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.
Many peoples around the world know this green, thick-leaved plant because it has a gel which has been used by many to help with various physical conditions to which humans suffer, 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 study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to severe burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a regular basis with Aloe Vera gel. Aloe Vera healing time was compared to the healing of a similar wound covered in a gauze bandage.
However, a different study reported that wounds treated with Aloe Vera gel were much slower to heal. So, whether or not this gel promotes faster healing is sitll unknown. But, it is said that there may be some promising results on the way. Thus you will, if you want to use this gel, have to make your own results study.
But, what about other uses for this plant? Are there any?
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 gel 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.
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 Aloe 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 which is used for medicinal and other purposes.
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 often used as an ingredient in commercial yogurt. There are also many Japanese companies which use Aloe Vera in beverages.
In some of the parts of early India (British India), now Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. The dried gel is mixed with seeds of various herbs and consumed after a meal. Sort of an early 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 as a vegetable when mixed with fenugreek seeds.
The people of Tamil Nadu (another state in India) often cook a curry which uses Aloe Vera gel. It is eaten with rice or Indian bread.
Aloe Vera gel is contained in some popular beverages. SoBe's Strawberry Drink is one. Smoothies served in Mexico commonly contain Aloe Vera. This gel is an ingredient in a South Korea popular soft drink.
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 this information. No government agency has approved this information. It is meant only for educational purposes. - 14130
Many peoples around the world know this green, thick-leaved plant because it has a gel which has been used by many to help with various physical conditions to which humans suffer, 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 study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to severe burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a regular basis with Aloe Vera gel. Aloe Vera healing time was compared to the healing of a similar wound covered in a gauze bandage.
However, a different study reported that wounds treated with Aloe Vera gel were much slower to heal. So, whether or not this gel promotes faster healing is sitll unknown. But, it is said that there may be some promising results on the way. Thus you will, if you want to use this gel, have to make your own results study.
But, what about other uses for this plant? Are there any?
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 gel 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.
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 Aloe 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 which is used for medicinal and other purposes.
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 often used as an ingredient in commercial yogurt. There are also many Japanese companies which use Aloe Vera in beverages.
In some of the parts of early India (British India), now Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. The dried gel is mixed with seeds of various herbs and consumed after a meal. Sort of an early 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 as a vegetable when mixed with fenugreek seeds.
The people of Tamil Nadu (another state in India) often cook a curry which uses Aloe Vera gel. It is eaten with rice or Indian bread.
Aloe Vera gel is contained in some popular beverages. SoBe's Strawberry Drink is one. Smoothies served in Mexico commonly contain Aloe Vera. This gel is an ingredient in a South Korea popular soft drink.
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 this information. No government agency has approved this information. It is meant only for educational purposes. - 14130
About the Author:
Want to know much more about this miracle gel? You can by going to this site HealthyGel where additional information is given. The writer of this introductory article, Conrad Blomberg, has spent many years researching Alternate lifestyles. Click to see his Health and Fitness website which lists over 50 topics along with suppliers of these products or ebooks.
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