Aloe Vera - Herbal Studies Exposed

The Rumors:
 
Aloe Vera has often been referred to as a “miracle plant”. It has been rumored to improve natural body chemistry, as well as cure all forms of cuts, burns, even internal injury. It has even been used as a “suture”, to help keep wounds together. Some people believe that it even can boost the immune system, and help ward off not just bacterial illness, but viral illness as well. Aloe Vera extracts have even been rumored to help reduce inflammation in bodily tissue, as well as help reduce tumor size. In short…possibly help cure cancer.
 
But the use for Aloe Vera and it’s derived compounds doesn’t stop there. Some folks use it to treat Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy, digestive problems, and arthritis.
 
Aloe Vera has also been believed to help heal frostbite, and minimize tissue damage caused by frostbite.
 
Comercially, aloe gel is stabilized, to preserve the healing effects while it sits in a bottle on the shelf.
 
So how did all these rumors start? And what exactly does science know about Aloe Vera?
 
History:
 
Aloe Vera has a very old medical history, back to prehistoric times. The earliest use of Aloe Vera was by ancient Egyptians. It has shown up in ancient Egyptian art, and is referred to as the “plant of immortality”. It seems the Egyptians believed it to be so useful in curing problems, that it held the secret to eternal life within its leaves.
 
In fact, they would often bury Aloe Vera plants with their dead pharoes. In Egyptian culture, a pharoe lived forever in the afterlife, so it is no surprise that Aloe Vera plants would come in handy there.
 
The Real Deal:
 
Ok, now down to the nitty gritty. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health website, there are three primary, scientifically proven uses for Fresh Aloe Vera:
 
  1. Use as a topical treatment for light to moderate burns. In numerous studies, Aloe Vera Really does help reduce the inflammation and injury from heat at UV (sun) related burns. However, it does not help in healing radiation burns from radiation therapy. 
  1. It also helps heal cuts and abrasions. Again, this has been proven time and again to decrease swelling, and speed up the time it takes for a wound to heal. The theory behind this is that aloe vera gel has a chemical that damaged tissue uses to help heal injured areas. Also, aloe vera latex (the dried version of aloe vera gel) helps seal the wound off, thus preventing further damage. However, deep wounds (such as surgical incisions) may actually heal slower with aloe vera. It is best for minor abrasions, cuts, scraps, and other dermal type damage.  
  1. Aloe Vera latex acts as a strong laxative. Certain products made from compounds derived from Aloe Vera are used in over the counter laxative products. The U.S. government decided in 2002 that the compounds were too powerful for use without a prescription, and many companies had to reformulate their products.
 
According to the U.S. Government, these are the only 3 uses that have demonstrated enough scientific study for it to endorse the use of Aloe Vera. Therefore, these are the most proven uses for Fresh Aloe Vera gel and latex. It is unknown whether commercially preserved Aloe Vera works as well, though most believe fresh cuts are the best.
 
Alternate Realities:
 
Just because the U.S. Government only endorses 3 uses for Aloe Vera does not mean that there isn’t any scientific evidence showing other uses. It just means none have been studied enough for the FDA’s approval. So, here are the other uses, as well as the science behind them
 
Frostbite – There has been two studies conducted regarding frostbite and Aloe Vera. The first was conducted on rabbits by the Heggars medical research team. They found that Aloe vera was able to prevent 28% of the tissue damage caused by frostbite. This was more effective than using a treatment involving either asprin or steroids. The control group for this study was not able to prevent ANY frostbite damage.

A second study group found that Aloe Vera Gel helped reduce frostbite in the ears of New Zealand rabbits.
 
Psoriasis – In a study conducted with 60 Psoriasis patients, they found over 80% had decreased symptoms associated with the skin disease, including reduced lesions, and reduced regional sensitivity. In the placebo group, less than 10% experienced any change.
 

 

 

**Medical Disclaimer: Any and all information on this website and its pages is just that: information. No treatment of any sort should ever be conducted without professional personal medical consultation. Consult a doctor or other certified medical professional before trying any treatments or remedy of any kind. Allergies are possible with most organic substances. This website is intended to provide information and education only, not diagnosis or treat any medical or health issue. HerbalRemediesThatWork.com is not liable for any misuse or damages that could occur due to improper understanding or implimentation of any information on this site without professional medical consultation.