The Benefits Of Aloe Vera Varieties

Aloe vera, one of the most widely used plants for healing purposes, can help fight inflammation, promote wound healing and ease your digestive problems, according to “New Perspectives on Aloe.” A number of botanicals contain a single ingredient thought to provide healing properties; however, Aloe vera contains over 100 different potentially beneficial constituents. As when beginning any herbal product, consult your doctor before taking Aloe vera.

Aloe vera

More that 360 species of Aloe exist all over the world. Aloe vera, a member of the lily family of plants, is one of only a few Aloe species used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The use of this African tropical plant in folk medicine and cosmetics dates back 4,000 years. Aloe species include Curacao Aloe, known as Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vera, Cape Aloe and Socotra Aloe. However, the Aloe vera variety is most often used for its healing benefits, according to Deanne Tenney, author of the book “Aloe vera.” This medicinal plant contains compounds, including prostaglandins, which act like hormones to regulate body processes, along with a class of complex carbohydrates, called polysaccharides, which might help fight viruses and boost your immune system. Aloe vera also consists of natural steroids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals as well as powerful laxative components and substances that might help treat and prevent cancer. Although believed beneficial, insufficient scientific evidence exists to conclusively prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera components to treat any ailment.

Uses

Aloe vera is used to help treat a number of conditions, including digestive disorders, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, psoriasis and osteoarthritis. Moreover, according to Medline Plus, this natural remedy has FDA approval for use as a natural food flavoring. Topically applying Aloe vera gel three to four times daily may help soothe sunburns, heal wounds, reduce swelling and inflammation as well as relieve your dry skin. You can also drink Aloe vera juice and take a dried form of this herb, known as latex, to relieve symptoms of constipation. According to MayoClinic.com, scientific observations indicate that a combination of herbs, including 300 mg of celandine, 50 mg of psyllium and 150 mg of dried Aloe vera juice per day can help soften your stools. In addition, you can use lotions and creams to moisturize your skin that contain extracts of this succulent plant.

Dry Skin

Research reported in the June 2011 edition of the journal “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology" evaluated investigations of the effects of Aloe vera gel on dry skin. Researchers determined that the topical application of several botanical extracts, including Aloe vera, improved skin hydration, reduced water loss from the outer layer of the skin or increased skin cells responsible for producing keratin, a protein that makes the skin stronger. Researchers concluded that Aloe vera, along with other botanicals, has skin barrier-supporting properties that might be useful in skin products. Although research appears positive, additional scientific evaluations are needed to conclusively prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera gel for the treatment of dry skin.

Wound Healing

A study reported in the June 2011 edition of the “American Journal of Surgery” determined the effects of Aloe vera on radiation-delayed wound healing in rats. Researchers placed rats into a group exposed to radiation and treated with Aloe vera, a group only exposed to radiation or into a control group. Three days after radiation exposure, skin wounds were excised on the backs of the rats and were measured over a period of 12 days. Rats treated with Aloe vera had significantly accelerated wound reduction when evaluated on days six and 12. Compared with the other groups, the group treated with Aloe vera also had greater blood vessel formation and a boost in cells that produce connective tissue. Findings indicate that Aloe vera may potentially improve radiation-delayed wound healing. However, insufficient evidence exists to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera to improve delayed wound healing in human patients exposed to high doses of radiation over a short period of time.

Precautions

Applied topically, Aloe vera produces no side effects; however, the oral intake of Aloe vera products may adversely affect the health of some people. Aloe vera products taken orally might result in abdominal cramps, diarrhea, decreased blood glucose concentration and poor absorption of medications, according to Medline Plus. Moreover, over-the-counter laxatives containing Aloe vera constituents, including extracts, were banned by the FDA in 2002 based on insufficient information regarding their effectiveness and safety. However, you can obtain herbal supplements at your health food store that contain a combination of Aloe vera latex and other substances, such as fennel seed, to promote proper bowel function. Take Aloe vera supplements only under the supervision of your doctor.