Aloe vera has been used as a part of traditional medicine for years, and particularly for skin ailments. Many people believe that the extract of the aloe plant can treat wounds and infections. However, a number of other conditions may experience an improvement through the use of aloe. Some of these benefits are quite surprising.
Check with your physician before attempting to treat any condition with aloe vera.
Psoriasis
According to a study conducted by the Department of Clinical Physiology at Malmo University Hospital in Sweden, aloe vera extract administered through a hydrophilic cream helped improve psoriasis in approximately 83 percent of participants. The extract was used three times a day for five consecutive days a week over the course of four weeks. Lesions, redness and flaking all subsided within this time frame for the majority of patients, which indicates that aloe vera may be used as an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis.
Constipation
When taken by mouth, aloin, a bitter compound found in the leaf of aloe vera, has shown signs of treating constipation, advises the Mayo Clinic. Aloin affects the digestive tract in two ways; by stimulating contractions within the colon, helping to increase the movement of waste, and by limiting the amount of fluids absorbed by the intestinal walls, which softens the stool making it easier to pass.
Genital Herpes
Both the Mayo Clinic and the University of Maryland Medical Center agree that aloe vera could help reduce symptoms associated with genital herpes. Topical application of aloe vera has a similar anti-inflammatory effect on the skin to hydrocortisone. This may lessen the swelling associated with herpes lesions and subsequently reduce discomfort.
Burns
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera may help to relieve pain associated with minor burns as well, asserts the University of Maryland Medical Center. As inflammation subsides, the discomfort usually lessens. Aloe is also thought to stimulate the production of new skin cells, helping to speed recovery by an average of nine days sooner than when left to heal on its own.
Dandruff
Like the flaking associated with psoriasis, aloe vera can reduce dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis when applied directly to the scalp, notes the Mayo Clinic. Scientific evidence is still limited, but the anti-inflammatory nature of this extract could reduce the scaling and itching of the scalp as a result of this condition.
Diabetes
The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that aloe vera has shown promise in the treatment of type II diabetes. Drinking juice made from fresh aloe vera can sometimes lower blood glucose levels. This could complement other treatment methods used for this disease. The amount varies from person to person, so talk to your doctor or dietitian before using aloe to manage diabetes.
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