Aloe Vera and Sunburn

July 25, 2024 by Jurgen

Aloe plants

USES – Healing of wounds and burns, sunburn, psoriasis; intestinal inflammation, stomach and peptic ulcers.

HOW IT WORKS – The plant contains anthraquinone glycosides, resins and polysaccharides.

When taken internally, Aloe Vera has a cleansing and healing effect on the body, by virtue of its action on the digestive tract. This makes it useful for a number of skin conditions, where the process of internal detoxification is deemed by naturopaths to be important.

Scientific use of Aloe in wound healing was first documented in 1935. Since then, there have been a number of studies showing its effectiveness as a treatment for burns, including sunburns and other wounds even internal ones, the reason why Aloe Vera juice is also beneficial for internal inflammation like colitis, diverticulitis, stomach and peptic ulcers.

Arnica Montana

July 11, 2024 by Jurgen

The healing properties of Arnica are widely known and it has been used since the 11th century. Arnica Montana grows in the mountainous regions of central Europe, where shepherds reported that sheep and goats would eat Arnica after a fall.

Even the most severely injured animal would soon be back on their feet fully recovered. The shepherds themselves then tried Arnica Montana and, finding it helped to speed recovery from injuries and they spread the word of its success, which has been confirmed recently by scientific research in numerous studies*.

Generally the herb is only taken internally as > a homeopathic remedy, mainly after injury; mental and physical bruising; after operations, visits to the dentist, childbirth, etc.

Arnica is best known as an effective treatment for sprains and bruises.

Arnica gel

Arnica gel can be used externally for aches and pains after physical pursuits such as cycling and gardening and for rheumatism and arthritis.

Arnica gel improves the local blood supply and accelerates healing. Arnica gel is made from freshly harvested, organically cultivated Arnica flower tincture.

Arnica’s herbal use as an anti-inflammatory was not widely known. Newest research is proving that Arnica is a very effective anti-inflammatory when applied topically. It helps with painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, stiff or sore joints, fibromalgia and RSI.

*Research published in “Rheumatology International” demonstrates that Arnica gel is as effective as ibuprofen for topical treatment of osteoarthritis.

Beta Carotene to prevent sun damage

July 2, 2024 by Jurgen

Sunshine at last or going for the well-deserved holidays?

Antioxidants can prevent against sun damage from the inside. Scientists have found that supplementation with Beta Carotene together with Vitamin E for 12 weeks significantly increases resistance to sunburn.

Antioxidant nutrients seem to work synergistically to prevent reddening of the skin, which is characteristic of over-exposure to the sun.

Beta Carotene supplementation does not replace the need for an appropriate sunscreen lotion or cream.

Sources of Beta-Carotene

Beta Carotene is considered an antioxidant and is also a precursor to vitamin A. This compound helps maintain healthy skin and also plays a vital role in eye health. Studies show the benefits of Beta Carotene in skin disorders like acne and dermatitis.