Aloe vera is native to Africa and has been used by used by many different cultures including Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians and Spaniards for millennia. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the plant for treating burns, infections and parasites. The earliest record of Aloe vera is on a Sumerian tablet dating from 2100 BC.

Aloe vera extract, juice and gel.
Aloe vera extract is made by pulverizing the whole leaves of the plant, the juice is made from the inner leaf. Gel is the leaf pulp, a clear jelly-like material from the tissue that makes up the inner portion of the leaves.

Aloe vera is one of the most vitamin and mineral packed nutrition drinks around. Aloe vera contains about 96% water, 18 amino acids, vitamins including vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin B-6, choline, essential oil, calcium, chlorine, sodium, potassium, manganese, monosaccharides and polysaccharides including uronic acid, mannose and glucose. Aloe vera also contains aloin (barbaloin), ethereal oil, isobarbaloin, emoding lucosides of d-Arabinose, emodin, resitannol, ester of cinnamic acid and cinnamic acid.

Acemannan has antiviral and antitumoral activities through activation of immune responses.

Aloin (barbaloin) is an unwanted, harsh, irritant, bitter tasting, laxative contained in the yellow sap of Aloe, which is removed during processing. Aloin has strong laxative properties.

Cinnamic acid has the formula C6H5CHCHCOOH and is an odorless white crystalline acid. It has a floral aroma, is found in the essential oil of cinnamon and in shea butter. Cinnamic acid is used in flavours, synthetic indigo, pharmaceuticals, and to manufacture esters for the perfume industry.

Emodin is an orange crystalline compound, C14H4O2(OH)3CH3, obtained from rhubarb and other plants and used as a laxative. Emodin belongs to a family of compounds called anthraquinones, which have shown anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

Mannose is a monosaccharide, C6H12O6. The word mannose is from Manna, the food the Israelites ate in the desert in the book of Exodus. D-mannose, this form is used as a remedy for urinary tract infections.

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, glucose C6(H2O)6 is a monosaccharide.

The Health Benefits.
Aloe vera is a rather amazing plant. My great aunt did not know about acemannan but she did know about Aloe's ability to heal. She always said, “If it burns, stings, itches, hurts, or you want it to look like a baby's skin put the magic jelly on it”. She called it, “the magic jelly” because fresh Aloe vera gel heals burns like magic.

The gel has been used topically for thousands of years throughout the world to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. There are very few places where it has not been used.

The Benefits to Skin.
Aloe vera is well known as the supreme skin care regimen. It can aid in keeping the skin supple, and is used in the control of acne and eczema. It has a moisturizing effect and is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power comes from increasing the availability of oxygen and strengthen the skin. My advice is to pamper your skin with a little fresh gel everyday. Keep a few plants healthy and you will always have a steady supply. Cut a leaf in half and smooth it on your skin.

Intestinal Health.
Many traditional liquid health treatments are made from a base of Aloe vera juice with other herbs included. Drinking the juice and gel is widely endorsed by herbalists for soothing digestive tract irritations and general gastrointestinal health. It is also used to alkalize the digestive juices to prevent over acidity. It is said to cleanse the digestive tract and exerte a soothing, balancing effect.

The dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf can be taken orally as a laxative. Careful with this one, I tried it, it works. Drink lots of water and do not go far from the house.

Gastrointestinal issues can be serious, not something you want to mess around with. Check with your doctor before you do anything. It is important to get a diagnosis.

Suggestions for Use.
When you are stressed and need a herb bath put a leaf in the freezer for 30 minutes to get it cold. When taking a hot herb steam bath cut it in half and rub it on your face to cool you down. It soothes the skin on contact. Add the juice or jell to orange or grape juice, an organic banana and a little ice and blend in a blender. This is a good drink to cool you down and sooth the plumbing. If your stress is causing you digestive trouble add a spoon of Slippery Elm to the blend. If you have intestinal pain or menstrual troubles make a Yarrow tea and add this to the mixture.

To make a salve, remove the thin outer skin and blind the leaves in a blender, add 500 units of vitamin C powder to each cup add a tablespoon of honey to help preserve. It is best to use fresh but you can store it in your refrigerator for a couple of weeks. This salve is great for skin. For stess, after the salve has been in the refrigerator and having cooled use it on your face during a hot bath or if you do not feel like a hot bath but want to cool down rub it on your feet. Even better get someone you love to rub it on your feet.

