Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera

Nicknamed the miracle plant or the natural healer, humankind has known of the medicinal uses of aloe vera for more then 4,000 years.

The gel inside an aloe leaf

Native to North Africa and the Mediterranean area, the aloe vera plant resembles a cactus with its thick succulent leaves and pointed thorny edges. People are often surprised to discover it is a member of the lily family. A thick viscous gel fills the center of each leaf of an aloe plant. The gel is harvested and used for its medicinal qualities.

Many people keep an aloe plant in their home for emergency use. If someone in the household gets a minor burn, cut, or insect bite, a piece of the aloe leaf is cut off the plant. It is then cut open and the gel is applied to the injury. You can also make your own aloe vera gel.

Used by early civilizations, the aloe vera plant is still a popular choice for medicinal use due to its many healing properties and therapeutic uses. The first reference of the medicinal use of aloe vera was found on Sumarian clay tablets dating from between 2200-1700 BC. This early reference tells of using aloe as a laxative.

Another early reference to aloe and its healing properties is found in the Egyptian Papyrus Ebers, the oldest preserved Egyptian medical texts dating from approximately 1500 BC. The papyri include mention of aloe leaves ground up and used for both external and internal healing.

There are, however, some scientists who believe the use of aloe vera for medicinal or therapeutic purposes may actually date back as far as 6,000 years to the early Egyptians. These scientists believe there is evidence on artifacts from that time indicating the use of aloe used for healing.

One of the most popular houseplants grown for medicinal purposes, the gel of the aloe vera plant contains approximately 75 nutrients including:

• Amino acids
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Nitrogen
• Vitamins
• Enzymes
• Polysaccharides

Considered a miracle substance by many people, aloe vera gel provides many health benefits and contains numerous healing properties.

For mild to moderate burns aloe vera gel applied directly from a healthy plant leaf or a supply of harvested aloe gel will ease the pain. The aloe vera gel has antibacterial and healing properties. A mild burn is a first degree burn and is red in color without blistering or broken skin. Moderate burns are second degree burns. The area is red and a small amount of blistering occurs.

Aloe gel is also effective for use on sunburn. Applying the gel to the affected area several times throughout the day will soothe and cool the painful burning feeling.

Cuts and scrapes heal faster with the application of aloe vera gel either directly from the leaf of a plant or a reputable natural commercial product. Apply it directly to the wound several times each day and cover the area loosely with a bandage. Aloe gel has a soothing and calming effect on the skin. Its antibacterial qualities stop infection and promote fast healing.

Aloe gel stops the itch from insect bites, rashes or psoriasis. It is also effective in stopping the itch associated with allergies and sunburn.

Aloe juice is effective in the treatment of ulcers, heartburn and digestive disorders including:

• Irritable bowel
• Colitis
• Chrohn’s disease
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal dysfunctions
• Stomach upset and stomach ache
• Acid reflux

• Soothes the skin after cosmetic removal of body or facial hair
• Prevents babies from getting diaper rash
• Provides a laxative effect
• Steadies blood surgar
• Reduces the pain and itch of shingles
• Reduces muscle and joint pain from arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis
• Reduces the appearances of wrinkles

Although there are numerous medicinal uses of aloe vera, anyone suffering from the following conditions should not ingest aloe.

• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Heart disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Kidney disease
• Electrolyte abnormalities

Topical use of aloe vera gel is considered safe.

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