🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Many beauty-conscious women particularly favor aloe vera. Keeping a few pots of lush aloe vera at home not only beautifies the living space but also allows them to use freshly grown aloe for skincare anytime—achieving two benefits at once. Furthermore, as a natural health food, some restaurants even serve aloe vera on their menus. Professor Chang Fu of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine warns that aloe vera comes in different varieties for edible and medicinal use, and one must be careful before using it. Don’t treat aloe vera as a “panacea” and use it however you wish.
The aloe vera suitable for medicinal purposes is mostly African Cape aloe and Curacao aloe, typically dried and used both internally and externally. For individuals suffering from bitter taste in mouth, bad breath, irritability, red urine, or constipation, aloe vera—a bitter and cold herb—has laxative, liver-cooling, and insecticidal effects. According to TCM pharmacopeia, the recommended daily oral dosage is 2–5 grams, with a maximum of 6 grams. Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal discomforts, leading to adverse reactions.
Although many people find aloe vera highly effective for constipation, it is important to note that it works best for heat-induced constipation (caused by internal heat), but for intestinal dryness (habitual constipation), excessive use will deplete body fluids further, worsening constipation.
Many people regard aloe vera as a “universal remedy.” For instance, when dealing with cuts, burns, scalds, sprains, or insect bites, simply cut a piece of aloe vera and apply it directly to the wound, which helps healing. Professor Chang explains that according to TCM, aloe vera kills skin parasites and also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, generally considered safe for use.
However, some people have extremely sensitive skin. Those who previously experienced dermatitis after using cosmetics or those with allergic constitutions should first perform a patch test before using aloe vera. Apply a small amount behind the ear or on the inner wrist and observe for 10 to 20 minutes. If no skin reaction occurs, it is safe to use externally. Otherwise, if large papules or itching appear, wait a few days and repeat the test. If itching persists or red papules develop after application, the condition is usually mild and not serious; discontinue use and rinse with warm water. Avoid scratching, as it may break the skin and cause secondary infection. In cases of severe allergic reactions, stop using immediately.
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Homemade Aloe Vera Facial Mask
Precondition for using fresh aloe vera on skin: Not recommended for allergy-prone individuals.
Start from the outermost leaf of the aloe plant. Cut off a small segment (length as needed), remove the small spines on both sides, then split it open. Rub the split segment directly on the skin—the sensation will be slippery and sticky. After a few minutes, the skin begins to tighten. Then wash it off. Alternatively, crush the aloe and mix with honey and flour to make a homemade mask, applied once a week to achieve firmer, smoother skin.