Growing Aloe Vera
Light – Most Aloe species make excellent house plants when they are given enough light. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Because Aloe plants consist of mostly water, they are extremely sensitive to frost.

Soil – The soil should be sandy, moderately fertile, and drain well. Aloes have roots that are shallow and spread so when it is time to repot them pick a wide pot, they are better than deep ones. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a half strength, bloom type fertilizer (10-40-10). Do not over fertilize. New plants may also be grown from seed or propagated from the offsets around the base of mature plants.

Water – Established plants will survive a drought quite well. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before giving the plant a cup or two of water.

Nothing in this essay is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aloe vera has not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of any disease.

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The topical approach to natural skin care is also an important consideration. Since most antiaging skin care routines start with a clean face let’s start there. While doing my own research I’ve come up with three different types of soap that not only use natural ingredients but have also been proven to help your skin keep that healthy glow. Part of my search revealed information about olive oil soap. Antioxidants are important in protecting the skin from the sun and enviromental elements and can be found in olives. The second soap that got my attention was Black Soap or Anago, named after the Anago language of Nigeria, which is made from pure oils, butters and roasted plants. It has healing emollient properties that make it an unusual product. Have a look at some patented soaps that are produced in Texas. The patented Texas skin care soaps are made from the finest ingredients; many of their ingredients are homegrown.

Another important step in our antiaging skin care routine is to check out skin care lotions and creams. With so many of these products on the market it’s hard to know where to start. One thing we know for sure: It’s important to be able to closely check all the ingredients in a lotion or cream to be sure the product is formulated from truly natural resources. Unfortunately natural skin care products are not regulated in the United States so you have to read the labels carefully to be sure they don’t contain any synthetic ingredients as some can actually be harmful to the skin. The Internet isn’t always the best place to find natural skin care products as they often don’t list all of the ingredients. New Zealand is known for producing some of the best natural skin care products in the world. The testing process they use to determine the purity of their skin care products is one of the best in the world. When they say there are no artificial ingredients in their lotion or creams you can believe it is true.

When looking for the best natural skin care products look for ingredients such as seed oil, Aloe Vera, calendula, soy oil, pomegranate, green or white tea, and chamomile just to name a few. Although collagen plays an important part in how our skin ages don’t be fooled by products that list collagen extracts as an ingredient in their product as it does not work when it is applied directly to the skin as the skin pores cannot absorb it.

Since finding the correct natural skin care product has its challenges, it’s probably wise to talk to a skin care professional and/or check with a highly qualified nutritionist. However, if you feel comfortable doing it on your own, remember this: Don’t rely solely on the products advertisements, and carefully check out all the ingredients. Remember: what you see on the outside is what you are on the inside in terms of skin care.”

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The succulent, cactus-like Aloe vera plant, one of over 300 Aloe species, was previously known as Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vulgaris. Aloe gel is a clear viscous liquid obtained from the inner portion of the long, fleshy leaves.

Uses:

Topically, aloe gel is commonly used for minor abrasions, burns, wounds, and a variety of dermatologic disorders. Aloe gel is a common household remedy in many cultures, and is an ingredient in numerous commercial skin lotions, sun blocks, and cosmetics. Therapeutic claims also have been made for oral ingestion of the gel, including benefits for diabetes, peptic ulcer, cancer, AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease, and as a general tonic.

Aloe gel is distinct from, and often confused with, the bitter yellow liquid derived from the outer rind of the leaf. This bitter exudate is variably referred to as aloe juice, sap, latex, or simply aloes; it contains anthraquinone glycosides that have strong laxative properties when taken orally. Dried aloes is a powerful cathartic drug similar to senna and cascara, but has largely been superceded by gentler laxatives.

Pharmacology:

Active chemical constituents from the gel include mucilaginous polysaccharides (e.g., glucomannans, acemannan), beta-sitosterol, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes. The polysaccharides and high water content make aloe gel an effective moisturizing agent or emolient, which accounts for its use in many cosmetics.

