A succulent perennial plant belonging to the lily family, aloe vera grows wild in Madagascar and large portions of the African continent. Because of its many therapeutic uses, it is now commercially cultivated in the United States, Japan, and countries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Many individuals also grow aloe as a houseplant. The aloe plant is best known for its healing aloe vera gel, a thin, clear, jellylike substance that can be squeezed or scraped from the inner part of the fleshy leaf. A soothing juice is also made from this gel. Another substance from the same plant, aloe vera latex, is taken from specialized cells along the inner leaf skin (called the pericyclic tubules). The latex is extracted as a liquid, then dried into a yellow powder. Because it's such a potent laxative, the latex is not usually used alone but combined with gentler herbs, such as cascara sagrada. Germany's Commission E approves of using small amounts of aloe vera latex to relieve constipation, but only for short-term use. Health Benefits For centuries, the gel of the aloe vera plant has been used as a soothing topical remedy for minor burns and wounds. It continues to be popular for treating sunburns and other first-degree burns because it appears to speed healing. In addition, aloe vera gel is used to treat minor surface irritations, to reduce psoriasis symptoms, to lessen the painful effects of shingles, and to shrink warts. It even has a reputation as a beauty aid. Various research studies are underway to explore the potential of aloe vera components to boost immunity and combat the HIV virus, and to treat certain types of cancer (particularly leukemia). It may even have a role to play in managing diabetes. Specifically, aloe vera may help to: Speed healing of first-degree burns, including sunburns. The gel is excellent for easing first-degree burns (including sunburns) and certain minor second-degree burns. If applied after the burn has cooled, it will relieve pain and inflammation and accelerate healing. In one study of 27 people with moderately severe burns, those who used aloe vera healed in about 12 days on average, whereas the control group, who covered the affected areas with a regular gauze dressing, took 18 days to heal. Soothe and hasten healing of cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds and skin irritations. The gel contains a number of active ingredients, including substances known to help relieve pain, reduce swelling, quell itching, and increase blood flow to an injured area. Some research even indicates that the gel has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Conversely, aloe vera gel may not help treat deeper, infected wounds, or those incurred during surgery. In one study at a Los Angeles hospital, 21 women were given either aloe vera gel or a placebo for wounds resulting from a caesarean section or surgery to the abdominal wall. When the gel was used, it took 83 days for the wounds to heal; when the placebo was applied, it took 53 days. (Both groups also received standard anti-infective treatments.) Lessen painful effects of shingles. Applied gently to the painful lesions that characterize this condition, aloe vera gel acts promptly to soothe these sores and provide relief from itching. It also works to decrease the chances that the blisters will become infected. Reduce symptoms of psoriasis. The ability of aloe vera gel to promote healing and quell itching and pain may offer some relief to those who suffer from this troubling condition. In a recent study of 60 people with chronic psoriasis, 83% of those who applied aloe to lesions three times a day for eight months experienced substantial improvement. Only 6% of those using a placebo benefited from its effects. Ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. A juice made from the aloe gel acts as an anti-inflammatory and can be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. European folk medicine calls for using aloe vera juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers. While there is very little substantive evidence to support these internal uses, preliminary research has shown promising results. In one Japanese study, 17 of 18 patients who took aloe vera juice found some relief for their peptic ulcers. However, none of the participants was given a placebo, so comparisons of its effectiveness could not be made. Other clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in aloe vera reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.