| Aloe vera has an ancient reputation as a remedy for skin conditions and a tonic for the digestive system. In the tropical and subtropical regions, aloe is used to treat skin disorders, wounds, bites, stings, and burns. Although sometimes exaggerated. the properties of the aloe are remarkable. In experimental and clinical trails, its juice has accelerated the healing of burns, cuts, abrasions, dermatitis, and other skin injuries. Aloe displays effective antibiotic action and, taken internally, promotes gastrointestinal stability. The jellylike sap of the plant, unlike the juice, is purgative in nature, and proprietary products for internal consumption should contain the juice only. Avoid any products not clearly labeled; they may contain some sap as well. |
 |
| HISTORICAL PROPERTIES AND USE |
| ALOE VERA IS EFFECTIVE IN TREATING SKIN PROBLEMS |
| Whole leaf or macerated inner gel was sucessfully used to treat a case of more dermatitis enfoliativa over a 5-week period, after other standard treatments failed to produce results. Although several cases of radiation burns and radiation ulcers have been sucessfully treated with aloe vera, the herb has never been effective against radium telangiectasia. Under laboratory conditions, white rats were irradiated in two places to produce severe third degree burns. Areaa that were treated with aloe vera gel showed twice the improvement of saline controls. In another experiment by the same researcher, aloe vera treated rats showed significantly better improvement over controls. In the second study, fresh pulp, partially decomposed pulp or rind were effective. Many other studies have found aloe vera products are effective treatments for burns of various kinds. What is not clear is how these products compare to mordern burn treatments. There is paucity of recent research. The use of aloe vera products to treat wounds and abrasions has received some support in the experimental literature. Surgically inflicted wounds and sandpaper-abraded skin have responded well to the treatment. |
| Click here to go to the next page HERE |