Ask any traditional doctor and you are likely to hear a thing or two against aloe vera gel. The fact is that aloe vera has a long association with alternative therapies especially herbal medicine. The curative properties of aloe vera find mention in documents dating as back as 16th century BC. Gel made from aloe vera after removal of aloin is safe and has no side effects. The gel is commonly is used in lotions, yoghurt, beverages and some desserts. Aloe vera derivatives are also used by the cosmetic industry for making make up tissues, sunscreens, soaps, shampoos and incense. Aloe vera speeds up the healing process and is an effective treatment for wounds. It is also used as a topical application for treatment of genital herpes and skin disorders like psoriasis and dermatitis. However, the medical fraternity refuses to accept all this in absence of concrete medical evidence.

Aloe Vera leaves contain a variety of biologically active compounds some of which have been extensively studied. Aloe vera extracts have anti fungal and antibacterial properties and inhibit skin mycosis, condition in which fungi cross the resistance barriers of the body and establish fungal infections. These usually form a part of natural topical lotions and creams used for treating skin infection and other skin disorders like dermatitis and eczema. In fact, aloe vera skin treatment is one of the most popular herbal treatments. Gel made from inner leaf of aloe vera has demonstrated inhibition of growth of bacteria belonging to Streptococcus and Shigella species. Preliminary studies suggest that aloe vera may reduce inflammation in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

As late as 2003, aloin, the purgative element in aloe vera, was an important ingredient in over the counter laxatives available in USA. After being banned by the FDA, manufacturers now remove aloin. Processed aloe vera serves as a digestive healer. Aloe vera juice provides relief from digestive problems like heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aloe vera is stemless succulent plant that grows up to 60-100cm or 24-39 inches. The leaves are green to grey green and thick. Aloe vera plant was initially grown as a decorative plant. It is now popular with modern gardeners as a medicinal plant and widely grown to supply the cosmetic and beverage industry with Aloe vera extracts.

A lot of research is required to establish its curative properties. The sad part is that natural products cannot be patented. Since big corporate do not find it profitable in absence of patenting of natural substances they are not interested in funding research for the extensive studies required for scientific evidence of aloe vera benefits.

Despite conflicting evidence provided by the little amount of research done on aloe vera, preliminary evidence is available for the positive effects of aloe vera. Aloe vera extracts in beverages is an effective digestive aid. Aloe vera gel, on the other hand, applied on the skin restores the pH balance and effectively treats various skin diseases.