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The gel of this plant has many uses including creams and lotions ...
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Many grow the Aloe Vera plant as a house plant. It does not thrive in cold weather, but it will inside your home. Although, some enjoy the Aloe Vera plant as a decorative that is the very least of its usage.
For thousands of years, people around the globe have used the Aloe Vera plant as a supplier of a useful gel. This gel has been used to treat various conditions found in humans. This green, thick-leaved plant is a known medicinal.
Helping to heal wounds better is one condition for which the Aloe Vera plant is known. Although its effect on wound healing is not clear. Reputation says that the Aloe Vera gel eases pain and cuts down on inflammation. Thus let us look at what the science says.
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.
A commercial Laboratory has extracted an immuostimulant from Aloe Vera sap which has not been approved for human use. However, it has been approved for use in treating a type of cancer (fibrosarcoma) in dogs and cats. Although it is not a drug, this product is controlled and can only be obtained from a veterinary doctor.
The enhancement of product is always the goal of cosmetic manufacturers. Is it any wonder they have seized on Aloe Vera gel as a neat addition to moisturizers, soap, sun screen, lotions, shampoos, makeup and tissues. Is the gel an effective additive? Well, cosmetic firms are strong on hype but not much else. Thus, effectiveness is a commercial secret or perhaps an unknown.
One of the common uses for Aloe Vera gel is to ease dry skin conditions. Additionally, eczema around the eyes and other sensitive facial skin is often treated with this gel.
An article suggesting that athletes foot may be treated with Aloe Vera has been published in the British Journal of General Practice.
But, using the gel applied externally in a cream or lotion, is not the only use for Aloe Vera. People have for a long time used the sap as a juice to consume internally.
Ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease) is said to be eased by Aloe Vera juice. However, there can be side effects, so consulting with a doctor before consuming any form of Aloe Vera is highly recommended.
But, now that we know a little about Aloe Vera, how is the gel extracted from this plant? The gel is not from a fruit or the root. So, where does it come from?
The lower leaf of the plant is used for medicinal and other purposes. These leaves are typically green, thick and bulky, If the Aloe Vera leaf is sliced open, a gel can be obtained.
But, take care. If you want to extract the gel yourself, there is something you need to know.
There is a yellow substance called Aloe Vera latex, which comes from the inner side of the plant's skin. It can be highly irritating. Some who have reported negative effects from Aloe Vera may be applying or eating this yellow substance. You must carefully remove all skin and anything yellow before using the gel. The gel must be totally clear, odorless and tasteless.
This gel is also said to be good for clearing up eczema, according to some reports. It has also been applied 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 commercially available yogurt. There are also many Japanese companies which produce Aloe Vera beverages.
In some of the parts of early British India, which is now Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. Consumed after a meal, the dried gel is mixed with seeds of various herbs to make the potion. Sort of an early days Tums, huh?
Pashtuns in India have been using Aloe Vera for centuries to improve physical performance. This effect is due. probably, to the great nutrient content of the gel. People in Rajasthan, India, prepare Aloe Vera as a vegetable combined 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. Conrad Blomberg is an editor, researcher and writer with 3 decades of experience, and a continuing interest in herbs and supplements. His site, medicinal-herb-secrets, has info on over 170 most used herbs including what they are and what they do. Reputable suppliers are listed to make internet buying easy.
Additional information:
Aloe Vera Herb - Health Benefits & Uses of Aloe Vera Plants
MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements: Aloe ( Aloe vera )
Aloe Vera For Mouth Ulcer
One Tiny Glass of Aloe Vera a Day Could Banish Colitis Symptoms
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Plants
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe
The Analyst - Internet Health Report: Treatment: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera : Information on Uses, Dosage & Side Effects on
Aloe vera gel may be useful in the management of ulcerative
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