I immediately associate aloe vera with sunburn. As a redhead prone to excessive bouts of sun damage, I have turned to the plant countless times to soothe my scorched skin. But aloe vera is so much more than a sunburn salve. Research has found that the plant is quite a multitasker, providing topical relief to numerous skin conditions and also healing from the inside out.

The mighty aloe vera plant can:

- speed healing and tensile strength of damaged skin

- hold moisture and add flexibility to slow aging

- fight infections like fungus and staph with its antibacterial properties

- tighten and balance skin with its astringent pH properties

- deeply moisturize by delivering emollients into seven layers of the skin

- reduce pain with natural anti-inflammatory agents

- minimize scarring (sometimes even eliminating it all together)

Aloe is 99 percent water, but it's also a nutrient powerhouse with more than 200 active elements that facilitate healing. The plant works its magic by increasing fibroblast [1] production, which stimulates new collagen, [2] which in turn speeds healing.

Aloe can also be ingested. A shot of aloe vera juice [3] will deliver protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, essential fatty acids, as well as a unique pH balance that helps digestion. Drinking aloe vera before meals will facilitate the body's absorption of nutrients.

So much more than sunburn . . .

[via Conscious Choice] [4]

Image: bbc.co.uk