Aloe vera is a healing plant that contains antioxidants as well as antibacterial qualities. The benefits of aloe vera can include the reduction of dental plaque, speeding up wound healing, stopping wrinkles, and controlling blood sugar.
Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis is a dense, short-stemmed tree that stores water within its leaves. It is well-known for treating skin injuries, but it also has many other applications that may help improve your health.
The article highlights eight possible health benefits that aloe vera can provide. It also discusses some of the dangers associated with its use.
1. It is a source of healthful plant substances.
The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries utilize aloe vera in large quantities and the plant has an estimated market value of $13 billion across the globe.
Aloe vera is famous because of its tough, pointed and fleshy leaves, that can grow up to 12 to 19 inches (30-50 centimeters) in length.
Every leaf is stuffed with an edgy tissue that holds water, which makes the leaves dense. The hydrated tissue is the “gel” which people associate with products made from aloe vera.
The gel is a good source of the beneficial bioactive components that are found in the plant, which include minerals, vitamins amino acids, and antioxidants.
2. It is antioxidant- and antibacterial properties.
Antioxidants are essential for good overall health. The aloe vera gel contains potent antioxidants belonging to a broad group of substances referred to as polyphenols.
These polyphenols, as well as many other compounds found in aloe vera help stop the development of certain bacteria which can cause human infections.
Aloe vera is renowned for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic effects. These are one reason why it can help heal skin wounds and treat issues.
3. It speeds up wound healing.
The majority of people utilize aloe vera for topical treatment, applying it onto the skin, rather than taking it in. Actually, it has been used for a long time for treating sores, and specifically burns, such as sunburn.
The United States Pharmacopeia described aloe vera products for skin protection from 1810 to 1820.
Studies have shown that it's an effective topical treatment to treat second and first-degree burns.
A review of research studies showed that aloe-vera extracts could cut the time to heal burns by about 9 days, compared to traditional treatments. It also prevented itching, redness and infections.
The evidence that aloe vera is aiding in healing other kinds of wounds is not conclusive however the research seems to be promising.
4. It reduces dental plaque.
The decay of teeth and the diseases of the gums are frequent health issues. One of the best methods to avoid these issues is to limit the buildup of plaque or biofilms, that build up on the teeth.
In a study involving 152 children in schools aged 8-14, researchers evaluated an aloe vera mouthwash against the usual ingredient for mouthwash, chlorhexidine.
After 4 weeks of usage after 4 weeks of use, the aloe vera mouthwash reduced gingivitis, plaque, and salivary Streptococcus Mutans (a plaque-forming bacterium) and is like chlorhexidine.
A further study from 2021 found the aloe vera mouthwash was a natural and effective substitute for mouthwashes that contain chemicals.
The gel of aloe vera, dubbed Candida albicans, is beneficial in the elimination of yeast in the mouth.
5. It is helpful in treating canker sores.
A lot of people suffer from mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, at one point during their lifetime. They typically develop beneath the lip, in the mouth, and can last for around a week.
Studies have proven that aloe-vera treatments can speed up the healing process from mouth ulcers.
A 2022 review of 9 random controlled trials showed that the treatment with aloe vera can speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers more effectively than other treatments. Also, it has an earlier healing time.
In a different study, Aloe vera gel was found to speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers and decrease the pain associated with them.
6. It can help reduce constipation.
Aloe vera may help treat constipation.
It is the latex rather than the gel that gives the advantages. It is an oily yellow substance found under the surface of the leaves.
The main ingredient that causes this effect is aloin, also known as barbaloin that has been proven to have laxative effects.
However, there have been concerns regarding the safety of aloe's use. This is why aloe lax hasn't been sold over the counter in the U.S. since 2002.
Contrary to popular opinion contrary to popular belief, aloe vera doesn't seem to have any effect on other digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation of the bowel.
7. It can help improve skin and help prevent wrinkles.
There is preliminary evidence suggesting that aloe vera gel applied topically may slow the aging process of the skin.
In a 2009 study that included 30 females who were over 45 years old, the consumption of aloe vera gel boosted collagen production and increased skin elasticity after 90 days.
Studies suggest that aloe Vera can aid in retaining moisture and increase the integrity of skin and elasticity, which can help dry skin conditions.
8. It lowers blood sugar levels.
Aloe vera is often used to treat diabetes. It is because it can increase insulin sensitivity and to improve blood sugar control.
In fact, a review from 2021 found that there was a moderate to high-quality of evidence supporting the benefits of aloe vera in people suffering from prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
However, the quality of these studies isn't ideal. Therefore, researchers do not recommend the use of aloe vera for this purpose.
9. It could aid in hair growth.
The advantages of aloe vera for hair have mostly been studied in connection with seborrheic Dermatitis. This inflammatory skin condition can cause an reddish rash that has scales that are yellow-white and crusty, mostly on the scalp and face.
An earlier study showed that aloe vera can significantly decrease itching, scaliness and the size of the affected area in patients suffering from the condition.
Seborrheic Dermatitis may cause temporary loss of hair which is why aloe vera has the potential for stimulating hair growth.
Aloe vera: How to use it?
Aloe vera comes in many forms, such as topical gel or ointment. It can be used in its natural form or consumed in liquid form.
Risks
Aloe vera is a natural remedy that has only a few known adverse negative effects.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) declares that topical use is to be safe.
However, the oral consumption of aloe vera can cause stomach cramps or diarrhea because of its laxative properties. There have been reports of liver damage that has been linked to the oral form of aloe Vera.
Also, non-decolorized leaf extracts of aloe vera are associated with dangers. This type of aloe vera comes from the plant leaves and is not processed to eliminate harmful chemicals that cause cancer.
In fact, it is the NCCIH report indicates that non-colored whole leaf extracts from aloe vera is related to the risk of cancer in rodents.
Summary
Aloe vera offers a variety of properties that are therapeutic, and is used in the form of an ointment that can be used for gums and skin.
It is possible to use aloe vera gel or extract directly from the leaves that is part of the aloe plant. Aloe vera juice can have distinct uses from aloe gel.
Oral alternatives should include whole-leaf extracts that are decolorized from aloe vera in order to reduce the risk.
Talking with a physician before applying aloe-based products to treat a disease is recommended.
