Aloe Plant Benefits

Native to Africa, the aloe plant grows in the hotter areas around the globe like Latin America and the Caribbean. The history of the aloe plant dates back thousands of years. Throughout the centuries, the herb's usage has increased. Now, it is one of the more popular herbal remedies in the United States. While popular for its skin benefits, the aloe vera plant may also assist in the healing of the inside of our bodies.


Features

• The leaves of the aloe plant are green, spiky and fleshy. They're able to grow up to 4 inches tall, while the leaves can extend up to 36 inches long. The leaves, designed by nature to carry water, hold beneficial compounds called glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoprotein stops pain. And polysaccharides speed up skin repair.

Your Skin

• Traditionally, people have used the aloe plant to treat burns. The gel of the plant reduces inflammation and promotes skin regeneration. The skin promoting benefits also help in the treatment of genital herpes and psoriasis. You may even rid your head of dandruff by applying the gel of the aloe plant.

Your Digestion

• The aloe plant is also an effective treatment for constipation. Aloe juice or aloe latex can be found in the lining of the aloe plant leaves. It is a powerful laxative. Aloe latex is so powerful, that you should try the milder cousins of the aloe plant, cascara and senna, first.

Dosages

• To reap the benefits of the aloe gel externally, take a leaf and cut it. Then apply it liberally to the skin. Use three to five times per day. The recommended dosage for constipation is one 50 to 200 mg capsule of aloe latex a day. Don't take it longer than 10 days.

Warning

• Do not consume the aloe plant orally if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Aloe vera may cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
  People with inflammatory disease involving the intestines should avoid internal usage of the aloe as well.
  Other people who should not take aloe internally include: people with heart or kidney disease, people who may have low blood sugar problems and people with problems with electrolyte balances.
  Only use aloe on mild or moderate cuts and burns. Juliane M. Schmidt, in her study published in the July 1991 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that aloe vera gel might delay the healing of wounds.