Aloe Vera is an herbal remedy that has been used for treat various conditions for thousands of years. The plant is native to North Africa and Southern Europe and its medicinal history dates back to ancient Egypt. The plant has shown great medical potential from relieving heartburn to slowing down the spread of breast cancer. Aloe Vera gels contain a clear gel found in the leaves of the plant. The gel can be taken internally or applied externally on the skin to promote health and well-being. Here are some of the uses and benefits of Aloe Vera gel.

It helps heal burns

Aloe Vera gel has soothing, moisturizing and cooling properties which makes it extremely effective in treating burns. Studies have shown that the gel is particularly effective in treating superficial and partial thickness burns. Applying aloe gel on burns helps them heal quicker and also eases the pain. The gel is also effective in healing sunburn, it helps prevents redness, itching and infections on the skin.

 It promotes digestive system health.

Oral consumption of Aloe Vera aids digestive health. It helps soothe and cure stomach ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe Vera has also shown to inhibit the growth of H. Pylori bacteria, a bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract which causes ulcers.

Promotes oral health

Aloe Vera as a mouthwash provides a natural alternative for maintaining oral hygiene and reducing plaque. Studies have shown that it is more effective at lowering the levels of oral candida, plaque and gingivitis than triclosan based oral cleansing products. The build-up of plaque and bacterial biofilms on the teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Aloe Vera is effective in killing the plaque-producing bacterium streptococcus mutans in the mouth as well as the yeast Candida Albicans.

A number of people experience mouth ulcers at some point in their lives. It forms underneath the lip inside the mouth and last for up to a week or more. Treatment with Aloe Vera accelerates the healing of mouth ulcers.

Clears acne

Applying Aloe Vera gel on the skin has been shown to help clear up acne. The gel is contained in most acne products as it causes less irritation to the skin than traditional acne treatments. Studies have shown that adding Aloe Vera gel to conventional acne medication is more effective than using acne medication alone. It helps reduce the levels of inflammations and lesions associated with acne.

It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Antioxidants are important plant compounds which protect cells and tissues from damage by oxidative stress. Aloe Vera gel is rich in powerful antioxidants from a large family of compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols together with other compounds found in Aloe Vera gel helps inhibit the growth of certain types of infection causing bacteria. Aloe Vera is effective in healing wounds due to its antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.