What can you do with aloe vera?
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[edit] Medicinal uses
A. vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation. Evidence on the effects of A. vera sap on wound healing, however, is contradictory (Vogler and Ernst, 1999). A study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to severe burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a regular basis with Aloe vera gel, compared to the healing of the wound covered in a gauze bandage (Farrar, 2005). In contrast, another study suggested wounds to which Aloe vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal (Schmidt and Greenspoon, 1991).
A. vera's beneficial properties may be attributed to mucopolysaccharides present in the inner gel of the leaf, especially acemannan (acetylated mannans). An injectable form of acemannan manufactured and marketed by Carrington Laboratories as Acemannan Immunostimulant™ has been approved in the USA for treatment of fibrosarcoma (a type of cancer) in dogs and cats after clinical trials. It has not been approved for use by humans, and although it is not a drug its sale is controlled and it can only be obtained through a veterinary doctor.
Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from A. vera to products such as makeup, moisturisers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions, though the effectiveness of Aloe vera in these products remain unknown. A. vera gel is also alleged to be useful for dry skin conditions, especially eczema around the eyes and sensitive facial skin.
An article published in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that A. vera is effective at treating athlete's foot[citation needed]. The topical application of A. vera is not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries.
Whether or not it promotes wound healing is unknown, and even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness of oral or topical A. vera remains unclear at present.
Aloe vera juice may help some people with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
Greenleaf Aloe Vera Gel, manufactured by Brihans in India, cites their product as useful in the treatment of acne and undereye circles.
Leaf close up
[edit] Parts that can be used
The lower leaf of the plant is used for medicinal purpose. If the lower leaf is sliced open, the gel obtained can be applied on the affected area. Leaves and seeds are the two edible parts of Aloe Vera.
[edit] Use in foods
In Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt. There are also several Korean companies which produce Aloe Vera beverages.
In Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a carminative and digestive aid. The dried gel mixed with seeds of various herbs and consumed after a meal.
Tribes in the Hazara region of the North West Frontier Province have been using Aloe Vera for centuries to improve physical endurance, probably due to the high nutrient content of the gel.
People in Rajastahn state of India prepare vegetable out of Aloe Vera along with fenugreek seeds.
People in Tamil nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is taken along with Indian bread or Rice.
In Mexico some people make smoothies out of Aloe Vera.
Per wikipedia
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