Liquid aloe vera--its gel or the juice obtained from the inner lining of its leaves--has a medicinal history going back thousands of years. In fact, aloe vera was used as far back as 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Aloe vera was one of the most prescribed medicines during the 1700s and 1800s, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, and it is still in wide use around the world today.
Treating Cuts and Burns
Aloe vera gel is commonly used topically to treat minor skin abrasions and burns, including sunburn. The application can soothe pain and decrease inflammation, as well as speed up the skin's healing process, states UMMC. Aloe vera should not, however, be used on open wounds. It may even slow the healing process on major wounds, including those from surgical procedures, explains NCCAM.
Remedying Constipation
Aloe vera juice is a potent laxative, long used as a natural remedy for constipation. This form of liquid aloe vera is taken orally. However, UMMC cautions that severe cramping is a common side effect. For this reason, other, milder plants from the aloe family, including cascara and senna, are often better options to try first.
Treating Genital Herpes
Liquid aloe vera is believed to help treat symptoms associated with genital herpes breakouts in men. However, its use is more effective when added to a hydrophilic cream than when the gel is applied directly, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treating Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Topical aloe vera can reduce inflammation, making it an effective herbal treatment for inflammatory skin conditions. For example, it can be used to combat symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. Aloe vera is sometimes even more effective than a 1 percent hydrocotisone cream, according to UMMC. Similarly, aloe vera can be used to treat symptoms of lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory disease manifesting on the lining of the mouth, notes MayoClinic.com.
Other Uses
Aloe vera juice may help lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, says UMMC. In addition, aloe vera is a moderately effective moisturizing agent, so it can be used to prevent and remedy dry skin. Applications may relieve pain associated with canker sores and limit their recurrence as well, according to MayoClinic.com. Oral consumption of aloe juice may also help treat ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Aloe vera is being studied to determine whether it may help prevent lung cancer, as well.
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