Some rub it on burns, some use its extract on their skins while others use it as a decorative plant on the porch. Whatever be the reason, almost every Indian household has an Aloe Vera plant. It has been given different names is different languages but is invariably used in almost all places as a medicinal plant.
A lot of research has been carried out to understand the effects of Aloe Vera and its components. The results of such research are often contradictory and many of the effects that traditional knowledge ascribes to the plant have been questioned in the scientific community.
In spite of all this, Aloe Vera still finds a place in many products that we regularly use and many organizations spread information, mostly through Internet advertising, about the benefits it is believed to have. We bring to you some of Aloe Vera's benefits, a few learned from scientific texts, others from select websites and still others from the knowledgeable generation that precedes us.
The uses of Aloe Vera
- Many soaps and shampoos have Aloe Vera extracts as an ingredient. Most of the plant's beneficial effects are believed to be on the skin and hence, most products that are applied on the skin and hair include its extracts.
- Sunscreen lotions use Aloe Vera extracts as an active ingredient, though no laboratory experiment has proved the effects of the plant on sunburns and sun tans. However, it is widely believed that Aloe Vera does provide some protection from the direct rays of the sun when used as a paste on the skin or as an ingredient in a lotion.
- Shaving creams contain Aloe Vera extracts as do moisturisers. The sap produced form the plant is a thick, mucus-like gel and is used by many people even in the raw form as a skin moisturiser. The sap is also used as a face-wash and may have cleansing properties. Aloe Vera sap is also used in the making of many brands of face wash.
- But the uses of Aloe Vera is not limited to beauty products alone. It finds its way into food products, too. A mentionable number of yogurt companies mix it in yogurt. Cut and frozen or chilled pieces of its sap are also used in desserts. The sap in itself is tasteless and is often sweetened for the purpose of eating.
- The most popular use of Aloe Vera sap is in the treatment of wounds. While there is little scientific evidence to show that wounds treated with Aloe Vera heal faster, it continues to be widely used on skin wounds and burns. Aloe Vera produces a soothing, cooling effect and is also believed to help lessen intensity of scars.
- Aloe Vera, in combination with other plant products, is used as a home remedy to provide relief from the symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
- Aloe Vera is also believed to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and its sap, paste and extracts are used to prevent secondary infections on rashes, cuts and wounds.
The use of Aloe Vera dates back centuries. People across Asia, Africa and Europe are said to have used it for its medicinal value and for beautification. Fortunately, in most cases, Aloe Vera is not observed to have side effects and hence can be safely used. And while the scientific community always carries out ample research before declaring any plant a medicinal herb, traditional knowledge seems to give the benefit of the doubt to the much popular plant. It continues to be a very widely-grown plant across our country. Besides, even if its medicinal properties can be questioned, it does carry certain aesthetic value and is always a beautiful plant to decorate your home with.
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