Get to know the multiple uses of the medicinal plant we all love- Aloe Vera

1. Aloe VeraUSES OF
Aloe Vera
Compiled By:- Shagun Vinayak

2. Introduction
 Aloe Vera is an important and
traditional medicinal plant belonging
to the family Liliaeceae. It is known by
several names like:- Ghrit Kumari,
Kunvar Pathu and Indian Aloe. It is
widely cultivated because of its use
as a medicinal plant .

3.  There are nearly about 150 species in
Aloe. Among this species, there is only one
variety that has legendary medical
reputation dating back thousands of years
, it is the Aloe Vera.
 Aloe is supposed to be derived from
the Arabic word “alloeh” meaning “ bitter”
because of its bitter liquid found in the
leaves.

4. Uses
Edible uses
• Aloes have been used worldwide for more than
3,500 years.
• Leaves – cooked
• A gel in the leaves is sometimes is used as an
ingredient in commercial juices.
• Juice is also taken from the aloe vera leaves.
The bitter juice is often prepared as a flavored
drink and is used to help with digestive problems.

5. Medical Uses
 Aloe Vera is a fairly well known herbal preparation
with a long history of use. It is widely used in modern
herbal practice and is often available in proprietary
herbal preparations.
 It has two distinct types of medical uses.
• The clear gel contained within the leaf makes an
excellent treatment for wounds, burns and other skin
disorders, placing a protective layer above the
affected area. This action is in part due to the
presence of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune
system.

6. • The second use comes from the yellow sap
at the base of the leaf. The leaves are cut
transversally at their base and the liquid that
exudes from this cut is dried. It is called bitter
aloes and contains anthraquinones which are
useful digestive stimulant.
 Aloe is used in many skin care products
because of its stability to stimulate healthy
cell growth and repair damaged tissues.

7.  It is beneficial for the cosmetic products such
as make up, anti-wrinkle creams, facial
masks, skin conditioners and lipsticks.
 The leaf extracts are used in skin care
cosmetic products.
Uses in Cosmetics

8. Aloe Vera as a natural food
preservative
 A thin layer of aloe vera gel can be used as a natural
food preservative, eliminating the need for chemical
preservatives. Research conducted by Daniel Valero,
Ph.D., of the University of Miguel Hernandez in Alicante,
Spain, showed that a thin layer of aloe vera gel was highly
effective in preserving foods. For the experiment, they
dipped table grapes into an aloe vera gel, then stored
them at refrigerator temperatures. Untreated table grape
went bad in 7 days, but the grapes dipped in aloe vera
stayed fresh and last for as astonishing 35 days!

9.  Because of this remarkable ability, aloe vera gel could
revolutionize food safety around the world. Dipping fruits and
vegetables in aloe vera gel would eliminate e.coli, preserve
freshness, and greatly extend shelf life.
 Soon, a pure aloe vera gel product (with no added
flavours) will likely be made available at Good Cause Wellness
. You can simply mix some powder with purified water to
make your own gel, then dip fruits and vegetables in the gel .
Apples, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, peaches, potatoes,
grapes and many other food items can be preserved in this
way. And when you're done dipping produce in the gel, you
can either drink the gel in a smoothie or put it on your skin as
a skin rejuvenation treatment. None of the aloe goes to
waste, and your fruits and vegetables will last far longer!