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Aloe Vera Benefits
Aloe is a genus of plants belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, and is
related to onions and asparagus. The Aloe genus appears naturally in
Africa, although many members of the genus are popular houseplants and
can be found around the world. The most famous member of the genus is
Aloe Vera, known for its medicinal uses and applications. Though there
are several common medical uses for Aloe Vera, the most frequent use of
the plant is in the form of a topical gel. Gels made from Aloe Vera are
used to treat burns and minor scrapes. Aloe Vera benefits range from
soothing inflammation, pain relief, and a reduction in the likelihood
of infection. Studies have also shown that regular use of an Aloe Vera
based gel will actually speed the healing process in minor wounds, and
even severe burns. It has been used in this capacity for hundreds of
years. The thick leaves can be snapped open, and the moist open ends of
the leave can be rubbed onto a burn or scrape directly.
Aloe plants,
including Aloe Vera, have also found medicinal uses internally. Used in
this way primarily as a laxative, the juice from aloe can be dried into
a dark powder composed of yellowish granules that are quite bitter to
taste. Internal use of Aloe is marketed as a treatment for coughs,
ulcers, muscle pain, headaches, and even cancer and HIV. The only
proven Aloe Vera benefit in internal use is the relief of constipation.
Additionally, even in this use, internal use of the plant has a number
of side effects, can cause nausea, and should not be taken by women who
may be pregnant. There is a lot of hype and mystery surrounding the
Aloe genus, especially its most popular member Aloe Vera. Clearly, many
Aloe Vera benefits are proven, especially the ones involved in external
use and in skin care. Its benefits for internal use are somewhat
dubious, however.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
