Healing Aloe Vera

Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

You may already know that aloe vera is 'good for the skin'. But the medicinal, almost magical, powers of this natural plant product stretch far beyond just giving you a soft face and soothing sensitive dry skin. In fact, aloe vera can be a very effective treatment for all kinds of diseases and skin conditions. Aloe vera is a species of plant, well-known for its healing properties. The spotty white form, Aloe Barbadenis Miller (also known as medicinal aloe, burn aloe and even 'the first aid plant') is the most potent and is generally accepted by experts as the best type of aloe for use in face and body skin creams and other skin care products.

The benefits of the aloe vera plant can be found by crushing its inner leaves to extract the juice from inside. This clear liquid contains soothing, moisturizing and healing properties for people. The organic make-up of the aloe vera plant closely resembles that of the human body – a large number of the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids in aloe vera match those found in humans – which could explain why it is so beneficial to us.

Aloe vera is most widely used in the treatment of wounds and burns, to reduce swelling and soothe pain. Many people also use aloe creams as part of their daily skin care regime to achieve a fresher, more youthful look and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Aloe can also be effective on cuts, grazes, acne, arthritis, athlete's foot, canker sores, chapped lips, cradle cap, dandruff, dry or irritated skin, eczema, genital herpes, inflamed joints, psoriasis, rashes, ringworm, scabies, sore muscles, stretch marks, sunburn, varicose veins and warts.

In February 2008 The Mayo Clinic carried out studies into the healing powers of aloe vera. They found that:

• Aloe vera cream may be an effective treatment for psoriasis.
• Aloe vera cream may be an effective treatment for genital herpes.
• It may be effective for treating dermatitis.
• Aloe vera may reduce the pain of canker sores and increase the time between the appearances of new ones.
• Aloe may effectively reduce dryness of the skin.
• It may aid healing of mild to moderate skin burns.
• Aloe may help heal skin ulcers.

Aloe vera is safe to use on children and babies and can ease the symptoms of cradle cap and nappy rash. It is also considered harmless for use during pregnancy. However, you should consult your GP or dermatologist before applying it in these situations, and always follow the directions on the pack.