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Aloe Vera: Uses and Health Benefits
Health | January 24, 2018
Aloe Vera: Uses and Health Benefits
Aloe vera is a well-known medicinal plant which has been used for thousands of years, all over the world. For example, in traditional Indian medicine, they use the plant to help treat issues like constipation, skin diseases, worm infestation, and infections. Chinese medicine, recommends using aloe vera to help treat certain fungal diseases, while in the Western world, it is quite popular and used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.
Also referred to as Burn Plant, Lily of the Desert, and Elephant’s Gall, The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that this succulent plant could be used to treat asthma, epilepsy, and even osteoarthritis due to the antiviral and antibacterial properties it contains.
Aloe vera is also known to:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Delay the aging process
- Cure dermatitis
- Relieve menstrual problems
- Reduce arthritis pain
- Heal wounds
- Cure nausea
- Eliminate ulcers
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Prevent diabetes
- Inhibit cancerous growths
- Promote hair growth
- Soothe acid reflux symptoms
Just to name a few.
Aside from its numerous health benefits, it has many household uses as well.
- Try adding aloe vera products to your usual routine for clearer skin. Products which contain aloe vera or its juice may help reduce redness and help to heal any acne and broken skin. Used in toners and hydrosols, aloe vera provides antioxidants to the skin, and increase hydration. This helps to reduce the skin’s redness and inflammatory response.
- Aloe vera can even be used as a makeup primer to be applied before foundation, makeup remover, sunburn soother, facial mask, and can even be used as a lightweight moisturizer.
- Keep your produce fresh! In 2014, Cambridge University Press published an online study which stated that vegetables coated with aloe gel successfully blocked the growth of harmful bacteria. Based on this study, aloe gel could potentially help keep fruits and vegetables fresh and eliminate the need to use dangerous chemicals which extend the shelf life of produce.
- Use aloe vera extract as an alternative to mouthwash. A 2014 study published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, stated that aloe vera extract was found to be a safe and effective alternative compared to chemical-based mouthwashes. The plant’s natural ingredients, which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can block plaque, as well as provide relief to swollen or bleeding gums.
**The takeaway: The number of ways to use the aloe vera juice/gels/extracts for your health and wellness has only been increasing over time. Researchers are continuing to discover new methods of how to put this succulent to use. As always, be sure to consult your doctor if you plan to use aloe vera medicinally, especially if you are already taking any medication.
Private Member |
michigan, usa
I have an aloe Vera plant but besides keeping it alive I always forget about it. 🤭
Do you have any recipes that use aloe Vera?
Private Member |
czech republic
Hi, Zu. Thank you for your article and this topic. I love Aloe Vera. I definitely agree with benefits of using Aloe Vera Gel. Two years ago I added to my lifestyle. I have to say. I feel amazing and healthier. I love it. Have a great day!!!
Private Member |
yilan city, taiwan, taiwan
Very informative. I know people drink it internally for inflammation and of course topically for the above said conditions, but didn’t know for everything else. The next best thing about aloe is its easy to grow and it sure loves to spread. Nature is so generous! Here in Taiwan they drink aloe jelly drinks (juice with bits of jelly) in cans- a little too sweet for me (they add a ton of sugar). When I lived in CO and was flush I would buy aloe juice (unsweetened) by the gallon and add to smoothies. I felt so much better immediately, but that was expensive. It’s growing around my house and after reading this I am going to pick some and scrape it out and throw it in my morning shake.
Private Member |
san antonio, texas
I LOVE aloe. I hope to one day have an aloe farm. I began using it some years ago, for chronic digestive issues. Most of my cosmetics products are aloe based and the one supplement I cannot go without daily, is aloe based.
Private Member |
Thanks for the article. I’ve heard that aloe is good for you i’m just not sure how to use it other than on a burn.
Private Member |
I often get aloe at my local health food store because they sell the leaves. I fillet small portions at a time to use in my smoothies. After I fillet a small portion for my smoothie, I use the leaf part that still has some aloe on it and spread it all over my face! It’s an amazing serum….tightens the skin right up.
Sometimes I will also put it on my dog’s skin…he has moles and it really seems to help.
Private Member |
salt lake city, utah, united states
Funny! I combined aloe vera with avocado oil as a DIY eye cream. Last night I decided to rub the homemade cream all over my face and this morning I woke up to a very clear and bright complexion! I’ve been battling acne and redness/unevenness on my face like a teen all over again. Hopefully this combo continues to help, though my face has been pretty unpredictable lately haha.
Thanks!
Private Member |
perth, western australia, australia
This post has affirmed my trust in Aloe Vera. The plant is growing crazily in my back garden. One in a while i make smoothie with it by adding in parsley leaves, mint leaves, squeeze of lemon juice, 1 or 2 table spoons of honey, green apple, a slice of ginger and some water to loosen up the liquid. I just blend it all up and it was very refreshing and delicious drink with all the goodness. That’s now my favourite smoothie of all time as it’s yummy and free from the garden so it’s natural with few common ingredients from the kitchen. i sometime add in protein powder for after gym workout. And of course i also use the gel as face mask while preparing the smoothie. It’s very beneficial inside out. I should have it more often:))
Private Member |
Hello Zuzka thanks for this article I wanted to know it is the Gel or Juice of Aloe vera? Thanks so much