by Conrad Blomberg
The Aloe Vera plant grows in many places ” it does not like cold weather, but it will thrive in your home if you live where it is cold. Some like it as a decorative plant, but that is the least of its value.
This green, thick-leaved plant is well known by many peoples because it produces a gel which has been used to treat various physical conditions found in humans for thousands of years.
Helping wounds to heal is reputed to be one condition for which the gel from the Aloe Vera plant is used. The reputation is that this gel cuts down on inflammation and eases the pain. But, its effect is not clear. Let us look at what scientific study tells us.
a 1990’s study compared the healing time of Aloe Vera with another modality. A moderate to severe burn had a shorter healing time when treated with Aloe Vera gel. It was compared to a similar burn which was only treated with a gauze bandage.
But, a different study indicated that Aloe Vera gel treated wounds were slower to heal. Whether or not this gel promotes faster wound healing remains an unknown. Although, there are said to be some promising results coming. Thus, you will have to make your own study of this gel if you get a burn or a wound and wish to use it.
Does the Aloe Vera plant have any more uses?
A substance which is not approved for human use has been extracted from Aloe Vera gel by a commercial laboratory. It is an immunostimulant which is approved for treating a cancer (fibrosacoma) in cats and dogs. Only a veterinarian can use it.
Companies that make cosmetics are always looking for a way to enhance their products. So, Aloe Vera gel has been seized on as an excellent addition to shampoos, lotions, makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soap and sun screen. How effective is the gel when used here? Well, as we all know about cosmetics, its certainly a commercial secret — or at least a mysterious unknown.
Treating dry skin conditions is one of the common uses of Aloe Vera gel. Eyes which have eczema around them often get a gel treatment. In fact, sensitive facial skin is sometimes treated with gel.
An article published in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that Aloe Vera is effective at treating athlete’s foot.
But, there are other uses for Aloe Vera — other than applying it externally in a lotion or cream. This sap has been consumed internally as a juice for a long time.
It is said that Aloe Vera juice may help some people with ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease. However, side effects can occur and consulting a doctor before ingesting any form of Aloe Vera, including Aloe Vera juice, is highly recommended.
Well, now we know something about Aloe Vera. But, how does the gel get extracted from this plant. The gel is not from a fruit or from the root. Where, do we find it?
The lower leaves of the plant yield the gel. The leaves are typically bulky, thick and green. When the Aloe Vera leaf is sliced open, there is a gel inside.
However, be careful. Here is something to be aware of if you want to extract the gel yourself.
Aloe Vera latex ” a yellow substance that comes from the inner side of the skin ” can be highly irritating both externally and internally. Some people who have reported adverse effects from Aloe Vera may be eating or applying this latex. Carefully removing all skin and any yellow substance before using Aloe may avoid such adverse effects. Any gel used should be completely clear, and be odorless and tasteless.
This gel is also said to be used for clearing up eczema, according to some reports. It has also been used on herpes infections for possible instant symptomatic relief.
But, in addition to the medical uses, Aloe Vera gel is consumed as a food in many parts of the world.
In Japan, Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in yogurt. There are also many Japanese companies which make Aloe Vera based beverages.
In some of the parts of early India , now called Pakistan, the Aloe Vera plant has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. Seeds of various herbs are mixed with the dried gel and consumed after a meal. Sort of an early Asian Tums, huh?
For centuries the Pashtuns in India have been using Aloe Vera to improve physical endurance. This probably works due to the high nutrient content of the herb’s gel. People in Rajasthan, India, use Aloe Vera as a vegetable when mixed with fenugreek seeds.
In another state of India, Tamil Nadu, a curry is made using Aloe Vera. It is usually eaten with Indian bread or a serving of rice.
The gel from Aloe Vera is an ingredient in some popular beverages. SoBe’s strawberry drink is one. Aloe Vera is common in Mexican smoothies and a popular soft drink in South Korea also contains Aloe Vera gel.
Disclaimer ” No information included here is meant to treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure any condition or disease. You must talk with your doctor before using. No government agency has approved this information. It is meant only for educational purposes.
About the Author:
Author, researcher and editor Conrad Blomberg has 3 decades experience in publishing, and a continuing interest in herbs and also supplements . His site:
medicinal-herb-secrets , has info on over 170 commonly used herbs and also supplements . Reliable suppliers are listed for safe and easy internet buying.