Aloe vera gel is taken from the pulp of the leaves of aloe vera plant. It is rich in nutrients, and therefore has been used topically for thousands of years to treat numerous conditions including wounds, skin infections, sun and other types of burns, and other dermatologic problems. There is also some evidence that aloe vera gel can treat more serious conditions including cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), ulcers and other digestive disorders.
History
The tales of the healing properties of the aloe vera plant have been handed down through centuries by word of mouth. Aloe vera is mentioned in the Bible (John 19:39), and its earliest documented use comes from the ancient Egyptians. It was thought, however, to also be grown and used by King Solomon. Alexander the Great conquered Socotra in order to use the aloe vera grown on the island for his army. Marco Polo recorded his descriptions of the many applications of the plant. Then, the Spanish conquistadors found aloe vera in use in Tenochtitlán and throughout the Aztec empire. Explorers brought the Aztec's herbal remedies for aloe vera back to Europe during the 16th century, wherein they became the foundation for the use of aloe vera in modern Western medicine.
Vitamins
Aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, C and E, which have antioxidant properties and thus neutralize destructive free radicals in the body. It also contains vitamin B vitamins and choline, which support amino acid metabolism, and folic acid, which supports the growth of all blood cells. Vitamin B 12 specifically helps produce red blood cells, as well.
The Minerals in Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel contains 10 different minerals including calcium which supports bone growth and potassium, and is used for the proper function of all cells, tissues and organs. Zinc is also found in aloe vera gel and is involved in cellular metabolism.
Polysaccharides in Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel contains polysaccharides, compounds that store and process natural forms of sugar in the body. Found in all cells of the body, polysaccharides are no produced until around the age of 10, after which time the body relies completely on outside sources for them.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is used topically to treat skin conditions including wounds, skin infections, blisters, sun and other types of burns, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, fungus, acne, eczema, allergic and reactions, psoriasis, warts and frostbite. A 2010 study published in Archives of Pharmacal Research shows that aloe vera gel taken orally supports the immune system. This premise has led the scientific community to explore the possibility of using aloe vera gel to treat cancer, AIDS and diseases affecting the body's immune system.
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