Tips for Treating Minor Burns with Aloe

Did you know there is a cactus-like plant that's easy to take care of and it grows indoors, but its use is far more beneficial, especially when it comes to minor burns? Sounds like a miracle plant. The aloe vera gel that is inside its leaf is what helps soothe burns from the kitchen, scalding from hot water or steam and sunburns while outdoors. How can such a plant do all that? I've used it personally many times throughout the years and it always works. Read on and find out more about the Aloe Vera plant, its valuable healing properties for minor burns and how to easily apply it when you encounter any minor burn.

What is Aloe Vera?

Even though it resembles a cactus it is actually part of the Lily family. It produces tubular yellow flowers similar to an Easter Lily each year in the spring. Other plants related to the Lily families are onions, turnips and garlic. Each of these plants, like the Aloe Vera, grows from a short stalk near the ground level. When the thick, tapered spiny aloe leaves grows from its base it forms a rosette pattern.

On average most of these plants have 12-16 leaves. When it reaches maturity they can weight up to three pounds. The outside of the leaf is very smooth and rubbery upon touch. Aloe Vera plants are xerophytes, which mean they thrive outdoors in warm to hot, arid climates much like in Africa where the plant originates.

There are over 250 species of Aloe Vera, but only 5 have medicinal value. The most popular one of all is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller. It's considered the true aloe while used in most commercial products with aloe as an ingredient. It's the gel inside the Aloe Vera leaf that is prized above all else.

Aloe's Healing Properties

Most scientists would say Aloe Vera is a combination of an antibiotic, scar inhibitor, astringent and anti-inflammatory pain reducer among its other valuable benefits. The gel inside the aloe plant apparently contains a "wound hormone" that helps accelerate the healing process of an injury, such as a minor burn. Another attribute of the Aloe Vera plant it can kill bacteria and other organisms that usually thrive on damaged skin cells caused from burns.

It has a cool and soothing effect upon impact when placed on a burn that greatly reduces blistering. While acting as a mild anesthetic it increases the blood to flow into the wounded area by stimulating fibroblasts. These are skin cells responsible for healing wounds. Research began with Aloe Vera in 1935 when Dr. CE Collins, M.D. applied this gel to patients with burns. Their wounds healed almost immediately and scarring was virtually gone over.

How to Use the Aloe Vera Plant for Minor Burns

If you have an Aloe Vera plant simply break off a leaf at the bottom of the stem. Then slice open the leaf right in the center and peel back to the sides. This way the gel can be applied directly to the minor burn. Make sure not to cut the aloe leaf all the way through, just enough to make an opening. Leave it on the burn until the pain subsides. Keep the gel on the burn until it dries. You may need to apply it more than once. Simple start the procedure all over again.

For those that do not have an Aloe Vera plant you can purchase the aloe gel in a tube or bottle form. These are very convenient to have around, especially when traveling. All you do is apply the gel from a tube or bottle covering the burn and waiting for it to dry. However, make sure these products contain 100% stabilized Aloe Vera gel. Only 100% aloe gives you the full benefit of its immense healing powers.

If you live in a cold climate the Aloe Vera is a great indoor plant. Simply keep it in a warm and dry place in your dwelling where there's sunlight. By having an Aloe Vera plant you'll get its gel in the purest form. As you can see there are numerous benefits with aloe in its treatment for minor burns. Once you try aloe you will wonder how you did without it.

SOURCES:

"What is Aloe Vera?", Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe Vera for Burns, Aloesajten.com

Fiona McColl, "Aloe Vera aids Burn Treatment, Wound Healing and Scars", Experience Festival

Personal Experience

"Home Remedies for Itching Minor Burns - Aloe Vera for Minor Burns", Diet Health Club Blog

Aloe Vera 100% Gel 6 oz., Google products