Aloe vera, a succulent plant, has been used medicinally since ancient times. Aloe vera, most commonly used to treat sunburn, is also useful for skin conditions such as burns, rashes, and wounds. Aloe vera is also good for digestion and can help with blood sugar regulation in diabetics.
Aloe vera plants have long, thick, triangular leaves that are relatively easy to grow at your home. The rind is the outer layer, while the bitter yellow sap is in the middle. The gel at the center can be directly applied to the skin. 2
This article reviews the scientific research and health benefits of aloe verdea. This article also addresses potential side effects and harmful effects of aloe, as well as who should and shouldn’t use it. It also explains what to look out for when selecting aloe products.
Active components that are related to its properties: Aloe Vera contains 75 potential active constituents: vitamins and enzymes, minerals.
- Vitamins It has vitamins A (betacarotene), E and C, which are all antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid. Antioxidant neutralizes the free radicals.
- Enzymes: This enzyme contains 8 enzymes. They are: amylase (alkaline phosphatase), bradykinase (5-hydroxypeptidase), catalase, cellulase and lipase), bradykinase (6-hydroxypeptidase), carboxypeptidase (7-carboxypeptidase), catalase, lipase and peroxidase) When applied topically to the skin, Bradykinase reduces inflammation. Other enzymes aid in the reduction of sugars or fats.
- Minerals It contains calcium, chromium and copper as well as manganese (potassium), potassium, sodium, and zinc. They are vital for proper functioning of different enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways. Very few antioxidants are available.
- Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans/polymannose). These polysaccharides are made from the plant’s mucilage layer and are called mucopolysaccharides. The most prominent monosaccharide is mannose-6-phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan]. Acemannan, a well-known glucomannan, has also been discovered. A prominent glucomannan, Acemannan, was also discovered.
- Anthraquinones It contains 12 anthraquinones which are phenolic compounds that were traditionally used as laxatives. Emodin, emodin and aloin are analgesics, antibiotics and antivirals.
- Fatty Acids: This provides 4 plant steroids, cholesterol, campesterol and b-sisosterol. These have an anti-inflammatory effect and lupeol has antiseptic and analgesic qualities.
- Hormones : Auxins, gibberellins and Hormones that aid in wound healing and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Other: It contains 20 of the 22 essential amino acids that are humanly required and 7 of the eight essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Lignin, a non-toxic substance, is added to topical preparations to enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. The gel’s 3% contains saponins, which are soapy substances. They have antiseptic and cleansing properties.
Aloe Vera’s Benefits and Uses are :
- Treatment for Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD):
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease patients experience symptoms such as heartburn, flatulence and food regurgitation.
Consuming aloe vera syrup has been shown to reduce the frequency of symptoms associated with GERD. This is the best use of aloe gel for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Good for our Digestive System:
Aloe Vera is a boon for our digestive system. It helps in cleaning our digestive system. It prevents constipation by allowing the bowels to move freely.
Aloe Vera can be used as a laxative.
Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties help to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Helps to Detoxify Our Body:
Aloe vera juice can be drunk empty stomach to remove toxins from the body. It can also cleanse our digestive system.
Aloe vera is a natural detoxifier. [3]
Read more: How to detox your body?
- Excellent for Oral Health:
Aloe Vera is a powerful component of mouthwash. It reduces plaque and swelling in the gums. It also reduces bleeding.
Aloe vera’s antimicrobial activity also prevents infections in the oral cavity.
- Reduces Blood Sugar Levels:
Aloe vera, when taken in moderation, can reduce blood sugar levels.
Aloe vera has been shown to be helpful in managing type 2 diabetes.
Read More: Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
- Amazing for Our Skin:
Aloe Vera is applied to the skin to help keep it hydrated, improve elasticity, and prevent the development of wrinkles. It prevents the development of acne.
Aloe Vera is a great treatment for sunburns.
Research has shown that aloe vera gel can be very effective against second and third degree burns. Aloin, a compound found in aloe vera gel, is believed to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera also helps prevent sunburn-induced skin flaking.
Aloe vera gel can be used to treat sunburns. You can either extract the gel from the leaves of your garden plants or buy it from a pharmacy. You can use aloe vera gel to soothe sunburns.
Treatment for Psoriasis:
Aloe Vera gel keeps skin moisturized. Aloe Vera gel keeps skin moisturized.
- Haircare:
Aloe vera is great for hair.
Aloe Vera gel gives our hair strength and shine. It improves hair growth by increasing blood circulation. It can also help to eliminate dandruff.
Many shampoos and conditioners contain Aloe Vera.
Also, read 5 Hair Growth Foods
- Increases immunity
Aloe vera is an effective immune booster.
It’s a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation. It is a powerful antioxidant that kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This protects us against a wide range of infections.
- Promotes Wound Healing:
Aloe vera has wound healing properties.
It improves blood circulation in the area. It is widely used to treat burns.
- Weight Loss Tips:
Aloe vera juice can help you lose weight. It cleanses the body of toxins as well as our digestive system. It keeps us full and prevents us from consuming too many calories.
Aloe vera is also known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
- Shelf Life Increased:
Aloe vera prolongs the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and other foods.
Aloe vera gel was found to extend the shelf life of certain fruits and vegetables. It protected them from spoilage by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungus.
- Anal Fissure Relief:
Aloe vera gel can also be used to treat anal fissures. Anal fissure refers to tearing around the lining or anus. The anus is where stool is removed from the body. Anal fissures can cause severe pain and may require surgery.
Aloe vera gel can be used as a home remedy to relieve anal fissure. Apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area several times per day. The National Library of Medicine conducted a study and found that medicated creams containing aloe vera, as the active ingredient, were fast in healing anal fissures.
Is Using Aloe Vera Safe?
- People with different skin types have found Aloe vera gel to be well-tolerated. Minor skin irritations and allergic reactions are common. It is best to stop using aloe vera if you have hypersensitivity.
- Experts advise against applying aloe vera gel directly on severe cuts or burns unless it’s a medication.
- Avoid using aloe gel if you have an allergy to tulips or other kitchen ingredients like onion and garlic.
- Two weeks before any scheduled operation, do not use aloe verdea.
- Aloe vera should not be taken orally by children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
- After every two to three months of continuing aloe vera gel consumption, allow for a one-week break. Only buy from well-respected brands.
- The absorption of oral medications can be decreased by using Aloe Vera. If you’re taking medication, consult your doctor.
- Consuming aloe vera orally can cause diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
- If you have any of the following conditions, do not consume aloe verdea.
- Kidney problems
- Haemorrhoids
- Cardiac conditions
- Renal disorders
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diabetes
- Intestinal obstruction
- Crohn’s Disease
- Aloe vera can cause side effects such as:
- Low potassium
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Kidney problems
- Stomach pain
