The Aloe Vera plant has been used to heal a variety of different skin conditions like skin lesions. Aloe Vera is also believed to be good for constipation. Aloe Vera can be found in South Africa, Latin America, and also in the Caribbean Islands. Aloe Vera still remains one of the most popular prescribed medicine herbs in the United States and Canada today.
History of Treatment using Aloe Vera
In 1,500 BC the Egyptians believed to have used a herbal plant which suits the description and medicinal properties of Aloe Vera in treating burns, infections and some parasites. The African hunters use the juice of Aloe Vera on their bodies to reduce perspiration and to cover up body scent. Aloe Vera flowers are tubular, mostly yellow, red or orange and are borne on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems. Both the Greeks and Romans recommended Aloe vera as an effective relief of constipation, burns, wounds, bruises, skin irritation, kidney problems and more. In Indian ayurveda, Aloe Vera was called the “Silent healer” by Hindus, Chinese call it the “Harmony Remedy”.
Out Of the 500 different species of “Aloe” that are known to exist, the following possess therapeutic healing properties. These are
Aloe Vera
Aloe Arborensis
Aloe Saponaria
Aloe Ferro
Aloe Perryi
Natural Chemical Ingredients in Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera survives in extremely dry climates. The leaves of Aloe vera stores moisture for future use. The Aloe vera can survive for months or years even if it is uprooted. Some of the main characteristics of Aloe vera gel are listed below.
Aloe can penetrate the layers of skin
Aloe is a bactericidal
Aloe is virus killer
Aloe is fungus killer
Aloe stops bleeding
Aloe works as a local anesthetic
Aloe promotes cell division
Aloe dilates capillaries where applied
Aloe is an anti-inflammatory
Aloe is a natural moisturizer
Aloe stops itching and burning
Aloe is a natural cleanser
Aloe reduces the fever or heat sores
Gels that are made from Aloe Vera are used to treat burns and other minor scrapes. Aloe Vera benefits range from soothing inflammation, pain relief, and a reduction in the likelihood of infections.Many studies have also showed that regular use of an Aloe Vera based gel will actually speed the healing process in minor wounds, and even in severe burns. This plant has been used in this capacity for hundreds of years. The thick leaves can be snapped open, and the moist open end of the leaves can be rubbed unto the burn or scrape directly.
Aloe vera is used in skin lotions, cosmetic products, shampoos, lip balms, soaps and sunscreens. Some Aloe
Vera benefits include a strong moisturizing capacity, and its extract contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are believed to promote healthy skin. It is a very gentle substance in itself, so one of the benefits of Aloe Vera is that it can be used in sensitive areas, such as around the eyes.
Aloe plants, that include Aloe Vera, have also found medicinal uses internally. This plant is used rimarily as a laxative, the juice from the aloe can be dried into a dark powder composed of yellowish granules that are quite bitter to taste. Internal use of Aloe is marketed as a treatment for coughs, ulcers, muscle pain, headaches, and even for cancer and HIV.
The only proven Aloe Vera benefit in internal use is the relief of constipation. Additionally, even in this use, internal use of the plant has a number of side effects, it can cause nausea and should not be taken if you are pregnant.
Aloe Vera Gel contains active substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides, Glycoproteins are protein-carbohydrate compounds that speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflamation. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that stimulates skin growth and also skin repair. These substances are also thought to stimulate the immune system.
Aloe latex contains compounds known as anthraquinones that stimulate the activities of the gastrointestinal tract.
Slit the leaf of an Aloe Vera Plant lengthwise and remove the gel from the inside of the leaf. Carefully clean affected areas then apply the aloe gel liberally on the skin.
Boils, Wrinkles, Stretch marks,
Sunburn, Stomach ulcers
Insect bites, Intestinal worms
Bee stings, Pigmentations,
Cuts, First Degree Burns,
Carbuncles, Diabetes
Abrasions, Heartburn
Rashes, Irritable Bowel
Hair loss, Headaches
Urinary tract infections
High blood pressure
Indigestion, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis
Gout, Kidney infections, Liver
Warts, gull bladder
Acne, Eczema
Athlete’s foot
Hemorrhoids, Prostate problems
Gingivitis
Gum sores
Head sores
Menstrual cramps
Arthritis, Colitis
Rheumatism
Viral infections
Parasites
Constipation
Dermatitis
Dandruff, Peptic ulcers
Cradle cap
Fatigue, Hemorrhoids
Genital herpes
Muscle Pain and HIV
FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 9th 2002, issued a final rule banning the use of aloe and cascara sagrada as laxative ingredients in overthe- counter drug products. Aloe latex is a harsh stimulant laxative that has FDA approval for OTC use as a laxative ingredient. Few studies have tested whether taking aloe gel internally can influence wound healing. One study has shown that it improves wound healing in mice, with the researchers attributed to increased capillary blood flow to the injured area. During the 1970s, two FDA advisory panels concluded that there was insufficient evidence that aloe vera gel was useful for treating minor cuts, burns and other abrasions, or for treating minor vaginal irritations.
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