number and intensity of action of the immune cells in the body and it both enhances the body’s capacity to fight diseases and enhances overall healing.

Weight loss and muscle development – Aloe Vera stimulates the metabolic rate in our liver cells, so that we burn more energy. It works to both reduce and stabilise the body mass index, it has a high content of collagen protein, in order for the body to assimilate its protein, it has to expend more energy. This extra expenditure of energy also supports weight loss and muscle development. It facilitates weight loss by helping to expel excess water from the cells – however cannot on its own take the weight off and keep it off. Correct nutrition and exercise is also necessary.

Contraindications – Generally pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and those with kidney problems should not use Aloe Vera internally.

A sure fire remedy to open up congested passages is to place a large menthol crystal in a cup of boiling water – close your eyes and inhale deeply.

This is an extremely effective method to open stuffy and thickened passages in the head.

Once the water cools, the menthol will crystalize again – the water may be poured off and the process repeated using the same cup and the same menthol.

NOTE: Menthol crystals are extracted from the pure essential oil of peppermint and are available in our store.

• Menthol flakes may be ground finely and added to toothpowder for a refreshing breath freshening effect – approximately ¼ teaspoon menthol to 1 tablespoon of toothpowder.
• Menthol flakes are extremely cooling, penetrating and effective as an anti-inflammatory in ointments and salves for pain relief. (Recipes in this issue)

25gms Dried Liquorice Root
10gms Dried Thyme
1 to 2 Cups Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar
5 Cups Water

Very gently simmer the dried herbs in the water for 20 minutes with the lid on the pot. Then strain and place liquid back into the saucepan. Add Cider Vinegar and half the sugar, simmer, stirring frequently – adding more sugar if required until a syrup is formed and taste is acceptable.
 
 
This may be as thick or runny as you prefer – simply add more sugar till the mixture is acceptable, taste wise.

Pour into sterilised bottles and store in the fridge. This mixture will keep at least a year. Take as required for coughing, congestion, bronchitis and asthma.

Very safe for all ages, including small children.

The skincare use of oats dates back to ancient Egypt. During the 1800’s oats were regarded as so powerful the extracts were exclusively available only at pharmacies.

Oatmeal’s ability to relieve dry, itching skin was first documented during the 1930’s. The recognised clinical benefits of finely ground oats are due to their remarkable chemical composition and the fortunate coincidence that compounds essential for the natural development of oats may have beneficial effects on humans.

Oats have the highest protein and lipid content of any cereal grain, as well as a high fatty acid content and provides soothing, non-irritating cleansing for inflamed skin conditions. It is a highly effective antioxidant, performing as a skin protectant in skincare for infants, sun exposed skin and those with sensitive, itchy, reddened and dry skin.

- Colloidal oatmeal contains 10% to 18% protein, 60% to 64% polysaccharides as well as lipids, enzymes, saponins, vitamins, flavonoids and prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors.

- Oatmeal can help restore skin PH, assisting in the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier.

- The moisturising properties of colloidal oatmeal are created by a hydrophilic film that forms at the skin surface, consisting of humectant and water-binding constituents and lipids.

- Colloidal oatmeal provides gentle cleansing without loss of the skins moisture content. It helps prevent skin dryness, scaling, roughness, flaking and itching after only one day of use.

- Oats soothe, calm and regenerate all skin types and conditions.

- Oats are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (B6, Folic Acid, E), minerals (iron, manganese, silica, zinc), anti-inflammatory phyto-nutrients, the plant growth hormone auxine and the immune-protective beta-glucan.

- So how does this work? The anti-inflammatory phyto-nutrients (known as avenacosides) reduce inflammation and have strong anti-fungal properties. Silica strengthens the body’s flexible structures (skin, hair, nails, vessel walls, tendons), hasten their repair and reduces their waste and toxin load. Auxine promotes new healthy cell production. Beta-glucan helps the immune system fight infection, cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation exposure. Oats directly benefit the skin, nourish the whole body when eaten and improve the digestive, immune and nervous systems.

- There are no contra-indications to the use of oats.

So how to use colloidal oatmeal?

• May be used mixed with water, your favourite hydrosol, honey or French clay to make a gentle exfoliants or a mask that soothes, heals and repairs the skin.
• May be added to baths either alone or mixed with bath milk ingredients like goats milk powder for a soothing skin softening anti-itch bath. (When added to bath water, colloidal oatmeal forms a viscous hydrocolloid gel on the skin surface.)
• We carry both colloidal oatmeal and oatmeal infused apricot oil.
• Oatmeal infused apricot oil is superb when added to creams, lotions, salves, hair care products, nail, hand and foot products. This oil makes for a proven skin softening anti-itch massage oil that is safe for babies, the elderly and anyone who is in need of oats soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory benefits or its regenerating highly moisturising properties.

Colloidal Oatmeal and Colloidal Oatmeal oil available in store.

OATS AS FOOD
It is highly recommended to eat oatmeal regularly, either as the traditional porridge, in breads and muffins, muesli bars and any other form of cooking desired. Oats eaten often will reduce cholesterol and improve all functions of the body.

Oats are very filling, have a low GI, which means they provide sustained energy over a long period, are high in nutrients, containing eight vitamins, several minerals, unrefined carbohydrates, thiamine and iron. They have a slightly higher kilojoule content than other unprocessed grains. The oils present in oats are mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, a further advantage for those wishing to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Oat bran provides a more concentrated supply of fibre and therefore has a greater effect in reducing cholesterol levels than do rolled oats, although these have been shown to have a significant impact, it slows down the rate of digestion and therefore it takes longer to feel hungry again. High-fibre foods tend to require more energy in their digestion, so increasing the rate at which kilojoules are burned up.

One study has shown children who had oats for breakfast had better spatial memory, short-term memory and listening attention than those who ate ready-to-eat cereal or no breakfast at all.

Oats are also anti-inflammatory and good for digestive problems as they form a gel-like substance in the gut which encourages beneficial bacteria.

Oats are also one of the most economical foods!