Aloe Vera: Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Present in nature in over 400 varieties, aloe is one of the best-known plants in the world, thanks to multiple Aloe vera medicinal uses and benefits. The gel extracted from Aloe vera contains active ingredients with immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, purifying, and nutritional properties.

In addition, Aloe vera heals burns, and rashes, and relieves the itching caused by insect bites. It is also a precious ally in beauty and skincare rituals.
Basic Overview of Aloe vera

Protection from UV Rays and the Action of Free Radicals

• The presence of a good amount of antioxidants helps in shielding the skin from UV rays and ageing. While Aloe vera may not be sufficient for guaranteed sun protection, the creams and herbal products that contain Aloe vera prove to be effective.

• Besides, Aloe vera also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and fights the action of free radicals, therefore preventing skin ageing.

Soothes and Calms the Skin

• Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties. It offers immediate relief from mosquito and other insect bites, and even nettle stings.

• Its soothing power also extends to sunburn, both from fire or excessive exposure to the sun. It is particularly suitable for alleviating post-shaving irritation as well.

Helpful for Wounds

• Aloe vera accelerates wound healing and reduces scarring by quickly repairing tissues and membranes.

• It also has a coagulating action due to which it is extensively used not only on burns, but also wounds, eczema, and blisters, in order to speed up healing. Aloe vera is also used as a disinfectant for wounds.

Useful for Oral Hygiene

• Aloe vera can be a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based oral rinses/mouthwash for reducing dental plaque and other oral diseases, such as bleeding gums and gum inflammation.

Beneficial for Diabetics

• Taking 2 tbsp of Aloe vera juice per day, for at least 2 weeks, can reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

• Some of the best aloe vera juice benefits are that it can effectively lower fasting blood sugar levels, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL levels (aka good cholesterol).

Boosts Natural Defences

• Regarding the immune system, Aloe vera has immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activity against a large number of microorganisms. It also blocks the replication of HIV and herpesviruses.

• Other Aloe vera also helps in preventing respiratory viral infections, such as flu, cold, and laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) by increasing the formation of antibodies.

In ancient times, Aloe vera was considered the panacea for different ailments and was also used as a purgative.

Often called a miracle plant, Aloe vera has many beneficial and healing properties. But to help you fully understand all the aloe vera benefits, here is a brief list of its benefits:**

Helps in Detoxifying the Body

• Aloe vera has a purifying action which helps in removing toxins from the body. It also assists in reducing side effects of medicine (such as stomach acid or cramps) on the digestive system and proves to be helpful for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

• Furthermore, the main Aloe vera capsules benefits are that they stimulate liver activity, accelerate diuresis, and promote the disposal of excess fluids, which indirectly, detoxifies the body.

**Has Laxative Properties

• Aloe vera activates the gut flora which promotes the elimination of waste and improves the absorption of nutrients.

• Its laxative properties are due to anthraquinones (the major bioactive component in Aloe vera) which increase bowel motility and prevent constipation.

Reduces Inflammation

• The chemical composition of Aloe vera contains phytosterols which have anti-inflammatory properties. It slows the production of neurotransmitters produced locally by damaged tissues, which cause inflammation.

• Along with internal inflammation, Aloe vera also helps in reducing redness, rashes, or swelling on the skin. It is highly useful for acne and dermatitis.

Hydrating Action on the Skin

• Rich in water content, minerals and vitamins C and E, Aloe vera prevents dehydration. It helps maintain the hydrolipidic balance of the epidermis (top layer of skin), acts as a real protection for the skin, and hydrates the skin deeply.

• Drinking Aloe vera juice allows the skin to retain water and stimulate cell regeneration, this effect is useful for treating dryness and reducing flaking on the skin.

Aloe Vera Medicinal Uses

The particular composition of Aloe vera gel has allowed the transformation of this raw material into products that can be used in the field of natural cosmetics, such as lotion, creams, shampoo, etc.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Skin

There are numerous excellent quality cosmetics (gels, creams, lotions, and balms) made with Aloe vera extracts. These products have healing and antibacterial properties which are effective for treating dermatological conditions/diseases. Here are some common ways of using these products:**

Aloe vera gel: You can either extract this gel from your aloe vera plant or buy it from the market. Applying Aloe vera gel proves to be highly beneficial for soothing sunburn, reducing inflammation, reducing stretch marks and sun tanning, and treating severe burns.

