(NaturalNews) Aloe Vera has been a known healer for over 3,500 years. This natural and miraculous gel is commonly accepted to be one of the best natural moisturizers in existence and Aloe is now being studied for its benefits for burn victims. The majority of health and beauty products today contain Aloe and it is not hard to understand why. Aloe is a miraculous plant with a versatility that makes it worth learning about.
Aloe Vera is a very powerful first aid product. While Aloe Vera is not an antiseptic (and should not be used without additional antiseptic products if necessary), Aloe Vera gel can help stop the bleeding of minor cuts and scrapes and can also help protect and hasten the healing of minor cuts and scrapes.
Aloe Vera gel is the perfect treatment for children and is a beneficial addition to any first aid kit. Most Aloe Vera gels are non-toxic, however do check the ingredient list of any potential product and note whether Aloe is a primary ingredient (listed first or second).
Aloe is also a common ingredient in dental products because it is effective at soothing irritated gums.
Aloe can also be ingested internally and is a common treatment for constipation. It works as a laxative by preventing the absorption of water from the bowel. This increases the volume in the intestine and speeds the intestinal process of digestion. This also kills some bacteria and it is believed that a variety of viruses may be affected by Aloe, including herpes, chickenpox, and influenza. Aloe has been promoted as a treatment for coughs, ulcers, muscle pain, headaches, cancer, and HIV. Aloe can cause nausea, however, and should not be taken by pregnant women.
One should not combine Aloe with other medications that are used to eliminate water and potassium from the body. This includes diuretics (Lasix and Diuril) steroid drugs (Prednisone) and also the herb Licorice Root. Because potassium plays an important role in regulating the heart, long term use of laxatives may affect how well some heart medications work. The effects of some heart medications may be enhanced by supplementing with Aloe.
By growing your own Aloe Vera plant you can have easy access to Aloe gel any time you need it. Aloe plants are easily obtained and are easy to care for and grow. They grow well and do not need much water or special care.
When Aloe gel is needed, simply remove a leaf from the plant near the base and split it open. The Aloe gel is inside the exterior and can simply be applied directly to any injury. If there is more gel than needed, it can be refrigerated for later use.