Aloe Vera , better known as Aloe Vera , is a succulent plant (which can store water). Originally from the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the most popular plants in homes and gardens for its qualities.
Aloe Vera is one of the most used natural remedies for skin conditions. Thanks to its gelatinous components that heal the skin from a variety of ailments, this plant has become one of the best known. It is used to treat wounds or allergies: from sunburns to cuts or rashes and itching.
Despite the number of benefits of aloe, it is worth considering whether it is safe to use. In general, yes. When used correctly, Aloe can heal a wide variety of skin ailments. Today you will see 9 benefits of Aloe Vera (or Aloe Vera).
What is Aloe Vera used for?
To understand what this versatile plant is for, it is important to know what its properties are. A study in the Indian Journal of Dermatology highlighted that aloe contains:
- Vitamins A (helps the development of bones, teeth, and skin).
- Vitamin C (necessary for tissue growth and repair).
- Vitamin E (which fulfills the function of antioxidant).
It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid and choline.
Important: Aloe not only has multiple vitamins, but also enzymes. Aloe contains 8 enzymes: amylase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. These help reduce inflammation when applied topically.
This explains why Aloe Vera has been used for years to cure skin conditions and to reduce inflammation or treat acne. The use of Aloe dates back to ancient civilizations: Cleopatra used Aloe Vera in her bath. The Romans used the gel to heal wounds after battle. On the other hand, the Mayans used it for headaches.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. These minerals are essential for the proper functioning of various enzymes, and many of them are powerful antioxidants.
And as if that were not enough, it also has healthy fatty acids such as cholesterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol and lupeol. All of these have anti-inflammatory power and antiseptic and analgesic properties that assist in wound healing. And finally, it provides 7 of the 8 essential amino acids for humans.
Tip: If you suffer from a skin condition, we always recommend consulting your dermatologist first before applying any product to your face.
However, in the event that it is a minimal condition, then we recommend you see the following benefits of Aloe Vera:
1. Improves hair health
Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its properties to strengthen hair and make the scalp stronger and healthier.
Hair growth
According to a study in the Brazilian Journal of microbiology (1) , aloe vera has the ability to increase blood circulation. Therefore, if applied to the scalp, it can promote its growth. Many people claim that aloe vera makes hair grow faster. However, despite the fact that there are studies that demonstrate this, for the moment, there is little evidence in the scientific literature to fully verify it.
Eliminates dandruff
Aloe is a natural antibacterial and antifungal , which is why it has been discovered that it can put an end to the dandruff nightmare.
Generally, dandruff is due to several causes, including: irritated and oily skin, not washing well, etc. However, the most common cause is a fungus called malassezia that affects the scalp. Thanks to its antifungal power, Aloe can be your main ally against dandruff.
Avoid hair loss
As we have previously mentioned, Aloe Vera or Aloe Vera promotes blood flow and circulation. This can help significantly when it comes to fighting hair loss , as long as it is accompanied by daily massages.
How to use
The best way to apply aloe vera to hair is directly with the plant’s gel. You can get this gel at any pharmacy or extract it from the leaves of the plant. The gel is light in color, watery and viscous.
Tip: To apply it to the hair, you must rub the gel into the scalp and the lengths and ends of the hair and allow it to penetrate. Let stand between half an hour and an hour, rinse and wash the hair as usual with a mild or neutral shampoo.
2. Take care of the skin
Removes makeup from the face
Both Aloe Vera and coconut oil are the natural make-up removers par excellence. Simply apply it to your face with the help of a cotton pad and you will see how it removes makeup effortlessly and without unnecessary chemicals and waste. It also moisturizes the skin.
Cleanses deep layers of the skin
As well as being a great makeup remover, it also works as a natural cleansing milk. Apply with a cotton pad for best results.
Fight wrinkles
There is evidence that taking aloe vera supplements can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In a study published in the Annals of Dermatology , (2) the wrinkles and elasticity of the skin of 30 women over the age of 45 were measured. Aloe Vera supplements were prescribed.
Bottom Line: At the end of the study, the scientists found that wrinkles, elasticity, and collagen production in both groups had improved significantly.
Calms skin irritations
Dermatitis (or eczema) is a skin disease that causes irritation and itching. There are many natural remedies to combat it, including Aloe vera. Several studies have concluded that Aloe is beneficial thanks to its antioxidant, antibacterial properties and its ability to heal wounds.
How to apply
You can apply fresh Aloe Vera gel directly to the skin or blend the plant and apply the blended gel to the skin.
Tip: To multiply its anti-inflammatory effects, we recommend leaving the Aloe vera stalk in the fridge prior to use. Once applied, let the gel sit until your skin has absorbed it all, then rinse your face until all residue is removed.
