What Is Aloe Vera Used for?

Aloe vera is a desert plant that is widely used in natural medicine both topically in skin care products and orally in dietary supplements or beverages. Traditionally found in desert or tropical areas, there is record of aloe being used medicinally even in ancient Egypt and Greece.

Function

• Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and is well known for its soothing effect on skin rashes, burns, stings, cuts and bruises. It is used topically to soothe chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Aloe also acts as an antimicrobial and immune stimulant, and helps to repair skin tissue damage, thereby helping to heal skin wounds.

  Internally, aloe juice or gel is taken to ease digestive conditions, such as stomach ulcers and gastritis. Aloe soothes the mucosal layer in the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits the release of stomach acid. Aloe's laxative effects also help to ease occasional constipation.

Types

• Aloe vera can be found in natural health food stores in several different forms. Aloe vera gel is extracted from the leaves of the plant. It is the gel which is applied topically to burns, cuts and scrapes. Aloe vera juice comes in different concentrations, depending on the manufacturer. Typical concentrations are well above 90 percent juice, unless it is flavored, in which case the juice concentration can even be as low as 50 percent. Aloe vera concentrate is simply dried aloe vera gel. It is used in dietary supplements. Of course, aloe vera can also be found in a variety of cosmetic and skin care products, especially moisturizers.

Potential

• Aloe vera has demonstrated antiviral effects against influenza as well as HIV. Early research conducted at the Southern Research Institute in Alabama and by McDaniel et al (see Resources) in cells (not in people) indicates that one compound isolated from aloe vera may reduce the need for HIV medications and help fight HIV infection. There is more research needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Prevention/Solution

• Aloe vera gel can be applied topically to skin cuts, bruises, scrapes, burns and rashes. Look for the highest concentration of aloe vera gel--99 percent or greater. Avoid aloe vera gel products that are colored green or blue since pure aloe vera gel is clear. Avoid products that contain added fragrances as these may irritate damaged skin.

  Orally, aloe vera juice can be taken daily in beverage form. Dilute the juice by half with water and do not drink more than one or two glasses daily.

Warning

• Aloe vera should not be used on cuts more than 0.5 cm deep. If cuts or scrapes do not begin to heal within 3 days, and/or become red or inflamed, see your doctor. Aloe vera taken internally can stimulate contractions of the uterus. Do not take aloe vera orally if you are pregnant or if you are trying to conceive. Aloe vera juice or concentrate in large doses can cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea, and may also be passed through breast milk so it is also important to avoid oral aloe vera if you are nursing.