Aloe Vera has been used throughout history for its soothing, healing, and softening properties. You have likely seen it in a variety of products such as cosmetics, lotions, sunblock, and sunburn products. In fact, when most people think of Aloe Vera, they immediately think "sunburns". While it is true that the product works well for relieving the pain and discomfort of sunburns, it has many other redeeming qualities.

Aloe Vera, in a gel form has been used to preserve fresh foods such as legumes and fresh fruits. It can sometimes add many weeks to the lives of otherwise short lived fruits and vegetables.

The topic of this article is about the relief it can provide, so when speaking in terms of medicinal uses Aloe Vera has many. The plant has healing properties as it works to reduce inflammation and ease pain caused by eczema, burns, and cuts. Generally used as a topical treatment it has been used to heal burns, wounds, and even ulcers. Research shows that a specific compound within the plant and its sap works to provide the skin with a protective coating, which in turn stimulates our immune system, to ultimately promote faster healing.

Aloe Vera has even been proven to eliminate scarring when applied topically. A portion of the plant is also considered to be a short-term cure for constipation as the aloin is considered a laxative. However, this should only be used a last resort, as it is known to cause extremely painful cramping when used as a laxative. There are so many possible uses for Aloe Vera, that it will be impossible to list them all.

Sometimes the plant is used to treat poison ivy as well, relieving the pain and itchiness. With poison ivy, because the Aloe Vera forms a protective coating over the skin, it may prevent the spread of the rash to other people. Scientists and researchers are also conducting studies on it's uses with cancers and diabetes. The plant is also believed to have anti-bacterial elements and have been shown to combat against many viruses, to which there are no cures. Generally, when you have a virus, the only thing you can do is let it run its course. However, studies show that Aloe Vera may be effective against the flu, chickenpox, and even herpes.

Again, Aloe Vera, is not something new to any of us, you likely already knew about its uses for sunburns, but many people are unaware of its other benefits. Perhaps some of you had parents that kept the plant in there homes for uses on cuts, burns, or other ailments. The plant goes back many years, even beyond the years of Cleopatra, who used it as a lotion for her skin. Each year, more and more benefits are found in the uses of this healing plant.