Aloe vera, also known as Medicine Plant, continues to be cultivated for over 6,000 years because of its health benefits. Native to the Mediterranean, this plant has been said to have been the main reason Alexander the Great conquered the area Socotra, where the plant was cultivated.
Aloe vera can be used in lotions, shampoos, ointments, beauty products and health aids. It’s used both internally and topically. Aloe vera gel contains a minimum of six antibacterial compounds and has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and emollient properties.
Aloe vera has been used topically to heal wounds as well as for various skin conditions, and orally like a laxative, since centuries. Today, in addition to the people traditional uses, people also take aloe vera orally to deal with a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.
Natural Aloe Vera Benefits
People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns. Aloe vera has been utilized to treat various skin conditions for example cuts, burns and eczema. Continue reading to learn more about the health and beauty benefits of aloe vera.
Indigestion
Aloe includes a laxative and purgative effect and it is often used to treat upset stomach or constipation. Drinking the juice before meals can calm an irritated stomach. However,aloe vera juice may cause stomach cramps, particularly if taken in large amounts.
Aloe Vera for Healing Burns, Cuts and Abrasions
Aloe is most well-known for its healing properties. Aloe contains active glycoprotein and polysaccharide compounds. Glycoproteins work by reduction of inflammation and pain, while polysaccharides stimulate new cell growth to hasten healing. In a single study, burns given aloe healed 3 days faster compared to those treated with a prescription burn ointment. In another study, cuts healed nine days faster with aloe vera ointment when compared with cuts that received no treatment.
Natural Aloe Vera Benefits
Lower cholesterol levels
Although the data is considered insufficient to aid this claim, there’s a small amount of evidence that implies taking aloe orally can lower cholesterol levels. Once again, more research is needed to see if aloe fulfills this promise.
Aloe Vera and Diabetes
Aloe vera juice might lower blood sugar, perhaps preventing the start of type 2 diabetes or stabilizing blood sugar levels for patients identified as having the disease. Aloe juice is edible, however it has a fairly bitter taste. Combine it with other juices to enhance its flavor, but engage with your doctor before utilizing it to treat diabetes, because it can interact with diabetes medications.
Skin Conditions
Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties turn it into a good solution for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis as well as genital herpes. In fact, in a single study, aloe vera relieved itching and swelling better than 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. Test the fit boils, acne, dandruff, poison ivy, sunburns and fevered skin.
Cautions
Because aloe vera causes stomach cramping, women that are pregnant should not take it internally since it could possibly cause miscarriage. Nursing mothers also needs to avoid drinking aloe vera juice because its laxative effect can provide a baby diarrhea.