Aloe vera is cultivated mostly in subtropical and tropical regions of the Caribbean, South Africa and Latin American countries. It is grown throughout the year and has yellow flowers and grows to a height of four feet.
Aloe vera is a tough plant with fleshy and pointed leaves which can grow up to 20 inches long. Different parts of the leaves are used for medicinal purposes like the thick clear gel of the inner part of the leaf is used primarily for minor cuts and burns while the bitter yellow juice present between the gel and the outer skin of the leaf is used for laxative purposes.
For hundreds of years,
aloe vera has been used in healing a different conditions including skin damages and constipation. In the 18th and 19th centuries it has been the most frequently used medicine in the US and till remains one of the most commonly used
herbs in the United States.
Aloe gel extracted from the plant contains active substances called glycoproteins and polysaccharides. While glycoproteins are
protein-carbohydrate compounds that quicken the healing procedure by preventing inflammation, polysaccharides are a kind of carbohydrate that promotes growth and helps in repair of skin.
The latex of
aloe vera contains compounds called “anthraquinones” that excite the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe gel is available fresh from an aloe plant and also commercially in a gel form injected into ointments, lotions and creams. You can even find aloe gel in cosmetic and over the counter skin care products.
Aloe gel has a lot of healing properties. Produced from the central part of the aloe leaf, aloe gel is a popular household treatment for minor cuts, burns and sunburns. However, more research and studies need to be done to see if aloe gel is as effective as standard medications for the treatment of burns. The gel has been also shown to have positive effects on genital herpes and skin conditions like psoriasis. However, the evidence of such a healing property of aloe vera is only at the preliminary stage.
The latex or the bitter yellow liquid has strong laxative powers which can heal constipation in men and women. However, it should not be used in large doses as it may result in painful cramps. The
aloe juice also helps in reducing the blood sugar level in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Use of aloe gel among children is not recommended as studies have not been done in this area.
Aloe gel is a safe product to use though in very rare cases there have been complaints of skin rashes called dermatitis in people. Pregnant women should avoid aloe latex as it can result in uterine contractions and provoke miscarriage.
