Wikipedia says, "Aloe vera is a succulent plant species. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD. Extracts from A. vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing, or soothing properties."
A recent article entitled, "25 Amazing Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Skin, Hair And Health" by Arshi Ahmed (see link) highlights the many benefits of Aloe Vera.
Some excerpts: "Aloe Vera, also known as the ‘plant of immortality’ by the ancient Egyptians, was used for its healing properties since time immemorial. Aloe Vera plants are commonly found in the African regions and belong to the family of Xanthorrhoeaceae, known for its succulent or fleshy leaves. This nontoxic plant stores water in its leaves and survives in low rainfall and arid regions. Aloe Vera leaf looks unique; it doesn’t have any stems and the edges of leaves have tiny spikes.
Aloe Vera is considered to be a miracle plant. Since, it contains phytochemicals and other nutrients which are beneficial for hair, health and skin. Aloe Vera extracts are also used in food and energy drinks. It is a very good habit to drink aloe vera juice on empty stomach every morning, to get maximum benefits of this plant.
Aloe Vera is sold as gel, powder and juice. You can also make fresh aloe juice at home by cutting the leaf and extracting the aloe gel from it. There are different species of the aloe plant, but Aloe Barbadensis Mill is the most popular and widely used variety of aloe vera. The scientific epithet ‘vera’ means true and genuine. So aloe vera derived from the plant will have a tangible impact on the health, hair and skin. You can see your skin glow after using aloe vera, and a glowing skin reflects good health."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-aloe-vera-for-skin-hair-and-health/
Aloe vera consist as much as 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active enzymes. Aloe vera contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and E, folic acid and Niacin. Minerals found in aloe vera include copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. The nutrients naturally present in aloe vera makes it a potential herbal product that can be safely used both internally and externally. This exotic plant contains other beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectins. The presence of these nutrients makes it possible to use aloe vera for variety of therapeutic purposes. Aloe vera not only cures the skin, health and hair problems, it so soothing that it also helps you to relax. Let’s have a look at various aloe vera uses and benefits.
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-aloe-vera-for-skin-hair-and-health/
Sundar
You have already provided good summary for your question. Here is an excerpt from WebMD.
"The useful parts of aloe are the gel and latex. The gel is obtained from the cells in the center of the leaf; and the latex is obtained from the cells just beneath the leaf skin.
Aloe gel might cause changes in the skin that might help diseases like psoriasis.
Aloe seems to be able to speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound.
It also appears that aloe gel has properties that are harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi.
Aloe latex contains chemicals that work as a laxative."
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-607-aloe.aspx?activeingredientid=607&activeingredientname=aloe
Aloe vera consist as much as 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active enzymes. Aloe vera contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and E, folic acid and Niacin. Minerals found in aloe vera include copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. The nutrients naturally present in aloe vera makes it a potential herbal product that can be safely used both internally and externally. This exotic plant contains other beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectins. The presence of these nutrients makes it possible to use aloe vera for variety of therapeutic purposes. Aloe vera not only cures the skin, health and hair problems, it so soothing that it also helps you to relax. Let’s have a look at various aloe vera uses and benefits.
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-aloe-vera-for-skin-hair-and-health/
The first time I came across this was in Uganda in 2006. They extensively use it both internally and externally. Aloe is also an excellent treatment for skin conditions such as burns and eczema. It is often reported that burns can be healed remarkably quickly and the pain reduced very quickly with topical application of Aloe Vera to the burn area. Aloe can also be taken internally so it is just as useful for internal epithelial tissue as it is for the skin. For example, mouth and stomach ulcers, nasal and sinuses, bowels, lungs and genital tracts. Aloe works on membranes and surfaces.
Dear @Sundar, there are many benefits for Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids – no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies! The bulk of the aloe vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water. Humans have used aloe therapeutically for over 5000 years – now that’s a long-standing track record! The list of benefits and effects for this miraculous plant are many. For more benefits see the list of the Top 12 Benefits of Aloe Vera (including some medicinal uses) at:
http://happyandraw.com/top-12-benefits-of-aloe-vera/#sthash.bDsWSChl.dpuf
My views on the 'benefits of Aloe Vera' is fully covered by @Mahfuz and @Abedallah.
