Touted Benefits of Aloe Vera

 

Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, a succulent plant commonly found in warm countries, has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2,000 years.

There are two substances from aloe vera that are used in health products: a clear gel that is commonly applied to the skin to relieve burns and psoriasis, and a yellow latex, known as aloe latex, that can be taken by mouth as a remedy for constipation.

1. Boosts healing of wounds

Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections. Aloe vera also contains the enzyme bradykinase, which is the active ingredient to suppress signs of inflammation, namely redness, swelling, pain and heat when the gel is applied on the skin

Thus aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It helps heal wounds and can treat skin problems. It has a long history of use in treating sores, and particularly burns, including sunburn. Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first and second-degree burns.

2. Fights skin-ageing

Aloe vera gel has vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene in abundance. Therefore, it has anti-ageing properties. It could help the skin retain moisture and improve skin integrity, which could benefit dry skin conditions and slow aging of the skin. It helps to eradicate skin blemishes and diminish age lines. Additionally, it helps to increase the production of collagen in the body and skin elasticity.

3. Reduces infection and acne

Aloe vera gel is considered a great cleanser for the skin due to its antiseptic action. It is comprised of soap-like substances, saponins, which are effective antiseptic agents.

People who suffer from acne will find respite in aloe vera. It helps in gentle cleansing, and its antimicrobial properties treat pimples without causing any damages to the skin.

Aloe vera contains polysaccharides and gibberellins. These help in the growth of new cells and at the same time, reduce inflammation and redness. It also works as an astringent that reduces the size of pores, flushing out the excess sebum, microbes and dirt.

4. Reduces dental plaque

Aloe vera gel is effective in killing a yeast found in the mouth known as Candida albicans.

5. Helps treat canker sores

Studies have shown that aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.

6. Reduces constipation

Aloe vera may help treat constipation from its latex. The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established laxative effects.

7. Lowers blood sugar levels

People sometimes use aloe vera as a remedy for diabetes. This is because it may enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.

However, the quality of the existing studies is not ideal and the blood-sugar-lowering effects of aloe vera may cause hypoglycaemia. Thus scientists do not currently recommend using aloe vera for this purpose.

8. Helps hair growth

Aloe vera gel helps in activating new hair growth as it increases blood circulation to the scalp. It also provides essential minerals and vitamins. And aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that help repair dead skin on the scalp.

Aloe vera significantly reduces itchiness, scaliness, and affected area size in those people with seborrheic dermatitis condition and promotes hair growth. Given that seborrheic dermatitis can lead to temporary hair loss, this underscores aloe vera’s potential for promoting hair growth.

How to use aloe vera?

People most often rub aloe vera onto the skin.  The oral use of aloe vera may cause stomach cramps or diarrhea due to its laxative effects. There have also been some reports of liver injury associated with oral forms of aloe vera.