Medical Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera was one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and it remains popular today. Aloe is cultivated for its gel, the part of the plant valued for its healing properties, in many subtropical and tropical areas of the world. Many people in the United States also grow aloe as a houseplant for use in healing minor wounds and burns. Because of its skin-soothing properties, aloe is often found in over-the-counter lotions and creams, but the pure, fresh gel provides the greatest medicinal benefits.

Burns and Wounds

A common home remedy for burns and minor skin abrasions, aloe vera gel has a well-deserved reputation for healing. A systematic review published in the September, 2007 edition of "Burns" examined the effects of aloe on burn wound healing. The review concluded that wounds treated with aloe vera gel healed about nine days faster than untreated wounds. Researchers noted that aloe vera might be an effective treatment for first and second degree burn wounds, based on these findings. Aloe should never be applied to open or deep wounds, however, as it may promote infection.

Inflammation

In addition to treating minor wounds and burns, aloe vera is useful for treating inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Traditionally, the plant has also been used to treat UV-induced erythema, or sunburn, a condition in which excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays causes reddening and inflammation of the skin. A study published in the February, 2008 edition of "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology" explored the anti-inflammatory potential of aloe vera gel for treating erythema. In the study, aloe vera gel reduced skin inflammation more effectively than 1 percent hydrocortisone cream after 48 hours. Based on these results, researchers concluded that aloe vera gel may be useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions.

Other Benefits

Healers have used aloe vera for treating a variety of other ailments, including frostbite, hemorrhoids and herpes, although scientific evidence does not exist to prove or disprove the herb's effectiveness for these purposes. Aloe latex, the yellow liquid obtained from the skin of the aloe leaf, is employed internally for the treatment of constipation, kidney stones, stomach ulcers, bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract and diabetes. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns against consuming aloe juice or aloe latex as it may cause side effects, including painful cramping.