The use of aloe for minor skin irritation and burns dates back to ancient times. Clay tablets from Mesopotamia dated 1750 B.C. indicate aloe vera was used for medicinal purposes, and Egyptian records from 550 B.C. also mention the use of aloe for skin infections. The ancient Greeks were aware of the healing power of this sturdy succulent plant; both Pliny (23-79 A.D.) and Dioscorides (first century A.D.) write about aloe’s ability to heal skin infections and treat minor wounds. In the United States, aloe was documented in the Unites States Pharmacopoeia of 1820, in which a number of aloe preparations were detailed. It became more and more popular in the early 1900s, and by 1920 cultivation of aloe for pharmaceutical use was started. The modern use of aloe was further advanced in 1935 when a group of physicians used aloe successfully to treat facial burns a patient received from X-ray treatments. Massive anecdotal evidence indicate aloe is indeed a valuable, natural treatment for a wide variety of skin conditions and irritations of various kinds.
The Different Faces Of Aloe Today
Aloe vera is found in skin products such as creams, ointments and lotions; bath care and beauty products; it can also be found in juices. Aloe is especially effective as a spray-on application in instances where rubbing the skin is contraindicated in treatment. The combination of anti-inflammatory, wound healing, moisturizing, emollient and antimicrobial actions are believed to be why aloe vera is so effective when used as a topical treatment for an astounding array of skin problems.
The Uses Of Aloe For Soothing Irritations
Aloe can be used to treat a number of skin irritations, although it is not particularly effective in the treatment of deep, vertical wounds such as those from laproscopic surgery or Cesarian sections. However, it is especially potent in treating burns, including sunburn; radiation burns; ulcers; acne; ringworm; eczema; psoriasis and herpes. The results of its soothing properties are felt almost immediately, and it can often speed healing. Because of the soothing effect, aloe has also been used in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory ailments. The anti-inflammatory effects have been thought to aid in irritations of the body such as arthritis, although there have been no clinical studies to bear this out.
The Bottom Line Of Aloe Vera
There is a lot of evidence, both clinical and anecdotal, to indicate aloe vera has a lot more going on than its unassuming appearance might indicate. There are no known side-effects to using aloe topically, unless you are allergic. It is obvious it can help soothe irritations from a wide variety of sources, and it has the potential for aiding in the treatment of serious medical conditions such as HIV and AIDS. More studies need to be done, but aloe vera could very well be a medical miracle in the making.
Ayelen says
Hi Berthold,I’m so very sad to read of the terribly shocikng passing of your loved one. My heart goes out to you. Please trust and believe that although at this moment in time, you may not have any understanding or vision of a future without pain and emotional agony, time will allow your mind to rebuild. You will never forget the love of your life, she will always live in your heart and mind, but the day will come when you will be able to think of her and a smile will replace the tears that now fall. At this point in your life you will have to find the strength to live one minute at a time, but the nightmare you are currently enduring will diminish and lose its power over you. It may seem impossible to imagine today, but there is a brighter future ahead. And please remember most of all, she would have and will always want to see you enjoy life D