Aloe Vera Gel Uses

Aloe vera gel is the term for the clear pulp of the aloe vera plant. This gel forms inside the plant's hollow leaves. Aloe vera is a succulent that grows endemically in the dry climates of parts of Africa and Asia. Aloe has many uses. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries both topically and internally. You can use aloe vera gel to soothe burnt skin, relieve dandruff or stop constipation.

Treat Burnt Skin

Gel from the aloe vera plant is used to help soothe and heal burnt skin. You can relieve the pain from burns by applying a layer of this gel to the affected area. Mayo Clinic states that both children and adults can safely apply aloe vera gel liberally to affected skin three to four times daily. A comprehensive review of the efficacy of aloe to heal burn wounds was published in the medical journal "Burns" in 2007. This review of studies found that aloe could be effective for helping heal first- and second-degree burns, such as sunburns, red or blistered skin.

Prevent Dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy scalp and dry flakes of skin known as dandruff. According to the Mayo Clinic, aloe vera has moisturizing, nourishing and immune-system-regulating properties, which help to treat dandruff problems. Steady Health recommends you rub the gel into your scalp daily and leave it in for about 10 minutes before washing it out.

Relieve Constipation

Aloe vera gel can not only be used topically---it can also be ingested. Aloe vera acts as a laxative when consumed, and is therefore useful as a treatment for constipation. According to Mayo Clinic, the anthroquinone glycosides found in aloe vera are responsible for its laxative properties. The recommended dose of anthroquinone glycosides for constipation is approximately 10 to 30mg, which can be consumed by taking about 0.04 to 0.17g of dried juice made from the gel.