Aloe Vera: Benefits & Uses

One of the most popular medicinal plants, aloe vera has long been used to cure a variety of diseases and conditions. Aloe vera is safe to use, albeit there are some side effects – especially if you use aloe vera directly from the plant.

Aloe vera ointments, gels and creams contain the pure gel from the plant’s leaves. Aloe vera products can be used topically to cure skin conditions. There are also aloe vera capsules or liquid that you can take internally to enhance well-being. Below is a guide to aloe vera for you to learn.

What Are Aloe Vera Benefits?

Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aloe vera has a lot of great health and beauty benefits, which are evidence-based. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

1. Treat digestion problems

Aloe vera consumption may be good for your digestive tract as it aids in relieving and treating stomach issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A scientific review that involved 151 participants found that aloe vera eased symptoms of IBS in comparison with a placebo.

Moreover, aloe vera could aid in suppressing the growth of H. pylori bacteria. These bacteria can trigger ulcers found in your digestive tract and can lead to ulcers.

This tip is for natural aloe vera only as other aloe plants aren’t for taking internally. They may be extremely poisonous.

2. Speed up the healing process

Aloe vera boasts cooling, moisturising and soothing properties, making it a great treatment for burns and wounds. One study that involved 50 people showed that participants who applied aloe vera gel to burns had earlier wound healing than those who used a 1% silver sulfadiazine cream. An added benefit: aloe vera is a cheap treatment.

If you have a mild burn or sunburn, apply aloe vera to the affected area several times during the day. This method may not work for severe burns, though.

3. Treat acne

There are many aloe vera products created for acne, such as moisturisers, toners and cleansers. Acne products that contain aloe vera may cause less irritation than traditional acne products.

The research demonstrated that a cream combined with traditional acne medication with aloe vera gel was much more efficient than using acne medication alone. Successful results were seen over a period of 8 weeks.

4. Improve oral health

The mouthwash and toothpaste that contain aloe vera are often used for improving oral hygiene and preventing plaque. A recent study that involved 40 adolescents concluded that participants who used aloe vera toothpaste had better oral health than those who used a regular toothpaste containing triclosan.

The results showed that the aloe toothpaste was more efficient than the triclosan toothpaste when it came to preventing gingivitis, plaque and candida. The experiment lasted 30 days and participants reported to have overall improved oral health.

5. Ease anal fissures

If you’re suffering from anal fissures, an aloe vera cream may ensure more effective healing. A study showed that applying a cream that contains aloe vera juice powder to the affected area was beneficial in treating anal fissures. Participants used the cream 3 times a day for 6 weeks.

Aloe vera benefits don’t stop here. Aloe vera is helpful in wound healing, haemorrhaging upon defection, and pain relief. More studies are needed to prove the fact that aloe vera can completely treat anal fissures.

6. Accelerate the healing of canker sores

Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers typically occur inside the mouth, underneath the lip, and last for up to 7 days. Studies after studies have found that aloe vera can speed up the healing of canker sores.

A study that involved 180 participants suffering from recurrent mouth ulcers showed that using an aloe vera patch on the affected area helped to decrease the size of the ulcers.

Another scientific review revealed that aloe vera helped ease the pain associated with canker sores. It also accelerated the whole healing process.

7. Ward off wrinkles

Some preliminary evidence suggested that using aloe vera gel topically can delay skin aging. The research found that 30 women over the age of 45 who took oral aloe vera gel experienced enhanced skin elasticity and better collagen production over a 90-day period.

Moreover, a 2019 study concluded that aloe vera could benefit dry skin by improving the skin’s retain moisture abilities and skin integrity. While there’s no cure for wrinkles, using fresh aloe vera gel regularly can visually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use Fresh Aloe Vera Gel

You can add fresh aloe vera gel to drinks and smoothies, apply it directly to your skin or make homemade beauty products. You can make homemade aloe vera juice by combining 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of aloe gel. Use a food processor or blender to make your drink and add some berries or fruit for extra flavour.

You can make your own aloe vera moisturiser by simply rubbing the gel side of the leaf on your face. If you have weak hair, you can rub the gel directly into the scalp and rinse it off in an hour. You might see that hair loss and breakage slows down. Store any aloe vera leftovers in the freezer.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Stay away from fresh aloe vera gel if you’re suffering from medical conditions like diabetes, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, cardiac condition, renal disorder, kidney conditions, and haemorrhoids.

The possible side effects of using aloe vera include electrolyte imbalances, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, low potassium, blood in the urine, and kidney issues.

In general, it’s safe for the majority of people to use fresh aloe vera gel or its products topically to treat minor skin care problems. Allergic reactions and skin irritations are possible, though. Avoid applying aloe vera directly to any severe burns or cuts.

Conclusion:

Aloe vera has a variety of antioxidant, antibacterial, and therapeutic properties, especially as an ointment for the gums and skin. You can take the gel directly from the leaf of an aloe plant or use the bottled one.

Aloe vera juice benefits are astonishing, too. It has different uses and helps treat certain health issues, including constipation, stomach ulcers and gum inflammation. Be sure you talk to a doctor before using any aloe vera products or supplements.