The activity of aloe gel has been investigated in hundreds of in vitro and animal studies. Although not all study results were positive in animal models, topical and injectable aloe gel have been found to inhibit acute inflammation, speed the healing of wounds and burns, increase wound strength, and enhance tissuesurvival in frostbite. The proposed cellular mechanisms for aloe gel’s activity on wound healing are numerous, although the clinical effects are not necessarily correlated with these actions. Studies have demonstrated an increase in fibroblast and collagen proliferation, stimulation of new capillaries, and reduced thromboxane production. Although inflammation is reduced, immune stimulation (increased antigenic, macrophage, and natural killer cell activity) has also been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, primarily with injectable acemannan, which is also used clinically. In addition, the fresh gel (but not commercial preparations) inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro, and injectable acemannan also reduced tumor growth and mortality in animal models of cancer.

Aloe extracts have in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity, including activity against herpes and HIV viruses. Oral administration of the gel in several animal studies has produced inconsistent results on blood glucose concentrations and gastric ulcers. Hypoglycemic activity may be greater for the bitter aloe juice exudate.

Clinical Trials:

Many potential uses of aloe gel are based on case reports and uncontrolled trials. In a systematic review of the worldwide literature, only 10 controlled clinical trials of aloe vera gel were found; six were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four were double-blinded.

Topical Use –
Two controlled trials have investigated the effects of aloe gel on wounds and burns; both trials compared aloe and standard dressings on opposite sides of the wound. After fullface dermabrasion of 18 patients for acne vulgaris, healing was reported to occur 72 hours faster on the side of the face with the aloe gel saturated dressing (total healing time in the control group was about 10 days). Similarly, in 27 patients with partial-thickness burns, healing was faster with the aloe dressing than the vaseline dressing (11.9 versus 18.2 days, respectively; P < 0.002). Although both studies showed significant results, neither study was randomized or blinded.

In contrast, acemannan was not effective for open wounds from gynecologic surgery that required healing by secondary intention. In this unblinded RCT, open surgical wounds in 40 patients actually took longer to heal using the aloe gel extract (83 days) compared to standard care (53 days). For prevention of radiation induced skin injury in women receiving radiation for breast cancer, two RCTs from the same investigators (one double-blinded with 194 patients) found that a 98% aloe vera gel was no more effective than placebo or standard care. In two double-blind RCT’s for the treatment of aphthous ulcers, one found no consistent benefits using different gels containing a 0.125% aloe extract, and the other found faster healing times with an acemannan hydro gel product compared to a placebo (5.89 vs. 7.80 days; P = 0.003). In an unblinded RCT of 30 patients with uninfected pressure ulcers, an acemannan hydrogel dressing was equivalent to, but no more effective than, a moist saline gauze applied daily,.

Positive results were best documented in double-blinded RCT’s for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and genital herpes. In 44 adult patients with seborrheic dermatitis, clinical resolution or substantial improvement was significantly more frequent with a 30% aloe extract emulsion than a bland aqueous control cream, as assessed by patients (62% vs. 25%; P = 0.03) and dermatologists (58% vs. 15%; P = 0.009).16 In 60 patients with mild-moderate psoriasis, a 0.5% aloe cream helped heal plaques in 83% of patients in 4 weeks, compared to 7% using placebo. In a study of 120 male patients with first-onset genital herpes, mean dura­tion of healing was 4.8 days for a 0.5% aloe extract cream, 7 days for a 0.5% aloe vera gel, and 14 days for a placebo cream. The percentages of “cured” patients were 70%, 45%, and 7.5%, re­spectively, at 2 weeks. A similar study by the same investigators in 60 patients showed almost identical results. Note that the three studies for psoriasis and herpes (with rather remarkable results) were all performed by the same research group.

. Oral Use-Ingesting 10-20 ml of aloe vera daily was reported to reduce triglycerides and total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo in 60 patients over 3 months. However, it is not clear if this study (published in abstract form) was randomized or blinded.

