Over the last 20 years the aloe vera plant has been picking up speed in mainstream America as a plant of significant medicinal value. Numerous health and wellness benefits have been reported from both the scientific and antidotal forums. Science has proven the validity of many known benefits but there are numerous studies that are widening the benefits map, not to mention those not reported from various consumers of aloe vera products. Lastly, fighting acne is another common curse among many, especially those with poor diets. Not only can Aloe Vera be ingested for its tremendous vitamin and mineral benefits that bolster the immune system, it can be applied to the external areas of the body to reduce acne. The application over time can provide tremendous improvement on skin appearance.

Aloe vera is known to aid in the digestion process as it reinvigorates the flora in the gastrointestinal tract, balances the pH of the stomach, and aids in the healing of digestive disorders such as acid reflux disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcers. Ancient records indicate that this sensational plant has been used as a medicinal aid all over the world for over 3500 years. The travesty is that as technology and civilization has advanced, we as a culture have forgotten many such properties of plants like aloe vera.

A 42 day study conducted at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand and published in the Journal of Phytomedicine in 1996 revealed that aloe vera may very well be an active resource in the treatment of diabetes. In the study the test subjects witnessed a 43% reduction in blood sugar and a 44% drop in blood triglycerides by ingesting 15ml of Aloe Vera two times per day. A group of diabetics who weren't responding pharmaceutical medication were given Aloe Vera and showed amazing results in their blood suger and triglyceride levels. This isn't to say one should start ingesting Aloe Vera every day but certainly from a reputable source of the product in a form designed for internal consumption.

The external benefits that are well know are the accelerated healing of wounds and burns and less scar tissue buildup. Scarring of the skin is greatly reduced during the healing process when apply Aloe Vera topically to the wound or burn. Another way to apply it for anti bacterial purposes is to use Aloe Vera in conjunction with tooth paste. The mouth is known to be a source of much bacteria infestation that can lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis, stomatitis and peridonitis, not to mention the bad breath that accompanies such conditions. The dentists that have recommended applying Aloe Vera Gel to the toothbrush for antibacterial purposes are pioneers in a sense of homeopathic remedies. Aloe Vera plays a part in preventing diseases such as gingivitis and stomatitis.

Copyright (c) 2008 Michael Manning