Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has quite a number of uses and has been widely used for a variety of modern medicinal purposes since the 1930’s. The plant is native to Africa and is actually part of the Lily family, comprised mainly of essential oils, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and glycoproteins. With more than 240 different varieties of this plant, the health benefits have been utilized since ancient times. For thousands of years, this plant has been used for treating infections as well as burns.

It is actually the clear gel of the plant’s interior that makes an excellent treatment for healing exterior wounds such as burns. At the same time it provides a protective layer over the skin and wound, speeding healing time. Since Aloe Vera plants can be easily kept as houseplants, they make a popular and easily accessible first aid treatment for minor injuries and burns, especially sunburns.

As a beauty aid, this plant is useful in promoting smooth and supple skin. It has also been promoted as a treatment for healing acne and eczema Other uses of Aloe Vera also include soothing the irritating itch often associated with insect bites and stings as well as allergies.

In recent years drinks made from the gel of the Aloe Vera plant have been promoted as a way to ease digestive problems including colitis, ulcers and indigestion. It may also be beneficial in helping the body to strengthen its resistance; according to recent studies.

While it is a completely natural plant, the potential is present for possible side effects. Over long term use, the plan has been known to possibly decrease the body’s supply of potassium. In addition, individuals who use any form of diuretics or oral corticosteroids along with this plant could develop a serious potassium deficiency. Reports of any type of skin inflammation or itching related to the plant as a tropic treatment have been quite rare.

Other than its naturally occurring plant form, which can be easily kept as a houseplant, it is also available in a number of over the counter varieties such as creams, sprays, lotions, gels, ointments, liquids and capsules. The maximum benefits of this plant are available in products that contain no less than 20% natural Aloe Vera gel.
In drink form, consumers should be aware that the health benefits are present in the gel of the plant, not the exterior portions. Therefore, consumers should look for drinks that contain the gel not latex.

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