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I'd like to know how to use aloe vera. I have psoriasis, and despite all the meds I'm using---including Humira, methotrexate, prednisone---the psoriasis persists, although it is much better and has stopped spreading.
I mainly have it on my lower legs and top of feet and ankles. It itches, and oftentimes feels like a burn. I just bought an aloe vera stalk tonight, but I'm not sure how to use it. I cut off a small chunk, about one inch thick, and tried rubbing it on. I admit, it felt better almost instantly! Then, I realized its not solid inside, so I tried poking it with a knife, and got a jelly. I applied this, and it helped even more!
I'm wondering how to use/store it. For now, I cut it up in little chunks, about one inch thick, and put each chunk in a small baggie, and put in the fridge. I use as needed, and don't break it open until I use it. Being cold makes it even more effective!
How long will it keep fresh in the fridge? should I cut up the whole stalk at once, like I'm doing, or just cut off one piece at a time?
I also saw a video where they sliced the stalk in half lengthwise, then scooped the gel out with a spoon. Since the tough membrane is only along the skin, it gets the gel out. Then, what? The video was in Japanese, and it stopped when they finished scooping it. I don't know for what purpose they were using it, so I don't know if one can store the gel and use as needed. You would get a lot from one stalk, perhaps 1/2/ to one cup.
I hope this continues to be effective. I often find a remedy that works for about a week, then just stops working. I bought the stalk at a farmer's market, it was $1.79/stalk. Is that a good price? I'm thinking if this works I will plant an aloe vera plant in my backyard!
That would be awesome if it worked. I still have break through psoriasis but use Enstilar. I have TONS of aloe growing in my yard
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OP, your leaf will keep pretty well for several days in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator.
Just smear the gel on your skin. I leave it uncovered and apply it a couple times a day. I've used it for sunburns, regular burns and poison oak. Didn't do much for the poison oak, but it works amazingly well for burns. If it's going to work for you, I'd think you should start to feel and maybe see a difference in a day or two. And the gel straight from the leaf works much better than the bottled gel. The bottled gel usually includes a preservative which can irritate already inflamed skin.
Aloe vera is easy to grow, outside if you are living in the right climate, or inside. It's tough and doesn't ask for much, in fact you're more likely to kill it with kindness than neglect. I think everyone should grow one.
It's really easy to grow, and then you can just walk out and pick what you need. When you first cut it, aloe secretes a nasty, yellow, onion scented liquid, but that stops after about 15 min and then you can rinse it and use it just like the aloe from the store.
I'd like to know how to use aloe vera. I have psoriasis, and despite all the meds I'm using---including Humira, methotrexate, prednisone---the psoriasis persists, although it is much better and has stopped spreading.
I mainly have it on my lower legs and top of feet and ankles. It itches, and oftentimes feels like a burn. I just bought an aloe vera stalk tonight, but I'm not sure how to use it. I cut off a small chunk, about one inch thick, and tried rubbing it on. I admit, it felt better almost instantly! Then, I realized its not solid inside, so I tried poking it with a knife, and got a jelly. I applied this, and it helped even more!
I'm wondering how to use/store it. For now, I cut it up in little chunks, about one inch thick, and put each chunk in a small baggie, and put in the fridge. I use as needed, and don't break it open until I use it. Being cold makes it even more effective!
How long will it keep fresh in the fridge? should I cut up the whole stalk at once, like I'm doing, or just cut off one piece at a time?
I also saw a video where they sliced the stalk in half lengthwise, then scooped the gel out with a spoon. Since the tough membrane is only along the skin, it gets the gel out. Then, what? The video was in Japanese, and it stopped when they finished scooping it. I don't know for what purpose they were using it, so I don't know if one can store the gel and use as needed. You would get a lot from one stalk, perhaps 1/2/ to one cup.
I hope this continues to be effective. I often find a remedy that works for about a week, then just stops working. I bought the stalk at a farmer's market, it was $1.79/stalk. Is that a good price? I'm thinking if this works I will plant an aloe vera plant in my backyard!
I've found that aloe vera gel from the plant is wonderful for burns as well. We have 6 (and counting) large aloe plants in our back yard-all started from one small plant that my husband bought about 4 yrs ago. Of course this is in Florida and I don't know how well these plants grow outside in cooler climates, but you could sure purchase a plant, pot it and grow it inside. These plants produce new plants ( "pups") after some time, so you could end up with a number of plants-all you need for as much aloe as you want.
As for keeping the cut stalks with the aloe gel fresh, I've wrapped the cut end in aluminum foil, put it in the refrigerator. If that end dries out you can just snip it off to where there is fresh gel ( you can squeeze it a little bit to get more), repeat for each use till the stalk is gone. I hadn't thought of scooping out the gel and storing that, but I suppose it could be done.
I'd just thought of fresh aloe in terms of minor burns, but now that you mention using it for allergic and possibly autoimmune rashes, I'll have to check it out. We sure have enough aloe.
I personally suggest you buy a plant and keep it healthy in the house. When you need it, cut off only the amount you'll need from one stalk at a time. If one stalk has already been cut into, don't start on another one til that first one is completely used up.
I've used aloe vera off and on for years. But I do buy organic liquid in qt bottles and keep it refrigerated. Could be for the issues you talk about an "inside" job is needed. I'd do some research on that way to get aloe vera to work for you. So much of what we live with healthwise, an inside job is needed.
Here is a link with a lot of info for topical and ingesting aloe vera.
The aloe directly from the plant works a lot better than the liquid aloe, with all those additives, in a bottle, jar or tube. At least that has been my experience. I've found bottled aloe has done nothing or little for sunburn, or burns I've had.
I've used aloe vera off and on for years. But I do buy organic liquid in qt bottles and keep it refrigerated. Could be for the issues you talk about an "inside" job is needed. I'd do some research on that way to get aloe vera to work for you. So much of what we live with healthwise, an inside job is needed.
The aloe directly from the plant works a lot better than the liquid aloe, with all those additives, in a bottle, jar or tube. At least that has been my experience. I've found bottled aloe has done nothing or little for sunburn, or burns I've had.
I haven't had much luck, either, with the bottled stuff. IIRC, the bottle I used said 2% aloe? The rest was just water, preservatives, etc. It also felt sticky. The fresh aloe did a world of good in just one day! Last night I was able to sleep peacefully for the first time in ages. Usually I take benedryl and pain pills just to make the itch stop so I can sleep, then I wake up groggy-headed, which is better than no sleep at all!
If it continues to help, I might just start growing my own plant, cheaper and more convenient!
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