Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis is a well-known perennial plant often referred to as "lily of the desert." Aloe vera is a member of the lily family and native to North Africa. It has long spiky leaves that are thick and fleshy and exude a sticky gel when cut open. The therapeutic healing and medicinal properties of this plant have been known for more than 6,000 years, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Aloe vera has both internal and external healing properties. Always check with your health practitioner before taking this herb; there may be some risks associated with its use, according to MedlinePlus.
History
Aloe vera was first discovered and used in Egypt for embalming procedures. Throughout history, it has been used both topically and orally to treat conditions such as dermatitis, burns, psoriasis, skin infections and constipation, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says. It continues to be recognized for its various therapeutic healing properties. It has also been tested in humans and animals for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, HIV and diabetes. MedlinePlus says more evidence is required with regard to its safety and effectiveness in the majority of these conditions.
Function
When applied topically, aloe gel can help to promote wound healing, although it's unclear which ingredients are responsible. According to the University of Michigan Health System, researchers believe it may be the polysaccharides such as acemannan, which have an immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effect. Compounds in the juice, called anthraquinone glycosides, also have a laxative effect, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Other Conditions
Although not always conclusive, studies have been carried out that suggest aloe vera may have some benefit in treating certain conditions. In a double-blind study involving ulcerative colitis at the University of Pittsburgh in 2004, 44 participants drank 100ml of aloe juice twice a day, and after a month, almost a third of them had gone into full remission. In 1996, participants with newly diagnosed diabetes took aloe vera juice for two weeks and showed a significant improvement in blood sugar levels, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for different aloe preparations will vary according to the product form, product strength and the condition being treated. Follow the manufacturer's dosage and instructions closely. According to the University of Michigan Health System, 30ml of the gel can be taken internally three times a day to treat conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. For external conditions such as minor burns, the gel can be applied to the affected area three to five times a day. Aloe juice in the form of dried granules inside capsules, known as aloe latex, can be given to treat constipation. The dosage is 50 mg to 200 mg once a day for a maximum of 10 days.
Precautions
The latex form of aloe is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast feeding, for use in children or by anyone with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or appendicitis. Caution is also required when taking it for constipation; dependency and dehydration may result if taken for longer than 10 days. The oral form of aloe should also be taken with caution if you're taking any form of medication to lower blood sugar, because it may result in a further drop in blood sugar levels, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
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