Aloe Vera and it's benefits

•  Everyday health uses

Scientific evidence supports using the jelly-like substance inside Aloe vera leaves for alleviating pain and helping heal everyday burns, abrasions, bruises, boils, canker sores, and other mouth sores. It may also improve symptoms of minor frostbite, herpes (both cold sores and shingles), hemorrhoids, psoriasis, and acne.


Some folks use Aloe vera gel for dental hygiene. Many people use it to treat dandruff and as a general hair conditioner.
Although Aloe is under investigation for use in diabetes, lowering LDL cholesterol, many digestive system disorders, and some cancers, health experts warn people to not to take any fresh or processed aloe product internally, by mouth or injection, unless under the direct care of a doctor.
Recent research has shown that Aloe doesn’t heal deep surgical wounds or radiation burns, or prevent sunburn (though it will soothe a summer burn).
Warning: Many sources of information about this herb mention Aloe vera’s value as a laxative. Its harsh laxative effect doesn’t come from the aloe gel, but from the “latex” or “juice” derived from the cells just under the just beneath the outer skin of the leaves. In 2002, the FDA ruled it could no longer be sold as an over-the-counter laxative.

Using the fresh leaf
Hundreds of Aloe-containing products have flooded the market, but using the fresh leaf is the freshest, least expensive way to take advantage of aloe’s everyday healing properties.
Simply remove one of the swordlike leaves from a living plant, and slice it open along its length. Then either squeeze out the gelatinous material and apply it to the affected part, or lay the entire leaf side directly over the affected part and bandage it lightly in place.
Applied topically, Aloe vera gel has no serious side effects, although a few people experience allergic skin reactions to it. Try a small amount on a patch of skin; if you notice a rash, swelling, or itching, discontinue use.

Aloe for hair and skin

Among the most common ingredients in commercial hair- and skin-conditioning products, fresh Aloe vera gel works well as a homemade beauty aid.
Scrape it out and use it as a hair gel or instead of your usual conditioner. Note: Aloe vera gel is thin and watery. It makes a great conditioning agent, but won’t work as a thickener or styling agent. And don’t rely on Aloe to prevent hair loss or regrow lost hair.
To use it as a skin moisturizer and toner, just scoop out the gel or rub a fresh-cut leaf over your face and let it dry.