• Aloe vera is used for skin treatments, cosmetics and other applications.aloe vera image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
  
  The aloe plant, specifically aloe vera, has been used for thousands of years to treat skin irritations, burns and wounds. Aloe vera is mentioned on a Sumarian tablet that dates back to 2100 BC. In the 19th century, "Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines," according to a 2008 article about complementary medicine from the University of Maryland Medical Center. The clear gel taken from inside the plant's leaves is also found in foods and cosmetics, and is often used as an herbal remedy.
  
  

Aloe Burns Treatment

• Aloe gel treats sunburns and minor burns. Compounds in the gel can decrease pain and inflammation. A University of Maryland Medical Center article points out that researchers found patients treated with aloe gel healed an average of approximately nine days sooner than other patients not treated with gel, while other research showed minimum positive healing properties. It should not be used on open wounds. To apply aloe gel to the skin, slice open a lower leaf, remove the inner gel in the center of the leaf and rub the gel on your skin.
  
  

Internal Uses

• Consuming aloe vera gel has curative properties that may help fight everything from AIDS to cancer. Aloe gel can also help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes; Herbs2000.com recommends taking a maximum of 2 tbsp. of fresh gel in a glass of water or fruit juice, three times a day.
  
  

Aloe Tooth Gel

• A 2009 article in "General Dentistry," the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), reported that aloe vera tooth gel is just as effective or more effective than two commercial toothpaste brands for fighting cavities. Use aloe vera tooth gel in place of regular toothpaste. Since the gel does not contain abrasive elements usually found in toothpaste, it is seen as a good toothpaste replacement for people with sensitive gums or teeth.
  
  

Aloe Cautions

• Aloe juice taken from the skin of the aloe leaf is a powerful laxative. Other herbal laxatives from aloe cascara and senna are recommended rather than aloe vera leaf juice, which is sometimes referred to as aloe latex. Pregnant women should not take aloe latex because of possible uterine contractions and miscarriages. Nursing mothers are cautioned against using aloe latex because of its unknown effects on babies.