Aloe Gel Applications

Not Just for Sunburn

One of nature's great mysteries, and gifts, is the aloe vera plant. It is packaged and sold as aloe gel, but the plant itself grows easily with minimal care under the blackest of thumbs; it can be used for a variety of first aid applications, and is a tool for effective, affordable skin care. Its use has been documented through the centuries for literally hundreds of applications.

Perhaps the most familiar contemporary use for pure aloe vera gel is sunburn relief. For those with one of the green, spiny-looking plants close at hand, this relief is as simple and fast as breaking the tip of a leaf, and rubbing the interior aloe gel onto the burn. If no plant is close at hand, a quick trip to the nearest pharmacy or general store should yield a bottle or tube of gel. The plant has inherent analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities that immediately bring relief to first and second degree burns (not just sunburns!). It also has a mild, fairly pleasant scent, so one does not end up smelling like vinegar, rubbing alcohol or any of the other somewhat harsh natural remedies for sunburn.

For centuries aloe vera gel has been used for a vast variety of ailments and maladies. The most common modern uses involve topical applications for skin issues, ranging from acne to aging, to simple dry skin. Tissues are now sold with the gel infused into their fibers, with the intent of protecting delicate nose and facial skin from the irritation commonly associated with repeated nose-blowing. Yet another topical use is on the teeth and gums, to reduce gingivitis and plaque. There is also some evidence that aloe can be used topically to treat genital herpes outbreaks as well as psoriasis.

As an internal application, there is some historical example of the gel being used to control blood sugar, aid in the treatment of liver disease, and other instances where its natural anti-inflammatory properties might promote healing. Many consumers use an internal application to aid in combating indigestion and Irritable bowel syndrome.

Additionally, the plant has certain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and can be used in non-medical applications. It is widely used in fish tanks to inhibit the growth of several variety of fungi. There are also instances noted of aloe gel being used in artificial insemination practices with sheep.

These examples of use for the aloe vera gel denote just a small fraction of the applications discovered to be effective over time. The gel should be, if it is not already, a standard part of any home first aid kit. The effects on minor to moderate burns alone warrant such an addition, and when the other possible uses are taken into consideration, the need for its inclusion becomes even more evident. Whether it is as pure aloe gel in a bottle or tube, or if it is in a decorative flower pot, aloe should be added to your home's arsenal of natural, effective remedies. Top