ALOE VERA has earned its name in many Jamaican households as the magic plant — often leading the treatment options for a plethora of body, hair and skin conditions because of its proven natural relief. Dr Sandra Knight, anti-ageing practitioner, says that the benefits of aloe vera are so varied and far-reaching that it is difficult to put a lid on them.

“As a child, aloe vera was the king of cure-all in my home. It is effective in resolving many issues — headaches, tummy aches, loose stools and scrapes and bruises, for example. And as it turns out, my mom’s obsession with aloe vera was one founded on science and research.

“Aloe vera is officially called a medicinal plant. It’s a thick-stemmed, succulent plant of the genus aloe, which has over 500 species including vera. The stem contains a thick, fleshy substance that contains bioactive substances including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” Dr Knight said.

She said aloe vera has immense health and beauty benefits, noting that the antioxidants — in which the plant is rich — are particularly important.

“The antioxidants found in the aloe vera plant have antibacterial properties, which accelerate the healing of many skin conditions, help treat mouth ulcers and remove plaque, reduce constipation, may lower blood sugar in diabetics, strengthen your immune system, and improve on general wellness and health if taken as a daily supplement,” Dr Knight said.

Dr Knight said that aloe vera has been used for thousands of years when no medicines existed, and therefore it comes as no surprise that herbalists and pharmaceutical companies have created thousands of products such as soaps, oils, gels and supplements in the top beauty and health care products sold globally.

The plant has also been used in managing skin conditions such as ageing, dryness, stretch marks, acne and other blemishes and sunburns. In the hair it controls dandruff, promotes hair growth, is a natural hair conditioner, and is integral in controlling scalp pH. In addition, aloe helps to boost the immune system, soothe haemorrhoids, reduce cholesterol, and lower the risks of cancer.

Dr Knight pointed out that while the plant is particularly beneficial in its natural state, great care must be taken in harvesting it.

“It is important that you try to harvest the jelly-like pulp only. The green stains from the skin have harmful substances that could cause skin reactions. Aloe vera gel extraction should be done quickly with limited exposure to sunlight; in fact, perhaps the best way to extract the contents of the plant is to freeze it and then peel the skin off. You will be left with pure aloe goodness! These you can then cube and swallow as a supplement, massage into your skin and scalp, leave overnight as a treatment, or blend into your favourite smoothie.”