One tablespoon b.Ld. of aloe vera gel extract was reported to reduce blood glucose levels (from 250 to 141 mg/dl) compared to placebo (unchanged) in 72 new-onset diabetics after 42 days. A similar study by the same group found identical benefits in treated diabetics. Triglyceride levels also decreased significantly, with­out a change in total cholesterol. However, these studies are diffi­cult to accept. Both were single-blinded and not randomized, and

in the treated diabetic control group, glibenclamide (glyburide) 20 mg/day had no effect on blood glucose when used alone.

Although preliminary studies of acemannan initially suggested benefits in AIDS patients, a well-designed double-blind RCT in 63 patients given an oral dose of 1600 mg/day for 1 year found no effects on CD 4 counts or viralloads.

Adverse Effects:

Topically applied aloe gel is generally well tolerated, with occasional reports of stinging sensation, mild itching, or hypersensitivity reactions. There are no reported adverse effects with oral ingestion of the gel.

Interactions:

There are no recognized drug interactions with topical or oral administration of aloe gel.

Cautions:

Unlike pure aloe vera gel, total leaf extracts (sometimes referred to as aloe “juice”) or contaminated gel products may contain anthraquinones from the bitter sap. Excessive oral ingestion of anthraquinones can result in severe intestinal cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, and other toxicities of laxative abuse. While topical application by pregnant or lactating women is considered safe, oral consumption should be avoided due to lack of data.

Preparations & Doses:

The gel is usually applied topically 2-4 times daily or as needed. When using the fresh plant, a leaf can be cut and the gel of the inner leaf applied directly to the injury. Pure aloe gel is available commercially for topical use, but more cosmetically acceptable products are also available; these are typically marketed in percentage strengths such as 0.5% (i.e., 0.5 g of 100% gel is contained in 100 ml or g of lotion, cream, or other preparation). Recommended oral doses of aloe gel (in concentrations up to 100%) vary widely; typical oral doses of liquid products are 30 ml 1-3 times daily. The gel is also marketed in solid extract forms. Careful processing of the gel is necessary to avoid contamination with anthraquinones, and stabilization is needed to reduce degradation of the active components, which occurs quickly.

Summary Evaluation

Although widely applied as an easy-to-use household remedy, objective evidence that aloe gel can enhance the healing of abrasions and burns is limited. Nevertheless, simple emollient and occlusive properties may be soothing. Consistent healing benefits were not demonstrated in studies of open surgical wounds and in studies examining prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis, aphthous ulcers, and pressure sores. Benefits have been reported for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and genital herpes, but these results need verification. Oral administration of acemannan is not effective for AIDS. Benefits have been reported for diabetes, but claims for the oral use of aloe gel for any indication have not been confirmed in reliable, controlled studies.

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Aloe Vera leaves are smooth and rubbery in touching from interior and exterior. The more used part of the aloe plants are their leaves and in particular their internal transparent gel. Aloe vera is a plant that has wonderful healing and softening properties. Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives it its healing properties. Aloe vera is a source of energy containing over 200 nutrients, including 18 amino acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Aloe vera gel consists primarily of water and polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses, glucomannan, acemannan, and mannose derivatives). Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that stimulates skin growth and repair. It also contains amino acids, lipids, sterols (lupeol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol), tannins, enzymes. Mannose 6-phosphate is a major sugar component. Aloe latex contains compounds known as anthraquinones that stimulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. The anthraquinones include the hydroxyanthracene derivatives, aloins A and B, barbaloin, isobarbaloin, aloectic acid, and emodin.

Aloe vera is one of the most widely used substances in the world for the treatment of bruises and burns. Aloe Vera has been used medicinally for over 6,000 years. Aloe gel is available commercially in a stabilized gel form, incorporated into ointments, creams, and lotions. Aloe latex is available in a powdered form or in 500 mg capsules for use as a laxative. Aloe gel speeds the healing of burns (from fire, sun or radiation) and insect bites, and relieves itching and dandruff. Aloe vera heals third degree burns up to six times faster than traditional medical treatments. The aloe vera plant is intentionally a natural herb which is used for both internal and external problems like ulcers, skin rashes, burns etc.One can also have kidney problems or severe diarrhea in case of overdose of aloe vera. Aloe vera contains burn healing effects, anti-inflammatory properties, scar reducing properties and woundsOne can experience irregular heart beats because of reduction of potassium in the blood. Other side effects of aloe vera include its internal usage turns the urine pink or red. One should take the advice of a health care professional before drinking the juice of aloe vera. Overdose of aloe vera can result into dehydration, stomach cramps or intestinal spasms, so one should follow the instructions for dosage while purchasing the product.

