What Are The Benefits Of Forever Living Aloe Vera Gel?

Forever Living Aloe Vera Gel is made from 100 percent stabilized aloe vera cultivated from the company's own aloe plantations, states the company's website. It adds that the International Aloe Science Council has awarded all of its aloe products with an official seal of approval. The following benefits can be obtained by using any brand of high-quality aloe vera gel.

Wounds

Aloe vera gel is commonly used to treat wounds, burns, cuts and scrapes. The presence of bradykinase, salicylic acid and magnesium lactate in aloe vera is responsible for the alleviation of redness and swelling when applied to a wound, according to Michael Castleman, author of The New Healing Herbs. An Asian study revealed aloe vera gel's ability to heal a superficial wound up to eight days faster than when using standard treatment methods, as noted by Castleman. He adds that deep wounds requiring stitches, however, will heal slower with the application of aloe vera gel and therefore recommends using it only on superficial wounds. Modern research attests to the success of aloe vera gel benefiting first- and second-degree burns.

Infections

Aloe vera gel contains antimicrobial compounds that can prevent wounds from getting infected with bacteria. Castleman refers to several modern studies that demonstrate aloe vera gel's effectiveness in preventing the bacterial strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Candida from infecting an injury. In addition, a report cited in the African Journal of Biotechnology demonstrates aloe vera gel's ability to hinder the growth of bacteria and fungi because research results showed a swift reduction of such organisms after an infected area was treated with the product. The report added that the presence of a compound called lectin found within aloe pith may be responsible for the antimicrobial property of aloe vera gel.

Skin Conditions

General skin conditions can also be alleviated from the application of aloe vera gel. Skin that becomes irritated by coming into contact with poison ivy, sumac or oak may experience relief and healing when treating it with aloe vera gel, says Castleman. A study conducted at the Malmo University Hospital in Sweden tested the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in the healing of psoriasis, a common condition that causes bumpy, red patches on the skin. The study relied upon 60 participants with psoriasis. Half were given a placebo cream and the other half an aloe vera cream. Eighty-three percent of the participants who used aloe vera cream experienced a significant improvement in their condition, but only 7 percent of the placebo participants experienced improvement, cites Castleman.