Aloe vera creams: It can be used to lighten blemishes on the face, slow down skin ageing, and treat acne, eczema, blisters, rashes, etc.

Aloe vera lotion: You can use it as a moisturiser to prevent, treat, or hydrate dry, flaky, and scaly skin.

Aloe vera balm: This product is, particularly, made for giving your lips a smooth and soft texture.

For Hair

Aloe vera also improves the health of the scalp and the hair itself. By applying Aloe vera shampoos or the gel directly to your scalp, you will be able to:**

• Treat dry scalp and fungal infections.

• Get rid of dandruff.

• Remove dead skin on your scalp which will ensure hair growth.

• Moisturise your scalp.

• Soften your hair and retain its shine and strength.

Internal Use

The most common ways of using Aloe vera to improve your internal body health is through Aloe vera juice or capsules. You can get many benefits by regularly drinking Aloe vera juice or having Aloe vera capsules. Some of them are:**

• Reduce inflammation inside the body (caused by stomach acids) and heartburn

• Boost your immune system and digestion

• Detoxify your body

• Prevent stomach ulcers

• Treat/prevent constipation and other digestive problems

• Remain hydrated

• Lose weight

• Lower sugar levels

• Improve dental and oral hygiene

Aloe vera is generally considered a safe product when used externally on the skin or taken internally in appropriate doses. However, as with any substance, side effects or contraindications may occur in some circumstances.

Here are some important considerations and side effects of aloe vera on face and the body that you should know:

Allergies: In rare cases, some people may be sensitive or allergic to Aloe vera. For this reason, before using Aloe vera on your skin, it is suggested that you test a small area of your skin to check for any unwanted skin reactions such as redness, itching, rashes, or irritation.

Skin Irritation: Avoid using Aloe vera on deep open wounds or severe burns, as it may delay healing or cause irritation.

Diarrhoea: While drinking Aloe vera juice in recommended doses is considered safe, you should not use it excessively as it has laxative effects and can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

Blood clotting: You should not use Aloe vera internally if you have surgery scheduled in a few days or weeks as it may affect blood clotting.

Sensitive condition: Do not use Aloe vera internally during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in case of chronic intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

The use of Aloe vera runs parallel to the development of humanity since its origins. The ability to use Aloe vera both internally and externally makes it highly useful.

From being a natural intestinal regulator, ally against sun radiations and skin irritations, and powerful skin moisturiser to its skin healing effect, anti-inflammatory activities, coagulating, healing, and laxative properties, Aloe vera is an ideal medicinal plant with countless health benefits.

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How to use Aloe vera?

Using Aloe vera is quite a simple task as you can use it, both internally and externally. To use fresh Aloe vera gel, you only need to cut the Aloe vera leaf vertically and use a spoon to take out the sticky part from the leaf and use the gel.

You can also take the easy way out by buying Aloe vera gel, cream, lotion, shampoo, or bam from the market.

How to consume aloe vera?

You cannot consume Aloe vera directly as it is very bitter. However, you can make Aloe vera juice by yourself and get the same benefits.

What are the benefits of aloe vera gel on the face?

Aloe vera has a rehydrating and healing action on the skin. It penetrates deeply into the three layers of the skin, restoring lost fluids, and repairing tissues from the inside out.

It also repairs sun damage and slows down the ageing process, moisturises and soothes the skin, makes the skin flexible, radiant, and supple, and gives a cooling effect on rashes and sunburns.

What are the benefits of aloe vera gel for hair?

Aloe vera helps in hair growth and itchy scalp, acts as a conditioner to the scalp and hair, prevents dandruff, controls greasy hair, strengthens hair and maintains its shine, cleanses the scalp, and fights fungal infections.

How much aloe vera juice to drink daily?

The daily intake of Aloe vera juice should be restricted to a maximum of 30 ml because its overconsumption can result in diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Aloe Vera: Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.