Aloe Vera - A great healing herb
Aloe
vera is a low-growing succulent plant that is native to northern Africa. Aloe
plants prefer well drained soil and moderate amounts of light. They are unable
to tolerate extremely cold temperatures, but grow well in climates that are
frost free. Aloe vera plants can be found easily at nurseries and even hardware
stores. They require very little care and are very tolerant of the conditions in
a typical home. The most common problems with aloe vera in the home are
overwatering and overexposure to sunlight.
Aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory and has been traditionally used to treat cuts, burns, and other skin conditions. Studies have shown that aloe vera gel reduced the healing times of burns. It is frequently used to treat all kinds of skin conditions, including dried out skin and fungus problems. Aloe has been reported to be effective in treating athlete’s foot as well as acne. The gel contained in the leaves of aloe vera is typically applied straight to skin ailments. It forms a protective layer over wounds or damaged skin and soothes painful injuries.
Many products contain small amounts of aloe vera because of its beneficial effects on the skin. Aloe gel can be found in facial scrubs, cosmetics, and hair care products. The effectiveness of aloe in these products depends on the amount of aloe contained in them. It can be useful in treating many facial conditions, such as dry skin, inflammation, and sunburn.
In addition to the gel found throughout most of the aloe leaves, there is a yellow colored sap that can be found near the base of aloe leaves. This sap is called bitter aloes and can be used as a digestive aid and a laxative. Aloe vera has traditionally been known to help in treating certain kinds of cancer, and has recently been approved to treat some forms of cancer in animals, but not humans.
While aloe is most commonly applied to the skin, it may also be consumed. The leaves and seeds of the aloe vera plant are the only edible parts. The inside of the aloe leaves contains a thick gel-like substance that is typically applied directly onto the skin. Medicinally, aloe is consumed to help with ulcerative colitis.
There are various non-medical products that contain aloe. Outside of the United States, aloe vera can be found in many food products. In several Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea, aloe is present in yogurt and drinks. It has been traditionally used for centuries as a digestive aid in Pakistan. Aloe vera gel is nutritionally very rich which has led it to be used as a nutritional supplement in some areas of Pakistan.
Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aloe+vera
http://www.mauritasaloevera.com/What-Aloe-Vera-Good-For.htm
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