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Pharmaceutical companies have put years on researching new range of ingredients. They pay billion of dollars for promoting new chemical ingredient. With millions of investment in cosmetic research even people tend to think it is worth buying these chemical soaps. There is no denying the fact that the marketing machine has created a buyers market for these high priced formulations. But these days there is a growing trend towards natural ingredient and even pharmaceutical companies are using them in their high price products.

The benefits of natural ingredient including olive oil, aloe Vera and shea butter have been known for centuries. They not only keep the skin healthy but have healing property as well. The skin has a natural acid/alkaline balance which can be disturbed if one washes with harsh soaps and cleaners. The ultraviolet rays of the sun, dry weather can also cause significant damage to the skin. This is in addition to the fact that body itself sometimes creates harmful substances called free radicals on its own which is just a byproduct of human metabolism.

These free radicals hamper the body and skin in a number of ways and formed by human metabolism. The sun is a major problem factor and clothing can be another. Since most of the people shower at least once a day they are putting out body and hair through torturous daily regiment. Fortunately there are certain natural products including olive oil, shea butter and aloe Vera which can solve skin problems such as dryness, sun exposure and rashes.

Olive oil is made from the nuts of olive tree and has been used for generations. It is mainly grown in Greece and processed in Spain. Olive oil is squeezed out of the olives after cooking them. There is also a cold press technique to extract the olive oil that produces virgin olive oil. This is very thick oil and is natural cooking oil as the properties in it prevent it from breaking even under extreme heating conditions. Olive oil contains substance called squalene that is PH neutral and has vitamin E. Vitamin E helps in controlling bad cholesterol and prevents oxidization of fats which makes it healthy to eat. When fat is oxidized it creates dangerous cancer causing free radicals. These free radicals damage the skin and can lead to premature ageing among other skin conditions.

Shea Butter is produced from African Shea Karite tree nuts and mainly produced in western Africa. It is used as an ingredient in soap products, sun tan lotion and moisturizing lotions. Shea Butter also contains healthy fatty acids including oleic and stearic acid. Shea Butter provides excellent protection against harmful sun UV rays and have Vitamin E, A and F which also keeps the skin supple.

Aloe Vera is used mainly in skin healing creams and also used in case of skin burns. Although there are many types of Aloe plants but Aloe Vera is considered the best for skin troubles. Aloe Vera is nowadays used in soaps.

The aloe Vera, olive oil, Shea Butter is added to the base of vegetable oil and several other ingredient in order to produce soap. The result is a luxury soap that is branded and of limited availability. These natural soaps are perfect birthday or baby shower gift and women always appreciate them.

The soap manufacturer in Sonoma County California offers interesting line of these natural soaps. One can visit the website
Olive Oil for more details. These are basically marketed as gift soaps and have fun themes including surfer girl, wild western leather and sitting cowgirl.

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The succulent, cactus-like Aloe vera plant, one of over 300 Aloe species, was previously known as Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vulgaris. Aloe gel is a clear viscous liquid obtained from the inner portion of the long, fleshy leaves.

Uses:

Topically, aloe gel is commonly used for minor abrasions, burns, wounds, and a variety of dermatologic disorders. Aloe gel is a common household remedy in many cultures, and is an ingredient in numerous commercial skin lotions, sun blocks, and cosmetics. Therapeutic claims also have been made for oral ingestion of the gel, including benefits for diabetes, peptic ulcer, cancer, AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease, and as a general tonic.

Aloe gel is distinct from, and often confused with, the bitter yellow liquid derived from the outer rind of the leaf. This bitter exudate is variably referred to as aloe juice, sap, latex, or simply aloes; it contains anthraquinone glycosides that have strong laxative properties when taken orally. Dried aloes is a powerful cathartic drug similar to senna and cascara, but has largely been superceded by gentler laxatives.

