Awesome Aloe (By Jodi M)

Aloe vera is extracted from the aloe plant and is a succulent that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a home remedy. Aloe vera that comes directly from the aloe plant is a yellowish liquid. You can simply break the plant open and the aloe vera liquid will come out, and it can then be applied topically. In addition to using that aloe vera liquid, the leaves can be brushed and used to soothe.

Aloe vera seems to be a natural miracle for medicine. It contains all kinds of helpful substances for the body. By consuming aloe or putting it on a wound, you are decreasing the chance for infection. Aloe vera has been used to help with treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, and inflammatory conditions of internal organs and systems.

Aloe vera contains 18 amino acids that provide many healing properties. The most common usage of aloe vera is to soothe sunburned skin, but it also provides other benefits such as healing damaged skin. Some people find that aloe vera helps with their acne, and most people loves how it softens and replenishes their skin. Aloe vera can be made into gels, juices, and powders. Aloe vera is often added to other products to enhance them such as cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, hand sanitizer to kill germs, and other household items.

Some research also suggests that aloe vera has positive effects in diabetes treatment and in the treatment of elevated blood lipids. One study conducted by Dr. O.R. Agarwal followed 5,000 heart disease patients over a 5 year period as they took 100 grams of aloe vera twice daily. At the end of the 5 years, Dr. Agarwal found that out of 3,167 diabetic patients, 2,990 patients had their blood sugar levels return to normal. Also, of all 5,000 patients, not one had a fresh heart attack.

More and more studies done each year to investigate other aloe vera healing properties. While many of the potential benefits currently unproven, families have been enjoying the effects of aloe vera for centuries and will continue to for centuries to come.

Hand sanitizers are a product that benefits greatly when made with aloe, as the alcohol used to kill germs has a dehydrating effect on skin. Purell and Germ X both make hand sanitizers containing aloe vera in gel form. Sun Dew makes a hand sanitizer product containing high quality aloe vera in a spray form.