Aloe's medicinal use dates back thousands of years, and it continues to be used today for many of the same ailments, including skin abrasions and burns. Aloe is also being evaluated in scientific studies as a possible treatment for conditions such as psoriasis and herpes infections. As with any herb, consult with your doctor before using aloe for medicinal reasons.
About Herpes
The herpes viruses that cause human infections are called either herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2. While herpes simplex 1 is the common cause of cold sores on the lips, herpes simplex 2 usually causes genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes causes fluid blisters and red bumps in your genital area and has no cure. Self-care measures that may provide some relief include lowering stress and using supplements, such as aloe.
How It Works
Test tube studies have shown that aloe contains substances called polysaccharides, such as acemannan, which may help to heal skin because of their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties. Aloe also contains the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E and amino acids, which help in the growth and repair of body tissues and enhance its beneficial effects on the skin.
Preparations and Dosing
Aloe can be grown in your home as a houseplant. Aloe gel is available naturally by breaking off the leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe gel is also available commercially in gel, ointment, cream or lotion form for topical use. For minor burns, aloe gel is usually applied topically three to five times per day. Aloe 0.5 percent cream can be applied three times a day for genital herpes infections.
Effectiveness
Aloe may have benefits in managing genital herpes when applied topically to the affected area. A study published in the "Journal of Dermatological Treatment" in 1997, suggested that aloe 0.5 cream significantly improved the number of people healed and the healing time of genital herpes blisters, as compared to placebo, or inactive medicine. Also, most people who were healed did not have recurrences up to 15 months after stopping aloe treatment.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Aloe
- The Merck Manual of Medical Information Second Home Edition: Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Genital Herpes
- "Journal of Dermatological Treatment"; Management of genital herpes in men with 0.5% Aloe vera extract in a hydrophylic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study; TA Syed, et al.; Jan 1997
