Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis, is a succulent plant of the lily family that has a long history of cultivation for herbal medicine but also as an ornamental plant as it is very decorative. It grows throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, mainly in Africa, parts of South America, and the Mediterranean. Its lanceolate leaves are thick and fleshy with a serrated margin.
The use of Aloe vera can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. Drawings of the Aloe plant have been found inscribed in the tombs of pharaohs and it is said that Cleopatra regarded Aloe vera as her beauty secret. The ancient Egyptians held it in such reverence that they considered it to be the plant of immortality.
The parts of the plant that are taken for medicinal uses are the gel inside the leaves and the sap (aloe latex), a bitter sticky substance that can be found just underneath the leaf surface.
Aloe vera works in many ways. When applied topically, it can penetrate the skin to reach the deeper layers of the dermis. It has strong bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal properties. It can promote cell growth and it acts as a detoxifying agent.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera
Externally, the gel of the Aloe plant is used to relieve various skin conditions such as burns, cuts, frostbites, minor wounds, or eczema. The sap is used to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Internally, Aloe vera is used as a laxative. As there is evidence of significant adverse side effects such as an increased cancer risk, an increased risk of developing hepatitis, and vomiting, it is strongly advised to consult your doctor if you are considering to take Aloe internally.
Aloe Vera in Dentistry
There are many ways to use Aloe vera in dentistry. It has proved to be very helpful in the treatment of gum disease. It does not only reduce the bleeding of the gums, it is also a powerful antiseptic in gum pockets, and its antifungal properties are known to help in the problem of denture stomatitis.
Taking Care of Aloe Vera Plant
As the healing potency of the Aloe vera plant increases with age, it is advisable to purchase as large a plant as possible. They are easy to grow and will flourish on neglect rather than too much care. If the soil is very dry, it is sufficient to water it once a week, if the soil is damp, just leave it be.
Aloe vera shouldn’t be kept in bright sunlight as it will turn brown. It must be protected against frost and should be put indoors in wintertime.
It does not harm the plant if part or all of a leaf is cut off, since the wound seals quickly. As the leaf won’t grow back, it is advisable to cut on the leaves closest to the ground. These are also the oldest ones and therefore the most potent medicinally. Take a sharp knife and cut a portion of the leaf off, trim the thorny edges from the cut off portion, then slice the leave in half across its width and the inner surfaces will reveal the transparent, sticky gel which you can directly apply to the afflicted area. You can use the gel generously, the skin will absorb it within several minutes.
When the cut leaf seems to have run dry of gel, just scratch the surface with a knife and more cells releasing juice will appear. This process can be continued until there is nothing but green skin left. If the partially used leaf is wrapped in foil and refrigerated, it will last for days.
Aloe Vera Products
If you don’t want to keep your own plant, you can also purchase one or several of the numerous Aloe vera products on the market, such as gel, juice, capsules, lotion, cremes, various facial products, shower gels, shampoos, soaps, and sunscreens.
Safety Advise on Aloe Vera
People who suffer from intestinal disorders should not take Aloe latex.
Children or pregnant women should not take Aloe.
As Aloe must not be taken together with numerous drugs, you should always consult your doctor before you consider taking Aloe internally.
An overdose of Aloe can cause severe diarrhea, kidney failure, and possibly death.
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