September 25, 2006	Monday	Ramazan 1, 1427

ALOE Vera is a succulent plant grown all over Pakistan. It is a drought-tolerant plant and needs very small quantity of water. Since thousands of years Aloe Vera plant is used as a natural remedy for countless ailments. Ancient Greek scientists used it in treating wounds, skin abrasions, insect bites, boils, bruises, chapping, bleeding gums, and dysentery, and also as a laxative.

The juice of Aloe Vera heals severe joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis, and of tendonitis and injuries. When applied directly, it penetrates into the skin to soothe pain. Studies have found that ingestion of Aloe Vera on a daily basis helps in preventing arthritis and also relieves gastrointestinal problems. It helps relieve ulcerous, gastrointestinal and kidney problems, along with improving indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, increased stomach acid, peptic and duodenal ulcers and colitis.

Aloe Vera gel is excellent in soothing burns, and dry and itchy skin. If applied to a wound, it increases both the rate of wound closure and tensile strength of the wound via proliferation of cells. Aloe Vera is beneficial for skin, liver, nerve and blood cells. It also treats radiation burns. Aloe Vera juice contains vitamins C, E, zinc and seven super oxide dismutases. It is antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-viral.

It relieves pain and inflammation. Dermatologists use it to speed up the healing process subsequent to facial dermabrasions as it assists in removing scars from the skin’s top layer. When applied gently to painful lesions like warts, Aloe Vera gel provides relief from itching and reduces the risk of infection.

Studies suggest that Aloe Vera gel has beneficial effect to the accumulation of blood fat lipids associated with the coronary disease. Test groups given Aloe Vera showed decrease in cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids and non-esterified fatty acid levels.

Research has proven that Aloe Vera juice prevents suppression of the skin immune system. This suppression may be one of the causes of skin cancer. In addition topical application of juice can be made to 34 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light without reducing the degree of prevention regarding immune system suppression.

One of the main reasons Aloe Vera has become popular among consumers is that it possesses incredible moisturizing properties. Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the skin ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through skin. Each of these factors makes Aloe Vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological products. It is currently one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetic industry, being utilized in over 90 per cent of the dermatological extracts manufactured worldwide.

Aging of the skin is characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis combined with the appearance of lines, creases, age spots and furrows in the face. Components of Aloe Vera are found to help reverse degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis.

Worldwide, there are only a few multinational companies that employ natural benefits of Aloe Vera plant for its therapeutic qualities.