Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative.
There is strong scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthroquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). However, aloe’s therapeutic value compared with other approaches to constipation remains unclear.
There is promising preliminary support from laboratory, animal, and human studies that topical aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties which may improve wound healing and skin inflammation.

Uses

Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

How it is used

Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

Aloe vera offers potent,natural medicine that:

  • Halts the growth of cancer tumors.
  • Lowers high cholesterol.
  • Repairs “sludge blood” and reverses “sticky blood”.
  • Boosts the oxygenation of your blood.
  • Protects the body from oxidative stress.
  • Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea.
  • Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.
  • Cures ulcers, IBS, and other digestive disorders.
  • Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
  • Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients.
  • Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns.
  • Halts colon cancer, heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.
  • Ends constipation.
  • Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglycerides in diabetics.
  • Prevents and treats candida infections.
  • Protects the kidneys from disease.
  • Functions as nature’s own “sports drink” for electrolyte balance, making common sports drinks obsolete.
  • Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
  • Speeds recovery from injury or physical exertion.
  • Hydrates the skin, accelerates skin repair.

Side Effects

  • Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
  • Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
  • Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
  • People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources: Nccam, Mayo Clinic

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