ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is used in its raw form to treat burns, bites, blisters, cuts, ulcers, inflammation, rashes, eczema and psoriasis. Its use dates back thousands of years, and today it’s probably the best-known herbal first-aid treatment that we can grow in our backyards. The gel within the aloe vera plant contains enzymes that deactivate bradykinin, the chemical messenger that transmits pain signals through the nerves. Other compounds in aloe vera include salicylates, which control inflammation and pain, and magnesium lactate, a natural antihistamine. The gel also serves as a stimulant for wound healing, promoting cell and tissue regeneration. It’s able to penetrate injured tissue, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and dilate capillaries to increase blood supply, which in turn improves healing time. The gel also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The easiest way to use it at home is to slice open a leaf and rub the gel onto minor burns and cuts.