By Conrad Blomberg
The Aloe Vera plant does not like cold weather so it grows where it warm year around. However, it will thrive if you grow it at home. Some folks like it as a house plant but that is the least of ifs use.
Many peoples around the world know this green, thick-leaved plant because it has a gel which has been used by many to help with various physical conditions to which humans suffer, for thousands of years.
One such condition is helping wounds heal better. However, the effect of Aloe Vera sap on wound healing is contradictory. It is alleged by reputation that sap from Aloe Vera eases pain and reduces inflammation. So, let us see what has been discovered by scientific study.
A 1990's study compared the healing time of Aloe Vera with another modality. A moderate to severe burn had a shorter healing time when treated with Aloe Vera gel. It was compared to a similar burn which was only treated with a gauze bandage.
But, a different study indicated that Aloe Vera gel treated wounds were slower to heal. Whether or not this gel promotes faster wound healing remains an unknown. Although, there are said to be some promising results coming. Thus, you will have to make your own study of this gel if you get a burn or a wound and wish to use it.
Does the Aloe Vera plant have any more uses?
A substance which is not approved for human use has been extracted from Aloe Vera gel by a commercial laboratory. It is an immunostimulant which is approved for treating a cancer (fibrosacoma) in cats and dogs. Only a veterinarian can use it.
The enhancement of product is always the goal of cosmetic manufacturers. Is it any wonder they have seized on Aloe Vera gel as a neat addition to moisturizers, soap, sun screen, lotions, shampoos, makeup and tissues. Is the gel an effective additive? Well, cosmetic firms are strong on hype but not much else. Thus, effectiveness is a commercial secret or perhaps an unknown.
Treating dry skin conditions is one of the common uses of Aloe Vera gel. Eyes which have eczema around them often get a gel treatment. In fact, sensitive facial skin is sometimes treated with gel.
An article suggesting that athletes foot may be treated with Aloe Vera has been published in the British Journal of General Practice.
But, using the gel applied externally in a cream or lotion, is not the only use for Aloe Vera. People have for a long time used the sap as a juice to consume internally.
It is said that Aloe Vera juice may help some people with ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease. However, side effects can occur and consulting a doctor before ingesting any form of Aloe Vera, including Aloe Vera juice, is highly recommended.
But, now that we know a little about Aloe Vera, how is the gel extracted from this plant? The gel is not from a fruit or the root. So, where does it come from?
The lower leaves of the plant yield the gel. The leaves are typically bulky, thick and green. When the Aloe Vera leaf is sliced open, there is a gel inside.
But, take care. If you want to extract the gel yourself, there is something you need to know.
There is a yellow substance called Aloe Vera latex, which comes from the inner side of the plant's skin. It can be highly irritating. Some who have reported negative effects from Aloe Vera may be applying or eating this yellow substance. You must carefully remove all skin and anything yellow before using the gel. The gel must be totally clear, odorless and tasteless.
This gel is also said to be good for clearing up eczema, according to some reports. It has also been applied on herpes infections for possible instant symptomatic relief.
But, in addition to the medical uses, Aloe Vera gel is consumed as a food in many parts of the world.
In Japan, Aloe Vera is often used as an ingredient in commercial yogurt. There are also many Japanese companies which use Aloe Vera in beverages.
In some of the parts of early British India, which is now Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. Consumed after a meal, the dried gel is mixed with seeds of various herbs to make the potion. Sort of an early days Tums, huh?
For centuries the Pashtuns in India have been using Aloe Vera to improve physical endurance. This probably works due to the high nutrient content of the herb's gel. People in Rajasthan, India, use Aloe Vera as a vegetable when mixed with fenugreek seeds.
People in Tamil Nadu, another state of India, prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is eaten along with Indian bread or rice.
Aloe Vera gel is contained in some popular beverages. SoBe's Strawberry Drink is one. Smoothies served in Mexico commonly contain Aloe Vera. This gel is an ingredient in a South Korea popular soft drink.
Disclaimer - This information is not meant to diagnose, cure, treat or mitigate any disease or condition. Before using consult your doctor or medical advisor. This information is not approved by any government agency - it is for educational purposes only
About the Author:
Want to know more about this miracle gel? You can easily by going to this site
HealthyGel where additional information is given. The author of this explanatory article, Conrad Blomberg, has spent a decade researching Alternate Lifestyles. Click to see his
Health and Fitness website. This site lists over 50 topics along with suppliers of these products or ebooks.