Aloe is cooling, moistening and astringent. The clear gel is used for moistening and regenerating the skin. It has been used externally for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, 1st degree burns such as sunburns and many other dermatological conditions. It is excellent for sunburns, and is best when applied soon after receiving the burn. Best quality and 
best results involves using the transparent gel from the fresh plant.
To obtain the gel:
- Cut off one whole leaf from the plant
- Slice off the thorny edges
- Fillet the aloe leaf by cutting off the flat edge of green skin with one long stroke.
- Score the exposed gel, so that it begins to release its inner moisture (keep one edge of the green skin intact)
The dried yellow latex from the inner lining of the leaf has a different function and is used in Asian medicine as a laxative due to its ability to moisten the large intestine. The yellow latex contains anthroquinone glycosides.