Pharmacology:

Active chemical constituents from the gel include mucilaginous polysaccharides (e.g., glucomannans, acemannan), beta-sitosterol, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes. The polysaccharides and high water content make aloe gel an effective moisturizing agent or emolient, which accounts for its use in many cosmetics.

The activity of aloe gel has been investigated in hundreds of in vitro and animal studies. Although not all study results were positive in animal models, topical and injectable aloe gel have been found to inhibit acute inflammation, speed the healing of wounds and burns, increase wound strength, and enhance tissuesurvival in frostbite. The proposed cellular mechanisms for aloe gels activity on wound healing are numerous, although the clinical effects are not necessarily correlated with these actions. Studies have demonstrated an increase in fibroblast and collagen proliferation, stimulation of new capillaries, and reduced thromboxane production. Although inflammation is reduced, immune stimulation (increased antigenic, macrophage, and natural killer cell activity) has also been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, primarily with injectable acemannan, which is also used clinically. In addition, the fresh gel (but not commercial preparations) inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro, and injectable acemannan also reduced tumor growth and mortality in animal models of cancer.

Aloe extracts have in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity, including activity against herpes and HIV viruses. Oral administration of the gel in several animal studies has produced inconsistent results on blood glucose concentrations and gastric ulcers. Hypoglycemic activity may be greater for the bitter aloe juice exudate.

Clinical Trials:

Many potential uses of aloe gel are based on case reports and uncontrolled trials. In a systematic review of the worldwide literature, only 10 controlled clinical trials of aloe vera gel were found; six were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four were double-blinded.

Topical Use –
Two controlled trials have investigated the effects of aloe gel on wounds and burns; both trials compared aloe and standard dressings on opposite sides of the wound. After fullface dermabrasion of 18 patients for acne vulgaris, healing was reported to occur 72 hours faster on the side of the face with the aloe gel saturated dressing (total healing time in the control group was about 10 days). Similarly, in 27 patients with partial-thickness burns, healing was faster with the aloe dressing than the vaseline dressing (11.9 versus 18.2 days, respectively; P < 0.002). Although both studies showed significant results, neither study was randomized or blinded.

In contrast, acemannan was not effective for open wounds from gynecologic surgery that required healing by secondary intention. In this unblinded RCT, open surgical wounds in 40 patients actually took longer to heal using the aloe gel extract (83 days) compared to standard care (53 days). For prevention of radiation induced skin injury in women receiving radiation for breast cancer, two RCTs from the same investigators (one double-blinded with 194 patients) found that a 98% aloe vera gel was no more effective than placebo or standard care. In two double-blind RCTs for the treatment of aphthous ulcers, one found no consistent benefits using different gels containing a 0.125% aloe extract, and the other found faster healing times with an acemannan hydro gel product compared to a placebo (5.89 vs. 7.80 days; P = 0.003). In an unblinded RCT of 30 patients with uninfected pressure ulcers, an acemannan hydrogel dressing was equivalent to, but no more effective than, a moist saline gauze applied daily,.

Positive results were best documented in double-blinded RCTs for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and genital herpes. In 44 adult patients with seborrheic dermatitis, clinical resolution or substantial improvement was significantly more frequent with a 30% aloe extract emulsion than a bland aqueous control cream, as assessed by patients (62% vs. 25%; P = 0.03) and dermatologists (58% vs. 15%; P = 0.009).16 In 60 patients with mild-moderate psoriasis, a 0.5% aloe cream helped heal plaques in 83% of patients in 4 weeks, compared to 7% using placebo. In a study of 120 male patients with first-onset genital herpes, mean dura­tion of healing was 4.8 days for a 0.5% aloe extract cream, 7 days for a 0.5% aloe vera gel, and 14 days for a placebo cream. The percentages of cured patients were 70%, 45%, and 7.5%, re­spectively, at 2 weeks. A similar study by the same investigators in 60 patients showed almost identical results. Note that the three studies for psoriasis and herpes (with rather remarkable results) were all performed by the same research group.

. Oral Use-Ingesting 10-20 ml of aloe vera daily was reported to reduce triglycerides and total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo in 60 patients over 3 months. However, it is not clear if this study (published in abstract form) was randomized or blinded.

