Aloe vera has been used for centuries for such a wide variety of medicinal purposes that it is sometimes known as a miracle plant.

When used externally, aloe vera can help your wounds heal faster as well as alleviate your sunburn pains. It is sometimes even used in anti-aging creams.

When consumed, aloe vera brings even more benefits.

As a natural antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent, aloe vera can help with many ailments and conditions.

Aloe vera has traditionally been used for treating diseases of the intestinal tract, including ulcers. It can help improve digestion and assimilation of nutrients from the digestive tract. The gel of the plant has also been processed for use as a commercial laxative.

Aloe vera juice can help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving immunity. In fact, it was said that Gandhi was sustained on aloe vera juice during periods of long fast.

Rich in plant sterols, amino acids and polysaccharides, aloe vera is often used as a detoxification herb and a liver cleanser. This makes the plant food a useful weight loss aid. As a liver cleanser, aloe vera can help alleviate menopausal symptoms aggravated by a sluggish liver.

There is some suggestion that aloe vera is not suitable for pregnant ladies, nursing mothers and children. Hence, these groups should use the plant food with caution.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.