The Aloe plant has been used for centuries to heal burns, wounds, skin irritations, and constipation.
It grows in subtropical and tropical countries, Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries and it remains one of the most commonly used herbs in the world. However, oral use of aloe for constipation is no longer recommended, as it can have severe side effects.
Burns
Aloe gel, made from the central part of the aloe leaf, is a common household remedy for minor cuts and burns, as well as sunburns. It can be bought in many commercial skin lotions and cosmetics.
Aloe contains active compounds that may reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate skin repair.
It is also an effective moisturizing agent. For this reason, aloe vera gel has gained great popularity for care of burns. Burn sites treated with aloe healed completely in less than 16 days compared to 19 days for sites treated with other medicaments.
In a review of the scientific literature, researchers found that patients who were treated with aloe
healed an average of almost 10 days sooner than those who are treated without the medicinal plant.
Herpes and skin conditions
Some results suggests that aloe gel may improve symptoms of genital herpes and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis.
As such, researchers claim that aloe vera gel may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, such as ultraviolet-induced erythema.
Aloe juice or aloe latex, a yellow, bitter liquid derived from the skin of the aloe leaf, is a powerful laxative. However, it can cause painful cramping and is not safe to use in this way.