One tablespoon b.Ld. of aloe vera gel extract was reported to reduce blood glucose levels (from 250 to 141 mg/dl) compared to placebo (unchanged) in 72 new-onset diabetics after 42 days. A similar study by the same group found identical benefits in treated diabetics. Triglyceride levels also decreased significantly, with­out a change in total cholesterol. However, these studies are diffi­cult to accept. Both were single-blinded and not randomized, and

in the treated diabetic control group, glibenclamide (glyburide) 20 mg/day had no effect on blood glucose when used alone.

Although preliminary studies of acemannan initially suggested benefits in AIDS patients, a well-designed double-blind RCT in 63 patients given an oral dose of 1600 mg/day for 1 year found no effects on CD 4 counts or viralloads.

Adverse Effects:

Topically applied aloe gel is generally well tolerated, with occasional reports of stinging sensation, mild itching, or hypersensitivity reactions. There are no reported adverse effects with oral ingestion of the gel.

Interactions:

There are no recognized drug interactions with topical or oral administration of aloe gel.

Cautions:

Unlike pure aloe vera gel, total leaf extracts (sometimes referred to as aloe juice) or contaminated gel products may contain anthraquinones from the bitter sap. Excessive oral ingestion of anthraquinones can result in severe intestinal cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, and other toxicities of laxative abuse. While topical application by pregnant or lactating women is considered safe, oral consumption should be avoided due to lack of data.

Preparations Doses:

The gel is usually applied topically 2-4 times daily or as needed. When using the fresh plant, a leaf can be cut and the gel of the inner leaf applied directly to the injury. Pure aloe gel is available commercially for topical use, but more cosmetically acceptable products are also available; these are typically marketed in percentage strengths such as 0.5% (i.e., 0.5 g of 100% gel is contained in 100 ml or g of lotion, cream, or other preparation). Recommended oral doses of aloe gel (in concentrations up to 100%) vary widely; typical oral doses of liquid products are 30 ml 1-3 times daily. The gel is also marketed in solid extract forms. Careful processing of the gel is necessary to avoid contamination with anthraquinones, and stabilization is needed to reduce degradation of the active components, which occurs quickly.

Summary Evaluation

Although widely applied as an easy-to-use household remedy, objective evidence that aloe gel can enhance the healing of abrasions and burns is limited. Nevertheless, simple emollient and occlusive properties may be soothing. Consistent healing benefits were not demonstrated in studies of open surgical wounds and in studies examining prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis, aphthous ulcers, and pressure sores. Benefits have been reported for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and genital herpes, but these results need verification. Oral administration of acemannan is not effective for AIDS. Benefits have been reported for diabetes, but claims for the oral use of aloe gel for any indication have not been confirmed in reliable, controlled studies.

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The most outstanding benefit of using fresh Aloe Vera is that you will experience it at its freshest best quality, just like Mother Nature intended. Just make sure you buy a plant from a reputable nursery to ensure you are getting real Aloe Vera. For instructions on dosages and other fantastic uses please check out Aloe-Your Miracle Doctor on the home page of my blog, http//: freehealthxchange. wordpress. com. You should also find a link to my blog at the bottom of this article.

Here are my 7 tips for using Aloe Vera:

1. Make Your Own Aloe Vera Gel

Preparation of Aloe Gel can be done very simply. Firstly cut a few thick fleshy leaves at the base near the stem. Rinse the cut part of the leaf thoroughly, peel off outer layer of skin. If you are going to ingest the gel then rinse again to get rid of any latex residue. Put the gel into a blender and add a little Vitamin C powder or Citric Acid powder to stabilize the gel. If it is too thick to blend, just add a little purified water. Please take note, for internal use make sure you rinse off the brown exudate from the open cut of the leaf, called latex, as this can have a strong (and usually unwanted) laxative effect. If done properly you shouldnt have a problem. I have been using Aloe from my garden for years now, and by being very meticulous about rinsing it properly I havent had an issue with it. Usually keeps in the fridge for a few weeks, depends on your fridge of course.

2. Make An Aloe Vera Gel Spritz

The gel can be put into a small spray bottle and sprayed directly onto skin, after blending the gel strain through cheese cloth to get rid of fibrous particles. Keep in the fridge to give it a longer shelf life, it should keep there for a few weeks. Be sure not to spray into eyes though.

