The Benefits of Aloe Vera:
The benefits of Aloe Vera have been known throughout centuries from Cleopatra using it for cosmetic reasons to Alexander the Great using it for the amazing healing properties. Research now supports the benefits of Aloe Vera use that many people throughout the world have claimed. These benefits include but are not limited to digestive support, wound healing, anti-inflammation, a natural antibiotic/fungal/viral, cosmetic for skin, etc. As a result, Aloe Vera may be used for many different conditions and symptoms.
Forms of Aloe Vera Use:
Aloe Vera is used most commonly in two methods: internally (orally) or externally (topically). Traditionally, topical Aloe Vera has been widely used for various skin conditions. These skin conditions range from sunburns to psoriasis. Internally, the Aloe Vera plant has had a reputation, throughout the world, of helping many different health conditions. Most commonly, the aloin portion of the leaf is used as a powerful laxative. Most digestive issues are said to be easily managed naturally with internal use of Aloe Vera. Other internal use claims include asthma suffers, patients with kidney dysfunction, and high blood sugar. Many Aloe Vera advocates will also state alleviation of many more medical conditions although more research must be done to validate its positive effects. Due to the fact that Aloe Vera is a natural remedy with less side effects compared to some conventional treatments, it would be a great natural first attempt for alleviation of symptoms or conditions. However, Aloe Vera is not recommended for pregnant women due to its significant laxative effects and possible fetal complications.
What is Aloe Vera used for?
Externally:
- Skin conditions
- burns
- wounds
- oral conditions
- hemorrhoids
- cold sores
- arthritis
- frostbite
- sunburn
- psoriasis
- eczema
- inflammation
- antiseptic
- moisturizer
Internally:
- arthritis
- IBS
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Ulcerative Colitis)
- Inflammation
- Ulcers
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- constipation
- epilepsy
- colds
- glaucoma
- Multiple Sclerosis
- depression
- hemorrhoids
- bursitis
- visual troubles
- and more!
Some Interesting Scientific Articles on the Uses of Aloe Vera:
Anti-inflammation:
- Aloe vera improves wound healing in diabetic animals. The study also suggests the anti-inflammatory effects of gibberlin found in Aloe vera. Davis RH; Maro NP Aloe Vera & Gibberellin. “Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Diabetes” J Am Podiatr Med Assoc (1989) 79(1):24-6.
- Aloe vera components demonstrated anti-inflammatory affects by inhibiting the arachidonic pathway through cyclo-oxygenase. Vázquez B; Avila G; Segura D; (E.N.E.P-I) “Anti-Inflammatory Activity Of Extracts From Aloe Vera Gel” J Ethnopharmacol (1996) 55(1): 69-75.
- Aloe vera illustrated almost complete blockage of the production of thromboxane, an inflammation mediator, in rabbits’ ears post-surgery. Zachary LS; Smith DJ Jr; Heggers JP; Robson MC; Boertman JA; Niu XT; Schileru RE; Sacks RJ “Role Of Thromboxane In Experimental Inadvertent Intra-Arterial Drug Injections” J Hand Surg [Am] (1987), 12(2): 240-5.
- Orally administered Aloe vera significantly affected a variety of inflammatory agents. The study concluded that the anthraquinones in Aloe vera played the biggest part in this activity. Davis RH; Leitner MG; Russo JM; Byrne ME “Anti-Inflammatory Activity Of Aloe Vera Against A Spectrum Of Irritants” J Am Podiatr Med Assoc (1989) 79(6): 263-76.
Arthritis:
- Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis had success with Aloe vera treatment. The authors attribute the positive effects of Aloe vera to anthraquinone and anthranilic acid found in the leaf. These two constituents decrease the activity of bradykinin, an important inflammatory mediator and pain contributor in the arthritic process. Davis RH; Agnew PS; Shapiro “Anti-Arthritic Activity Of Anthraquinones Found In Aloe For Podiatric Medicine” E J Am Podiatr Med Assoc (1986) 76(2): p61-66
Anti-tumor/Gastric lesions:
- Aloctin A, a substance found in Aloe vera, has numerous positive healing effects on the body. Saito, Hiroko “Purification Of Active Substances Of Aloe Arborescens & Their Biological & Pharmacological Activity” Dep. Pharm., Aichi Cancer Center Phytother Res. (1993) 7 (Spec. Issue, Proceedings of the International Congress of Phytotherapy, 1991): 14-S19