Uses for Aloe Vera: About The Aloe Plant

Aloe Vera Uses: Benefits of Aloe Vera

Belonging to the Lily family, the aloe plant is classified as a succulent.

The uses for aloe vera gel (which is contained within the leaves) have been revered for a wide variety of medicinal and therapeutic purposes for thousands of years.

Indeed, the healing properties of the aloe plant span back to ancient Egypt where herbal practitioners and healers recorded the wonders of aloe vera uses, such as its ability in promoting and restoring healthy skin.

Even though it was originally native to the Egyptian region, the aloe plant is now grown throughout the world, including the United States.

For these reasons and more, aloe vera products and aloe vera uses are seeing increasing demand...

The aloe plant's healing powers are most widely touted for being able to treat skin conditions. These conditions include psoriasis, shingles, and others associated with itching; in addition, cuts, abrasions and burns are said to benefit from topically applying the leaf's gel to the affected areas.

The uses of aloe vera -- that is, its efficacy -- stem from its active ingredients. These substances harbor anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain why it has been reported to alleviate the pain and swelling associated with itches and burns.

Many of these above aloe vera uses are common knowledge.

What is much less known at the current time about the uses for aloe vera is that some preliminary studies are suggesting that it may be a powerful antiviral agent, and potent immune system enhancer.

It is even being tested as a possible treatment for certain types of cancer and conditions as serious as diabetes.

It will be interesting to see if future studies end up validating or dispeling these preliminary promises of the uses of aloe vera.

There's little doubt that if these uses for aloe vera are validated, you can be sure that aloe based products will begin to flood the market.

Because aloe vera is not considered an essential nutrient there is no RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) set.

However, it appears to be a very safe herb, with no known toxicity that we have been able to find in the literature.

A few people using it may experience a mild allergic reaction, developing a rash or feeling of itchiness. If so, discontinue use.

As with all herbal remedies, refrain from use if you are pregnant or nursing.

1. Purchase your product only from pharmaceutical GMP compliant manufacturers. These facilities adhere to the strictest regulatory standards for the manufacture of dietary supplements. This is an issue consumers need to take seriously because dietary supplements are unregulated in the U.S., and many products have been shown to harbor contaminants or do not even contain what is stated on the label.

2. Be sure that when looking at aloe vera products you choose one that does not contain any fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!)) or any artificial colors or flavors.

3. Make sure you puchase aloe vera products produced using only standarized herbal extracts. Standardized extracts contain the highest amount of active ingredient, and, therefore, have the best potency and efficacy. Most manufacturers do not use standarized extracts because it is much cheaper.

Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

According to Xtend-Life Natural Products:

"Not all Aloe Vera's are the same...

It is important to be aware that the Aloe Vera extract you see advertised is usually quite weak and the only type that gives the protection is one which is harvested and prepared in a special way which involves spray drying and concentrating to 200:1. This is quite an uncommon extract as it is more expensive to process in this manner. It is nothing like the common aloe vera sold in liquid form which also has additives and preservatives which are needed when in solution form."

Xtend-Life's Total Balance is a product that contains the type of aloe vera extract mentioned above -- in addition to being produced at a GMP compliant facility.

Total Balance, however, is more than just an aloe vera product. It contains almost 70 total nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, speciality nutrients, enzymes, and herbal extracts.

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info have personally been using Xtend-Life's Total Balance for the past year with excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental sharpness, and feeling of well-being.

People searching for the uses for aloe vera may wish to have a look.