3. Use It To Control Acne

Acne is a skin problem that affects people from 10 all the way through 40 (sadly, sometimes even older now), and this can appear in many forms such as whiteheads, congested pores, pimples, cysts, pustules or blackheads. The usual onset of acne occurs when oil glands within the skin start to come to life at around puberty, these are stimulated by hormones that come from the adrenal glands and is common for both girls and boys. There is also an adult onset form of acne, it is no longer just a nuisance for the young. The gel can assist in soothing and clearing the skin due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Natural methods to control skin issues are often best carried out from the inside out, rather than just treating the topical symptoms.

4. Help With Digestion

Aloe Vera gel is used to aid in digestion and for the protection of the digestive system. A little can be taken either before or after meals. Nutrients from food are normally absorbed into the blood stream whilst dispensing with the unwanted waste along the digestive tract. Due to various causes, the bowel can gradually build up unabsorbed food residues along the lining. As these residues become compacted they may prevent essential nutrients being absorbed. The resulting nutrient deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, anything from lethargy and exhaustion to diarrhoea or constipation.

5. Relieve Eczema

Aloe gel soothes and helps repair skin suffering from a skin condition called eczema. Eczema is a generic term for rash-like skin conditions. Generally described, it is an inflammation of the skin which is characterized by dryness, flakiness, heat and, probably most importantly, itching. It can affect one or many areas on the face and body and can be mild, moderate or severe.

6. Cool Down Burns

Fresh aloe gel soothes pain, cools the skin, and stimulates blood flow to burnt skin, it is a renowned salve for burns. Whilst providing essential nutrients needed to promote healthy tissue growth it helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria and other foreign organisms that thrive on damaged skin cells. The cooling effect offers instant relief from burns and will typically prevent, or greatly reduce, blistering when applied immediately after receiving a burn. For minor burns you can peel a section of the leaf and gently dab the gel from the fresh leaf onto the burnt area. Of course for major burns you must seek medical advice.

7. Speed Up Wound Healing

The Aloes wound healing ability mainly comes from its moisturizing effect, which prevents air from drying the wound. It is also believed that the barrier formed over the wound after the gel has been applied, actually speeds up the wound healing process. It may also be attributed to the plants immunity boosting properties which may be responsible for accelerated wound healing, as well as the nutritive, anti-bacterial and antiviral properties found in the plant. Dab gel directly from fresh leaf, or spray onto affected area.

These tips are not recommended to replace medical care and attention, they are intended for minor afflictions and general use only. If you have health concerns or are on any medications please consult your health care professional before attempting to use any of the above tips.

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Aloe Vera extract comes from the Aloe Vera plant. Before you even consider how does Aloe Vera plant work on the skin, you have to understand what the extract contains. You will find the Aloe Vera plant has many vitamins you skin and body need. In other words Vitamins A, B, C, E, and Folic Acid can be found in the Aloe Vera. You will also find such compounds as collagen in the Aloe Vera plant. When considering how does Aloe Vera plant work on the skin you also need to know it is a natural solution for detoxifying your skin cells, killing bacteria, and increasing the immune system with the polysaccharides found in the plant extract.

The Aloe Vera plant also helps increase the production of fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for collagen. The collagen helps revitalize your skin. In other words it gives it the elasticity to reduce the wrinkles and help pull your skin back. When we get older our skin tends to sag, if you increase the collagen applied to the skin or stimulate the cells to release the collagen you will again have the firmer skin.

The elements in the Aloe Vera extract from the plant also help to heal cuts, burns, and other skin irritations, even allergic reactions. The minerals, proteins, and other properties of the Aloe Vera plant help the skin heal faster when it has been damaged. Again it has everything to do with the properties that make up the Aloe Vera extract in products. Aloe Vera has also been found to have an anti- inflammatory property that helps reduce the swelling around cuts, blisters, and other skin irritations. It will also protect against the dry skin you get during the winter season as it re- hydrates your skin. So, how does Aloe Vera plant work on the skin? Well you would need a little knowledge in biology to fully understand the compounds and other nutrients found in the plant, but these are the basics.

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