3. Helps heal
In a study carried out in 2015, a thorough examination was carried out on the effect of Aloe Vera on minor injuries. The study concluded that aloe vera is effective in treating this type of wound. Thanks to the chemicals present in the plant that promote the secretion of the body’s own growth factors, responsible for the regeneration of blood vessels.
How to apply
The best way to apply Aloe Vera gel to help heal a wound is to apply it directly to the wound.
Tip: Be sure to thoroughly disinfect the wound before doing so. Then let the gel rest for a while, rinse, dry and apply a bandage if necessary. Don’t forget to consult a doctor.
4. Reduces fat in the body
A peculiarity of Aloe Vera is that if it is consumed regularly it can reduce LDL cholesterol levels (or better known as bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Aloe juice is highly hypocholesterolemic. This is because it contains plant sterols that emulsify cholesterol and promote its elimination from the body. According to studies, a daily dose of Aloe can lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.
For its consumption, we always recommend consulting a doctor. You can consume it as a nutritional supplement and the recommended daily dose is two 20 ml daily doses. You can blend it together with fruits and water to make the intake more pleasant.
5. It is an antidiabetic
According to a study published in Planta Médica, aloe helps regulate blood glucose. It found that 30 participants with type 2 diabetes who took 300mg of Aloe Vera every twelve hours for two months noted improvements in health. Compared to the group taking placebo capsules. (3)
The Aloe Vera group reduced their fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 4.8, their blood A1C levels by 8.07 percent, total cholesterol by 8.35 percent, and LDL cholesterol by 4.48 percent.
How to Consume
More research on the effects of Aloe on diabetes is needed before the exact dosage can be recommended. Existing research shows that 300 mg of gel should be taken every 12 hours.
Note: Researchers report that participants taking doses between 600 and 15,000 mg per day are at increased risk of side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps.
6. It is a natural anti-inflammatory
Aloe Vera is a powerful anti-inflammatory . A study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (4) concluded that aloe gel can help patients with inflammatory bowel disease to reduce inflammation that causes pain.
And as a good anti-inflammatory, it is also useful to treat the following ailments:
- Blows: Simply apply a little gel to the area affected by the blow to prevent bruising from appearing.
- Soothing: Aloe Vera has an analgesic effect and can relieve pain related to a bruise or muscle or joint pain.
How to apply Aloe Vera to reduce inflammation.
Apply gel on the affected area and let it sit for a while. It is advisable to massage gently and apply the gel cold to reduce inflammation.
7. Helps in cell regeneration
When applied to the skin, aloe vera promotes wound healing by increasing collagen production. It also helps the skin to regenerate by increasing collagen and therefore influences the treatment of wrinkles. Thanks to this Acts like:
- Anti-Aging Treatment
- Restorative
- Scrubber
- Coagulant
Tip: To apply it, simply rub it on the parts of your body or face that you want to treat. It is recommended to use once or twice a day every day for best results.
8. Improves digestion
One study concluded that aloe may help reduce irritation to the stomach and intestines. It can also improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory disorders. (5)
In addition, being anti-inflammatory and regenerative, it also fulfills the following:
- Intestinal flora rebuilder
- Attacks bacteria that cause stomach ulcers
Important: For its consumption we recommend consulting a doctor, since it may have contraindications. Many consume it in smoothies, while others opt for supplements.
9. Strengthens the immune system
Thanks to its properties and its vitamins and minerals, aloe vera is a great help to strengthen the immune system. A good immune system can keep various diseases at bay.
Aloe juice is a powerhouse of micronutrients that help fight free radical damage in the body, thus improving immunity.
Aloe vera is rich in immunostimulating polysaccharides that help the system to behave properly. That’s why it makes us more resistant to viruses and diseases and stimulates white blood cells to help them fight viruses.
For its consumption, the juice or smoothie of aloe vera is indicated.
To make aloe juice follow these steps:
- Cut three Aloe Vera leaves.
- Wash them well, and trim the tip and the base
- Peel off both sides
- Wash the gel with water, drain and blend.
Aloe vera contraindications
Although there are usually no contraindications in the general population, it must be taken into account that oral consumption of aloe vera can cause indigestion , stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Consult a doctor before taking the juice .
In addition, in some people aloe can cause allergies. A yellowish substance called aloin, may be the cause of the allergy in some individuals. It should be noted that not all aloe vera are suitable for consumption, since some species are toxic, except for those of the Barbadensis Miller type.
Key Findings
- Aloe Vera or Aloe Vera have many health benefits but should be consumed safely under medical supervision.
- It is very effective for bumps and bruises.
- It has cell regeneration properties, which promotes wound healing.
- For its use in digestion, some doctors recommend consuming it in smoothies and others in supplements.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.