There are many medical uses for Aloe Vera; the most common use is for minor burns and sunburns. Aloe Vera has also been used to treat cuts and eczema, and people around the world believe it possesses an assortment of other healing properties.

Aloe Vera is a type of aloe plant that was originally native to North Africa. Today, more than 500 species of Aloe have been reported, appearing for the most part in the dryer areas of Asia, Africa, The United States and Europe. Aloe Vera can grow up to 100 cm tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy in texture and green to gray-green in color. Flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall. Aloe Vera is quite easy to care for as long as it is in a frost-free climate. It requires sandy soil that is well drained and moderate light.

If the Aloe Vera is potted a pre-mixed potting soil for cacti and succulent plants is a good choice. The use of commercial potting mixes with extra granite grit, extra perlite, or coarse sand is also good for this type of plant. During the winter the aloe plant may become inactive, so during this time the plant will not need much water. If you live in an area where it snows or frosts during the winter, it is best that the aloe plant is kept indoors or in a greenhouse.

There are many medical uses for Aloe Vera; the most common use is for minor burns and sunburns. Aloe Vera has also been used to treat many other types of skin conditions such as cuts and eczema. It is also thought that Aloe Vera sap relieves pain and inflammation. Even though many of its health properties have not been proven scientifically, many people around the world still believe in its healing properties.

There was a study done in 1991 on the effects of aloe on wounds. It showed that the healing process was slower than it was without the aloe. Another study was preformed in the 1990s on the effects of aloe on moderate to severe burns. Some of the participants’ burns were covered in aloe regularly and the other participants’ burns were covered with gauze. The study showed that those with aloe on their burns healed faster than those with gauze on their burns.

The beneficial properties of Aloe Vera are quite possibly due to the "good carbohydrate" called mucopolysaccharide, that is present in the aloe gel of the leaf. Cosmetic companies use the sap from the Aloe plant in things such as make up, sunscreens, soaps, tissues, moisturizers and lotions. Aloe is said to be very good for dry skin conditions such as eczema and facial skin that is sensitive.

Aloe Vera has also been used in food preservation; it is a safe and natural way to preserve such things as fruit. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant is colorless, tasteless and odorless. It is a safe alternative to sulfuric dioxide, which has also been used in food preservation. A study showed that a fruit coated with the Aloe gel will last 35 days where as a fruit not covered will only last a week in a temperature of 1 degrees Celsius.

Whether or not Aloe Vera actually has other medicinal benefits is unclear. However the gel from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant is used all over the world, without definitive scientific support, to help with dental health, digestion, and immune support, as well as to provide energy boosts, promote skin health, as an anti-inflammatory, and to provide a source of amino acids, various vitamins and minerals.

Like any other nutritional or health supplement, there may be side effects if used improperly or ingested, so a medical advisor should be consulted prior to its use.

Colin Albert runs the Euphoria for Women website. The web site provides information on female sexual disorders and features a natural product containing aloe vera that acts as a female sexual supplement, for women of all ages & levels of sexual activity.

By Michael Rupkalvis Published: 12/10/2007

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: Aloe Vera, burns, cuts, health benefits

Aloe Vera looks like a cactus, but is in fact a member of the Lily family and it also has natural antibiotic and anti bacterial properties. It may look ugly but contains a lot of hidden health benefits. Aloe Vera is a renowned name in health and cosmetic world. It is beneficial in stimulating the production of elastin and collagen which are necessary for preventing the aging of the skin. This amazing plant contains 75 nutrients, 200 active compounds, 20 essential minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. Extracts from such plants are widely used in treating various skin disorders and hence it is one of the most popular natural ingredients to be added in most of the cosmetic products today. Skin care products with aloe vera increase the availability of oxygen to the skin and thereby aid synthesis and strength of the skin tissues.

Aloe vera gel is used to treat first-degree burns for speedy healing, and is used to shrink warts and lessen the painful effects of shingles. It is also made in lotion form and is widely used for cleansing the skin. Aloe’s pH restores the skin’s balance while it cleanses making it an excellent toner for blemished skin. Aloe Vera has been widely used to cure a number of ailments, and herbal specialists have consistently used it for treatment of acne as well. Aloe vera is also used in dental problems such as bleeding gums and denture stomatitis. It can be used as a home made facial mask to treat oily skin problems. The juice can also make refreshing drinks that aid digestion and your body’s ability to absorb food nutrients. If you want a healthy looking skin, use Aloe Vera products regularly.

By: greatinfosite

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The author is an editor for Greatinfosite.com Your online resources, guides and product reviews. For more skincare guides and resources please visit Skin care Guides

Technorati Tags: aloe barbedensis, aloe vera gel, Aloe Vera Skin Care Products, health benefits of aloe vera, the miracle plant, where did aloe vera come from

I first learned about aloe vera more than two decades ago, when my mother brought home some plants for her herb garden. At that time, it was making a resurgence as a miracle cure-all. Unfortunately, everyone in our neighborhood only used it for cuts and scrapes. For some weird reason, no one ever thought of using it for acne. Now, twenty years older and wiser, using aloe vera for acne treatment sounds so logical and natural. For full information on the health benefits of aloe vera, go to http://aloeveracare.net/

Aloe vera first made inroads into the medical establishment in the mid-1930s, when it was used for burn treatments. It showed itself to be very effective in reducing inflammation and healing of wounds. As I understand it, the main reason its popularity waned was due to the widespread availability of cheap antibiotics (penicilin, discovered by Fleming in 1928, was only mass manufactured one decade later in the late 1930s), which doctors probably preferred as being more scientific.

When I first started suffering from severe teenage acne, my parents took me to a skin specialist. The treatment he prescribed worked — a combination of creams and an antibiotic. Unfortunately, the antibiotics had severe side-effects, making me nauseous and causing me gastric problems. He then switched me to another antibiotic with lesser side-effects, but also less effectiveness. In the end, I could not tolerate this state of affairs and dropped the entire idea of medical treatment for my acne.

If only I had thought of using aloe vera for my teenage acne treatment, I would be so much better off today. Would it have cured my acne? No, I seriously doubt it. My teenage acne was too severe. But the aloe vera would have been free. The plants my mother brought home were quite hardy and easy to grow. This, plus the fact that aloe vera has practically no side-effects, meant that I could have been slathering aloe vera pulp on to my face three or four times a day.

How would this have helped me?

The aloe vera would reduce the inflammation of the pimples and promote healing. There would be less scarring.
There would be fewer pimples. Pimples come from whiteheads and blackheads which become infected and inflamed. The aloe vera would reduce this inflammation and reduce the chance of whiteheads and blackheads turning into pimples.
Reduce whiteheads and blackheads. Both of these problems tend to arise when your skin becomes irritated. Aloe vera soothes the skin and would help to reduce the likelihood of whiteheads and blackheads appearing.

Aloe vera is easy to use. Just take the leaf and squeeze the juice and pulp onto your pimples. If you want more convenience, you can pulp the entire leaf in a blender. Store the pulp into an air-tight container in your refrigerator and it is ready for use anytime. Nowadays, you do not need to grow your own aloe vera plants. You can buy the cheap gels, creams and lotions from the pharmacy or local convenience store. Of course, you do need to check the ingredients. After all, commercially produced aloe vera products need to be placed in some kind of medium, and the extra additives like preservatives and scents may not agree with you.

By: Agnes Scott

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Technorati Tags: Aloe Vera, aloe vera acne, aloe vera acne treatment, aloe vera skin care, Aloe Vera Skin Care Products, natural

This article discusses why aloe vera is so effective at treating cuts and wounds. To go straight to a program showing the full benefits of aloe vera, click here >>>  Aloe Vera care 

If you have ever suffered any cuts or wounds, which you inevitably will have done at some point, you will know that they can often take quite a long time to heal properly. However there is a way you can speed up the healing process and that’s by using aloe vera.

Aloe vera has been hailed by many people as a miracle plant because of it’s many health benefits. People have been using this plant to treat the skin for thousands of years, and it’s even said that famous historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra used aloe vera because of it’s unique healing qualities.

So why is aloe vera so effective at healing cuts and wounds?

Well the first reason is because aloe vera is an excellent moisturising agent. For a wound to heal properly it has been shown that wounds need plenty of moisture, as opposed to dry dressings which often cause pain and disruption when removed. Aloe vera has excellent moisturising qualities whether it is applied directly onto the skin through a cream or a gel, or whether ingested through pills or juices, for example, and allowed to work from within the body.

Another reason why aloe vera is so effective is because it has anti-inflammatory properties which means that it will quickly reduce the inflammation that may appear around any cuts or wounds. This is an important part of the healing process and will certainly shorten the time it takes to heal, and will help to reduce any pain you may have in the meantime.

Finally aloe vera, as well as containing many essential nutrients, has been shown to increase cell proliferation and blood flow to the skin, helping to cleanse the skin of any germs. Additionally if the skin wounds are linked to any specific medical condition, then aloe vera, if consumed internally, can be used to boost the immune system and fight against any further recurrences of the condition.

So overall it is clear that aloe vera is a highly effective treatment for any cuts and wounds you may have, as it will reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. It should also be pointed out that aloe vera is also an effective treatment for many other skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, and is even used to reduce the pain caused by sunburn and for anti-ageing purposes, so if you haven’t yet used aloe vera on your skin, why not give it a try?

Click here for more information about http://aloeveracare.net/.

What Is Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera Health Benefits

Aloe vera for burns, wounds and skin problems

By James Woolley Published: 6/25/2008

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: Aloe Vera, aloe vera care, healing wounds, health benefits of aloe vera, liquid aloe vera, skin healing

This sturdy succulent contains a gel-like substance with some miraculous properties. The pretty plant has long been a nursery standby, but only more recently has the public become aware that it’s more than a nice potted plant for the windowsill.

Today, there are a variety of aloe vera products which are readily available at the grocery store. Your local health food store is sure to have a plethora of aloe vera products that can benefit every member of your family. Let’s take a quick look at some of these wonderful products and their uses. Aloe vera gel is probably the best known of the aloe vera products. You’ll find it at your local drugstore or grocery store. It comes in a lotion-sized bottle and is distinguished by it’s thick gel appearance, with pockets of air similar to bubbles. Some are clear liquids, while others are infused with a dye that colors the gel green. Purists may prefer the undyed product, but it’s really a matter of preference. This aloe vera product is fairly inexpensive and lasts indefinitely. So how is aloe vera gel useful to you as an everyday remedy you’d want to have on hand? It’s best-known attribute is as an application for burns, whether from too much sun exposure or a burn you sustain from a hot pan. Aloe vera gel provides immediate relief to burned skin, even in cases of second-degree burns. When you apply this magical gel to a burn, you experience an instant cessation of the burning pain, along with a lovely cool sensation. Along with easing the pain, aloe vera gel serves as a protective coating that helps prevent infection while simultaneously helping the skin to heal without scarring. If, for only this reason, this aloe vera product deserves a spot in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet.

From this point forward, we will let you in on little secrets that will help you implement this subject into your life. Another use for aloe vera gel is as a skin softener. If you have rough, dry skin from winter weather, try a nightly application of this aloe vera product for your face, hands and feet. You’ll be amazed to see how well this works to soften your skin. You’ll notice a difference in just one application. Used regularly, it works wonders. Older women, with wrinkle worries love the effects of aloe vera gel. Another useful aloe vera product is the juice extract, which may be used to gently alleviate constipation. Aloe vera soaps are available in health food shops. You’ll also find a number of lotions and creams with aloe vera as one of the primary ingredients. Aloe’s intensely softening properties make these aloe vera products an attractive natural alternative skin care choice. Now, why do you not have aloe vera products in your home? Do you feel like you need tips about Aloe Vera products, or do not know how to trigger in, then there are huge amount of free resources on the world wide web to give you a boost.

Aloe Vera Extract - The Benefits and the Products 

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The author of this article Johnny aka Gnubas is the founder of healyourskin.org, which gives you detailed advice about Get Useful Skin Care Tips and Best Acne Treatments.

Technorati Tags: aloe vera care, aloe vera juice, aloe vera products, Aloe Vera Skin Care Products, aloe vera sunburn products

With very high water content nearly 96% it has been leisurely used by the people to recover from their skin problems. It has so many good properties that it would be very hard to even count them. It has a very good healing capacity and is mainly used for burns, blisters, insect bites and other allergic skin reactions.

It provides you with one of the most natural ways of healing. You can term this plant as a beauty product due to the miracles it does on your skin, which is one of the most visible parts of your whole body. It is mainly used to shrink warts which are very common. The other painful problems like shingles also tend to heal due to Aloe Vera.

It has become a growing business for people who have come to understand its benefits. You can have it in juice form too which is good for other problems you are suffering from. Aloe Vera helps you from some of the most common diseases like insomnia, heartburn, congestion, arthritis, asthma and also lowers your sugar level.

It is widely used as a moisturizer and anti-ageing cream. The gel has some of the most important properties which moisturizes your skin and makes it soft. If you suffer from second degree burns Aloe Vera’s natural gel is what you should apply for a speedy recovery.

Sun burn or sun tan has turned out to be one of the major problems for people due global warming and other climatic changes. Aloe Vera has been widely used to protect you from such problems. It can also be used as an ointment for your backache or other pains you suffer from.

To avoid dark circles under your eyes you can use this gel every night before sleeping to have less tired and more beautiful eyes. It also helps with any skin irritation caused due to infection or bacteria. It can also be used for minor wounds.

It helps in reducing swelling and relieving pain. The plant gel has been known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to help you from most of your problems. As the gel enters your skin very easily it becomes one of the biggest sources of anti-ageing products.

By: Sharon Hopkins -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sharon Hopkins is the webmaster of Hair-n-Skin-Care site which makes your learn new things about your hair and skin. Natural Skin Care with Aloe Vera helps you in every possible way to have a beautiful skin.

Technorati Tags: aloe skin care products, aloe vera based cosmetics. Aloe vera acne, aloe vera gel, aloe vera with withc hazel

The aloe vera plant has given us many popular herbal remedies. A native African plant, aloe vera plant is known as "lily of the desert", "plant of immortality" and of course, "medicine plant." The name aloe is derived from the Arabic word "alloeh", meaning "bitter taste".

Aloe Vera Herb

The aloe vera plant belongs to the family Asphodelaceae with about 400 known species currently grown. Classified as succulent plants, aloe grows in the more arid parts of Africa and in the mountains of tropical Africa. The most distinguishing part of the aloe vera herbal plant is its leaves which are large, thick, and fleshy. The leaves are shaped like lances with a sharp apex and spines lining their margins.

Ancient History

Historians have traced the use of aloe vera as an herbal or medical treatment as far back as 1500 BC. These ancient Egyptians used the plant to treat parasites, burns and infections.

Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

Evidently, the juice of the plant leaves yields certain substances, called aloes, which are good purgatives. Some species of the aloe, like Aloe venenosa, may produce poisonous juice and are therefore not recommended. However, most species, such as the A. vera, vulgaris, socotrina, chinensis, and perryi contain aloes that have therapeutic uses.

Aloe vera has been under medical scrutiny since the 1930s. Studies suggest that the clear gel of the aloe vera plant contain properties that have dramatic burn, wound and ulcer healing properties. When an affected area is coated with the gel-like substance, the wound is also safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies, providing faster healing.

Aloe Vera Juice

Since it is a succulent, the aloe vera plant is composed of about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent consists of active ingredients, including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins. Thanks to the many active constituents present in the aloe vera herbal plant, many modern healers have used it in their liquid health treatments. Regularly, the aloe vera herbal juice is combined with other medicinal plants in order to increase its potency. The aloe vera herbal juice produces a relieving effect on digestive tract irritations caused by disorders, such as colitis and peptic ulcers.

Herbal Supplements

The many vitamins and minerals that are found in aloe vera make it an ideal herbal supplement. Aloe vera supplements can aid in digestion, and may assist in blood and lymphatic circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplements may also improve gall bladder, kidney and liver function.

With at least three fatty acids, the aloe vera plant also presents anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, aloe vera herbal supplements can be helpful for those with colon, stomach and small intestine difficulties. By naturally alkalizing digestive juices and preventing excess stomach acids, aloe vera supplements can help to prevent these common causes of indigestion.

Dr Peter Atherton - "Aloe Vera - The Facts" Aloe Vera, because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, helps firs…   Read more…

Aloe Vera Is A Miracle Plant The consumption of aloe vera juice has also been traditionally used internally for healing…   Read more…

Aloe vera is an ancient plant, long respected for its many healing and soothing properties. For this reason, aloe is one treatment that no modern medicine cabinet should be without.

By: Varian Sperks

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Columnist Varian Sperks is an author for some of today’s popular web sites, on natural products and natural health product themes. Click here for other unique aloe vera articles.

Technorati Tags: aloe vera juice, Aloe Vera Skin Care Products, healing properties of aloe vera, health benefits of aloe vera, liquid aloe vera

While it is widely known that the aloe plant can be used to soothe painful sunburns, aloe has many other human benefits that are lesser known. This article talks about the uses for aloe throughout history up into the present day, including aloe juice, which has been shown to offer significant digestive benefits and immune system support.

The aloe plant is one of the world’s oldest and most frequently used natural supplements. Aloe juice, gel, and leaves have played a role in medicine since the 4th century B.C., when ancient Greek doctors obtained it from Arab traders for its healing properties. Using aloe topically gained popularity in the United States in the 1930s, with reports of its success in soothing x-ray burns. Today, the aloe plant is used in the production of a wide range of products created to treat what ails you, from digestive tract issues to mouth ulcers.

Aloe: Then and Now

Christopher Columbus once said, "Four vegetables are indispensable for the well-being of man: Wheat, the grape, the olive and aloe. The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit, the third brings him harmony, and the fourth cures him." Many people would agree with Columbus that the aloe plant is worth keeping around for its bountiful benefits. It is one of nature’s most useful plants, and one that people have been turning to for centuries.

The first recorded reference to the aloe plant as a treatment or remedy was found on a Sumerian clay tablet in 2200 B.C., discovered south of Baghdad. The second reference to aloe was in 1550 B.C. on a piece of papyrus discovered in Egypt. This artifact contains what is considered to be the first detailed discussion of the medicinal value of aloe. The piece of papyrus lists 12 recipes that utilize aloe to treat internal and external conditions.

Today, aloe juice and aloe leaves continue to be a natural, reliable ingredient in both topical and ingested formulas designed to promote wellness. Aloe vera gel is the most commonly known form of aloe, and is used in skin lotions and sun blocks for its ability to protect skin. The aloe gel is the thin, clear jelly-like substance that comes from within the leaves and is used to treat minor skin irritations, burns and eczema. The gel has agents that control pain and inflammation and helps to repair damaged cells. The emollient effect of the gel is due to the polysaccharides, or long chains of sugar, contained in the gel. It is theorized that aloe’s anti-inflammatory effect may result from blockage of the conversion of histidine to histamine as a result of the inhibition of histidine decarboxylase. Wound healing is believed to result from increased blood flow to the wounded area.

Although it is used most commonly to soothe minor skin injuries, aloe can treat a wide variety of health issues. Aloe latex, also called aloe sap, is a bitter, yellow liquid derived from the outer layer of the leaves of the aloe plant. It contains naturally occurring substances, including anthraquinones that stimulate contractions of walls of digestive track. When taken by mouth, aloe latex has a very strong laxative effect in pharmaceutical medications. Aloe juice works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down impacted food residues and cleanse the bowel. It can help ease occasional constipation and help maintain regularity, thereby reducing discomfort and bloating. When aloe sap is used in products other than digestive medications, the manufacturer can remove the anthraquinones so that there is no laxative effect.

Information about Aloe Aloe vera is effective for minor abrasions, acne, burns, cold sores, cuts, dry skin, insect bites, scrapes, skin moisturizer, and sunburn.

To take advantage of the digestive benefits of the aloe plant, aloe juice is used as a whole leaf extract. Obtained by pressing the entire leaf, aloe juice can be used as a functional ingredient in the form of a juice or powder. In dietary supplements, acemanna, the major water-soluble carbohydrate derived from the botanical, has been used for immune support and relieving oxidative stress.

Oral application of aloe is gaining popularity because the gel has the ability to promote healing against mouth ulcers, which occur in 15 to 20 percent of the population, and have been resistant to conventional approaches to treatment. Application of aloe orally promotes optimal healing. In addition, denture patients who use aloe often experience increased comfort. It is theorized that oral administration of aloe vera might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients, as well as for reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia.

Although the aloe plant is known to be a highly-effective and safe treatment option, there are some individuals who should use caution when considering using the aloe plant. If a person is allergic to plants in the lily family; such as garlic, onions and tulips, they should avoid taking aloe in any form or applying it topically to the skin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using aloe because aloe juice can affect potassium levels and cardiac rhythm. In addition, oral aloe latex should be avoided by people with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities because the laxative effect can affect blood potassium levels.

Conclusion

Aloe juice, aloe gel, aloe vera and other derivatives of the aloe plant have supported the health of people from all over the world throughout history. Known mainly for its ability to soothe sunburns or minor pains, the botanical is a precious resource that can be used to treat an extensive range of ailments, including many digestive problems. Aloe, a plant recognized for its unique properties for centuries, will no doubt play a significant role in consumers’ health well into the 21st century.

About the Author

Mark Lange, Ph.D., is the director of quality control for Market America; he previously served as scientific director at the Institute for Nutraceutical Advancement, an international effort to harmonize test methods for the supplement industry. Lange is holder of two patents and several peer-reviewed research articles in the areas of electro-chemistry and plant chemistry. Dr. Lange has also provided consulting services to help companies establish quality systems and meet GMP requirements. For more information about Market America, please visit marketamerica.

By Mark Lange Published: 10/16/2007

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: aloe consumer reports, aloe juice, aloe leaves, aloe vera gel, aloe vera organic, aloe vera skin care, Aloe Vera sunburn relief, health benefits of aloe vera, liquid aloe vera, oral aloe latex, where

In addition to the aloe vera plant there are other helpful plants that are good to have around the house. An herb garden is a convenient way to add flavor and natural ingredients to many dishes. From fresh dill in a homemade tzatziki sauce to chives mixed in with cream cheese for a delicious bagel.

Many herbs can be dried and used for loose leaf teas not only a relaxing beverage, some herbs are known for their medicinal qualities too. Some herbs that can be used as tea leaves or as part of a mixture are peppermint and ginger.

There are many edible plants that you can grow indoors to aid in digestion. They can be broken of the plant as needed or some may need some preparation first.

*Anise is a popular and widely used for aiding in digestion and easing colic in infants.

*Coriander in addition to helping with digestion it is also a tasty addition to salsa.

*Fennel oil is used to ease upset stomachs too. It is also used for increasing the amount of breast milk produced in mothers.

Health Benefits of House Plants Health Benefits of House Plants . House plants are used to brighten up a room and help to create a relaxing atmosphere, but they can also bring real health benefits.

This is just a brief look at some of the other uses for houseplants. It is recommended to research your plants before ingesting any to ensure they are safe.

By: Jonathan Sinagra

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Learn about leaf identification and leaf pictures at the Leaf Guide site.

Technorati Tags: aloe barbadensis, aloe vera gel, aloe vera plant psoriosis, aloe vera with witch hazel, health benefits of aloe vera, herb garden

Aloe Vera is a type of aloe plant that was originally native to North Africa. Today, more than 500 species of Aloe have been reported, appearing for the most part in the dryer areas of Asia, Africa, The United States and Europe. Aloe Vera can grow up to 100 cm tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy in texture and green to gray-green in color. Flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall. Aloe Vera is quite easy to care for as long as it is in a frost-free climate. It requires sandy soil that is well drained and moderate light.

If the Aloe Vera is potted a pre-mixed potting soil for cacti and succulent plants is a good choice. The use of commercial potting mixes with extra granite grit, extra perlite, or coarse sand is also good for this type of plant. During the winter the aloe plant may become inactive, so during this time the plant will not need much water. If you live in an area where it snows or frosts during the winter, it is best that the aloe plant is kept indoors or in a greenhouse.

There are many medical uses for Aloe Vera; the most common use is for minor burns and sunburns. Aloe Vera has also been used to treat many other types of skin conditions such as cuts and eczema. It is also thought that Aloe Vera sap relieves pain and inflammation. Even though many of its health properties have not been proven scientifically, many people around the world still believe in its healing properties.

Aloe Vera Skin Care Benefits - Using Natural Aloe Vera For Healthy Aloe veras skin care benefits are only now being investigated by science.

health benefits of aloe vera , dietary supplement aloe vera 

There was a study done in 1991 on the effects of aloe on wounds. It showed that the healing process was slower than it was without the aloe. Another study was preformed in the 1990s on the effects of aloe on moderate to severe burns. Some of the participants’ burns were covered in aloe regularly and the other participants’ burns were covered with gauze. The study showed that those with aloe on their burns healed faster than those with gauze on their burns.

The beneficial properties of Aloe Vera are quite possibly due to the "good carbohydrate" called mucopolysaccharide, that is present in the aloe gel of the leaf. Cosmetic companies use the sap from the Aloe plant in things such as make up, sunscreens, soaps, tissues, moisturizers and lotions. Aloe is said to be very good for dry skin conditions such as eczema and facial skin that is sensitive.

Aloe Vera has also been used in food preservation; it is a safe and natural way to preserve such things as fruit. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant is colorless, tasteless and odorless. It is a safe alternative to sulfuric dioxide, which has also been used in food preservation. A study showed that a fruit coated with the Aloe gel will last 35 days where as a fruit not covered will only last a week in a temperature of 1 degrees Celsius.

Whether or not Aloe Vera actually has other medicinal benefits is unclear. However the gel from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant is used all over the world, without definitive scientific support, to help with dental health, digestion, and immune support, as well as to provide energy boosts, promote skin health, as an anti-inflammatory, and to provide a source of amino acids, various vitamins and minerals.

Like any other nutritional or health supplement, there may be side effects if used improperly or ingested, so a medical advisor should be consulted prior to its use.

Colin Albert runs the Euphoria for Women website. The web site provides information on female sexual disorders and features a natural product containing aloe vera that acts as a female sexual supplement, for women of all ages & levels of sexual activity.

By Michael Rupkalvis Published: 12/10/2007

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: aloe vera benefits, aloe vera care, aloe vera gel, Aloe Vera Skin Care Products, health benefits of aloe vera, is aloe vera good for tattoos