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Healing Properties of Aloe

The aloe vera plant is renowned for its healing properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that the plant was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines during the 18th and 19th centuries. Aloe vera, which contains long-chain sugars called polysaccharides, remains one of the most commonly used plants in the U.S. today where many people drink its juice or apply it topically to treat a variety of ailments.

  1. Adaptogen

    • According to "Aloe Vera: Nature's Silent Healer", aloe vera has adaptogenic properties. It benefits the whole body by helping to treat many different problems at the same time. For example, a person drinking aloe vera juice may discover that his arthritis, asthma and acne are all improved at the same time.

    Anti-Aging

    • In "Aloe Vera: Nature's Silent Healer", Alasdair Barcroft states that aloe vera has unique rejuvenating properties. It helps increase production of human fibroblast cells up to eight times faster than normal cell production. Fibroblast cells, which are responsible for collagen production, exist in the dermis of the skin. Sun exposure and the aging process cause fibroblasts to slow their collagen production. Barcroft states that Dr. Ivan Danhof, an aloe vera expert, found that the plant helps speed up the collagen-producing process thus helping to prevent wrinkles and age-spots.

    Anti-inflammatory

    • In addition to stimulating skin growth and repair, the UMMC reports that aloe vera also contains active compounds that help reduce pain and inflammation. These properties make aloe vera an effective treatment for minor burns and skin irritations. Furthermore, studies have revealed aloe vera helps patients with mild burns recover up to nine days quicker, according to the Center.

    Digestive System

    • HerbWisdom.com describes aloe vera as the "finest known colon cleanser". Its anti-inflammatory properties can help ease digestive complaints such as heartburn and ulcers. Researchers at All 4 Natural Health report that aloe vera has three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that help the digestive tract function smoothly. Aloe also prevents acidity, a common cause of digestive upsets in the stomach, colon and small intestines, by alkalizing the digestive juices.

    Overall Wellbeing

    • Aloe Vera is also a powerful anti-oxidant and helps the body destroy free radicals (cancer-forming agents), according to "Aloe Vera: Nature's Silent Healer". It is also rich in vitamins C, A, B12 and E and contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc and essential fatty acids. HerbWisdom.com states that in 1994 the US Food and Drug Administration approved aloe vera for the treatment of HIV. Furthermore, when taken in concentrated doses, it can stimulate white blood cell production, which helps fight infections, viruses and tumors.

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