Dear Prof. Krishnan - In India, neem is more often used for skin problems and for treating stomach-related diseases etc. Neem is well-known and commonly used in India, thanks to its anti-bacterial properties! I once had a serious liver problem in USA and I got cured with an Ayurvedic medicine made of Neem.. Best wishes, Sundar
Neem has its own benefit and cure for POX.
The beauty of Aloe is that, it is mixed with Avocados and the paste is applied to remove even the "fat stretches" in the skin. Enlargement and shrinkage of body either due to natural growth changes and child birth etc.,
While Aloe gives the glow Avocados do the internal rearrangements
About Aloe vera in the Canary Islands and its medicinal value you can see this interesting article:
WILDPRET DE LA TORRE, W. et al. (2010). Aloe vera en Canarias: aspectos botánicos y etnobotánicos. Makaronesia 12: 116-131.
You can download it (free of charge) in the next link: http://www.amigosmnh.org/descargas/makaronesia_12.pdf
In India, Aloe Vera is used in many beauty soaps and skin creams..
Aloe Vera has benefits. Recently, a friend told me that Aloe Vera solution is useful to treat fungal diseases on skin, etc.
Auro Southland Food Services Pvt Ltd is one of the leading distributors and marketers of Golden Falcon Energy Drink, Aloe Vera Fruit Flavored Juices, Flavored Green Tea, Coconut Juice with Pulp from Thailand and Icelandic Spring Water from Iceland.
Aloe Vera Fruit Flavored Juice is an ideal solution for health conscious individuals. This product is very important in order to maintain good health as well as to boost the immune system. Supreme quality Aloe Vera Fruit Flavored Juices are very popular in the competitive market due to their immense medicinal and healing features
http://www.getit.in/c/aurosouthlandfoodservicespvtltd1/product/5007441/aloe-vera-fruit-flavored-juices/
For the attention of my good friends - Yogesh & Umachandran:
"The Aloe Vera Triphala Juice is an excellent food supplement. The juice is rich with the goodness of the miracle plant Aloe Vera, Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki, sourced from special handpicked chemical free farms. Regular intake of the juice helps reduce weight, lower blood glucose, prevent heartburn, acidity and constipation. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and revitalize the body. Aloe Vera Triphala juice is a liver tonic and also effective in controlling skin diseases. The calcium in Aloe Vera is readily absorbed in the body and thus helps strengthens the bones. Being an antioxident, it prevents tissue damage and hence delays aging. So make Aloe Vera Triphala Juice a part of your daily diet "
Yogesh - at Chennai, Aloe Vera juice is sold (in mixed form with buttermilk at many places) and people take it to beat the heat! I understand that some medical shops (pharmacy) sell Aloe Vera Triphala Juice. I don't know whether you have done research on the benefits of Aloe Vera. If you have done any paper, kindly enclose it with your reply! There are many beauty care products around the world which make use of Aloe Vera. I recently only came to know about the use of Aloe Vera!
Dear Dr. Sundarapandian Vaidyanathan
Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years. It improves the digestive system, boosts the immune system, improves skin and prevent wrinkles, promotes healing of burns and wounds, prevent dental plaque, reduces blood sugar, treats constipation and prevents breast cancer. Please see the following RG links.
Article Aloe vera: A short review
Article Evidence based medical use of aloe vera extracts, short revi...
Article Aloe Vera: The Miracle Plant Its Medicinal and Traditional U...
Article Clilinical importance of aloe vera
Article Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Aloe vera: A Review
Article Medicinal and cosmetological importance of Aloe vera
Article Aloe vera: A plant for many uses
Article Composition and Applications of Aloe vera Leaf Gel
Regards
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant used for many purposes through out the world. Aloe vera consist as much as 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active enzymes. Aloe vera contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and E, folic acid and Niacin. Minerals found in aloe vera include copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese.
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