My Eczema Treatment ( Part 3 ): Pure Aloe Vera Sap

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Many years back, I have heard of what aloe vera can do. I remembered back in the 80's, there was this hype going around with my uncles and parents. They were drinking some liquid 'thing-y' from a fairly large brown bottle that look like this:

I am sure many out there ( from my generation ) would recognise this fella. Yes, my family were quite obsessed with it for a few years, but eventually died down when it has proven too expensive to continue. I, too, eventually forgot about this until recently.

As many would have read from my previous post, I was introduced back to this miracle plant by my TCM ( Traditional Chinese Medicine ) practitioner. Well, she didn't ask me to drink it, but apply the sap topically on my affected area for 2-3 times a day. Little did I know, her advice has been the best discovery of the year!! And that is why, I'm saving this topic for last of my eczema treatment series.

When you do a google search, you will find loads of information on the many benefits of aloe vera. In this post, I am just going to share on the benefits of aloe vera gel towards eczema sufferers and my experience with it. 

Off from the net, below are some articles on treating eczema with aloe vera.

When you apply Aloe topically fresh from the plant, its fluids form a thin film on the surface of your skin. These gum resins have hydrating thus moisturising, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe has the ability to go deep into the inner layers of the skin, supplying moisture directly to the underlying tissue.

Dr. Peter Atherton, a strong advocate for the use of Aloe Vera in the UK, conducted a study which revealed that Aloe Vera works mainly on two areas, on repairing epithelial tissue and on boosting the immune system. The skin, the largest organ in the body, is also the largest patch of epithelial tissue. Hence, it is easy to see why Aloe Vera hastens healing of burns and provides much relief to dry eczema skin. It can also help to treat as mouth or stomach ulcers, or a problematic bowel lining; all of which are comprised of epithelial tissues.

Aloe vera contains complex sugars, or polysaccharides, that moisturise and hydrate the skin. When it penetrates into your dry eczema skin, it is quickly absorbed. It triggers fibroblasts to replicate faster. Fibroblasts produce the collagen, that helps to provide elasticity and tautness to the skin. It also helps to produce a cohesive effect on the top-layer epidermal cells, aiding in healing and making skin smoother.

Source from here

My Experience

I personally don't really trust aloe vera gel, that are bottled and available at pharmacies, for I know that they might contain some preservatives to enable longer shelve life. Since I have one aloe vera plant at home, I might as well use it 'au naturel'.

My aloe vera leaf

To preserve this lovely leaf, what I did was cut it in half, place them in a zip lock bag and place it in the fridge. Now, the main ingredient that we need from this leaf is the 'sap'. All we need to do is slice off part of the leaf and slice through the white flesh in order to get more sap out.

Just rub the lovely sap ( or juice ) unto the affected area 2-3 times a week. 

1st Day- When I applied the sap on my affected area, it went deep red and it was very itchy. I still carry on the application despite the discomfort, for I know it will be good for me. 

2nd Day- The area started to peel but the colour is not as obvious as yesterday. Plus, no itchy feeling when I applied the sap.

Week 2- The eczema area improved greatly, thanks to the medication and the aloe vera gel. The colour around the area is almost back to normal and there's no itchiness nor discomfort.

Week 3- Back to normal.

 1st Day

2nd Day

Week 2

Week 3

Overall

Thanks to the combination of both TCM and aloe vera ( and not forgetting going on a pure, healthy diet ),  I think the picture says it all on the healing process of my eczema. The aloe vera gel is absolutely fantastic and I do suggest that we would always have a pot of aloe vera plant readily available in our homes. It is a perfect remedy, especially for any skin problems ( acne included ).

Can you believe it? I was on western medication for months and my eczema is still there. With TCM, it only took 3 weeks for me to be healed of my eczema! So, if there's anyone out there who are eczema sufferers like me, I highly recommend going through TCM and go to an established one. Like me, I have no regrets at all and am so thankful to God for answering my prayers:)

This review is based on my honest and personal experience and is not influenced by any parties.


Related post

My Eczema Treatment ( Part 1 ): Symptoms and Basic Care
My Eczema Treatment ( Part 2 ): Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM )