Aloe vera: A medicinal plant and Herbal Remedy

Jan. 15, 2008 - PRLog -- Aloe vera plant has been used for medicinal and beauty purposes for thousands of years. It is believed that Aloe vera was one of secrets of Cleopatra for keeping her skin soft. In the ancient Greek, aloe vera was used in many therapeutic remedies.

Aloe vera was popularized in the United States, in the 18th and 19th primarily as a laxative and today it is used to keep skin beautiful and to heal burns, sunburn, ulcerations, frostbite, radiation injuries, psoriasis, cuts, insect stings, poison ivy and other dermatologic problems.



Theapeutic properties

Aloe vera contains vitamins and minerals needed to heal skin lesions such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. It also has antifungal and antibacterial effects which help to prevent infections.



Home remedies using aloe vera

Acne: Use aloe vera juice on the pimples morning and night for as long as necessary (perhaps five months or longer).

Athlete's foot:  Apply aloe vera juice twice daily over the affected areas.

Burns: Cut fresh Aloe vera leaves and put it on the burnt area for 30 minutes.

Canker sores: Rinse your mouth with aloe juice. If the sore is too bad, then apply it on the sore using a cotton ball.

Cellulite: Apply Aloe Vera gel in the problem areas and massage it gently for 10 minutes.

Corns and calluses: Make a paste by combining one teaspoon of aloe vera gel with one half teaspoon of turmeric. Cover the corn or callus with the paste and bandaged overnight. It should be soaked in warm water every morning,

Psoriasis: Apply aloe vera gel daily over the affected areas.

Varicose vain: Give a daily massage (very gently and never too strong) in the affected area with aloe vera to relieve itching.







Precautions

Aloe vera gel is generally safe for skin problems, but it is suggested to apply first in small area to test for possible allergic reaction.
Internally, Aloe vera should not be used by women who are pregnant or lactating, or by children because it can cause abortion or stimulate menstruation and pass to milk of breastfeeding mothers.  
People who have abnormal kidney function or heart disease should avoid any product containing Aloe vera latex.
Prolonged internal use may cause tolerance so that more is required to obtain the laxative effect.
Diabetics should monitor blood glucose levels during when drink aloe vera juice because can cause changes in blood sugar.


http://www.nature-medicine.info/aloevera.html
http://www.remediospopulares.com

Website: www.nature-medicine.info