Medicinal Uses Of Aloe Vera Gel
For Yeast Infections and Candida
The list of medicinal uses of aloe vera is HUGE and sometimes even controversial.
In fact, there is not much scientific support for medicinal uses
of aloe vera gel. The studies on aloe vera for cosmetic and therapeutic use are limited and often contradictory.
Yet, despite this, many people
still recommend using aloe vera to treat various ailments. It has been used for many years - some say since biblical times.
You, personally, have probably had someone suggest aloe vera to you - maybe for those baby stretch marks, maybe for a burn, or for a skin rash.
I remember when we had company awhile ago and one of our friends burnt his finger (can't really remember how??, but...). He asked me for some
aloe vera and he was totally
shocked to learn that we didn't have any aloe vera in the house.
He was especially amazed that we didn't have an
aloe vera plant
in the house.
He sincerly believed that
EVERYBODY kept an aloe vera plant on hand for this very type of thing. Apparently, I was one of the few who grew up without
a handy aloe vera plant around.
I decided to look into aloe vera and see what all the fuss was about.
Boy, did I have alot to learn. I had a general idea of some of the things that aloe vera was used for, but did you know that there is also aloe
vera juice? And, this aloe vera juice can be amazingly beneficial too. Who knew?
This page will tell you all about the medicinal uses of aloe vera, the scientific support for using it and where and how to find your best
aloe vera source.
What Is Aloe Vera Gel Used For:
Check out this long list of medicinal uses of aloe vera...
skin wounds
burns
scald
helps speed recovery time after surgery
blisters
insect bites
rashes
sores
herpes
athlete's foot
fungus
vaginal infections
allergic reactions
dry skin
acne
sunburn
shingles
psoriases
preventing scarring
wrinkles
rosacea
eczema
warts
diaper rash
external candida infections
male genital yeast infections
Aloe vera is also often used to help with yeast infections and Candida. Applied externally, it can have a soothing effect and
help calm irritated tissues.
The Healing Power of Herbs by Dr. Murray and The Yeast Connection Handbook by William G. Crook both talk about
how the medicinal uses of aloe vera can play a role in treating yeast infections and Candida.
Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera gel is used externally on your skin (do not 'drink' or eat the gel) and it can be very
healing and soothing.
William G. Crook claims it is the 'anthraquinones polysaccharides and prostaglandins' which are the active compounds that help.
This
link provides a
great explanation of aloe vera's medicinal benefits.
Sources For Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera is from the lily family, not the cactus family as many think. It is a
succulent perennial that will grow orangish-magenta colored flowers in the summer months.
Aloe vera can be grown from seed, but it is a little easier to grow it from an offshoot of a mature plant. If this sounds like too much work,
aloe vera plants are easy to find at your local plant and gardening stores. They can even be
bought online
if you prefer.
Aloe vera is a hardy plant that goes rather dormant in the winter months so it doesn't require alot of attention. Give it a sunny location with fast
draining soil and only minimal water (especially in winter). Aloe can hold a lot of water in its' roots and leaves to use when needed.
Even in the summer, the soil can completely dry out before watering.
The parts of the plant that are used medicinally are the
spike-like leaves which are filled with gel. The raw plant is the best way to have a readily available source because you can just squeeze the gel from a freshly picked leaf. Try to
remove a lower leaf from your plant and then cut or slice it open to squeeze out the gel-like substance (this is sometimes called the sap).
But, don't feel that you need to grow your own. There are
many commercial preparations that are excellent. Look for an aloe vera gel that is pure aloe vera. Sometimes, products have many other
added ingredients that you really don't need.
Aloe vera is usually pretty easy to find in your local store or health food store, but if you are really having
trouble finding it you can
buy it online from somewhere like amazon.com.
Important To Note:
Even though aloe vera has demonstrated activity against many common bacteria and fungi, including Candida albicans,
you usually need to take aloe vera orally in the form of
juice or tablets for many of the anti-fungal benefits. However, aloe vera gel does work very well for soothing irritating skin and can really
help with skin rash relief.
My Favorite Natural Yeast Infection Cure
If you want an
all natural way to cure your yeast infection,
I recommend you read this
book.
It helped me put all the bits of information together and get rid of my Candida for good.
Resources:
Ernst E (November 2000). "Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology".
The British journal of dermatology 143 (5): 923-9. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03822.x. PMID 11069498.
Marshall JM (2000) Aloe vera gel: what is the evidence? Pharm J 244:360-362.
Cure Zone Aloe Vera Research Blog
Unfortunately, home remedies do not work for everybody for a number of reasons. It is recommended that you
consult your health provider if you have any concerns or questions and before starting any new treatment or home remedy.
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