Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant.
The use of aloe vera dates back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe was presented as a funeral gift to pharaohs. Cleopatra is said to have used aloe vera gel to keep her skin soft and smooth.
Aloe vera contains 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acids. Its uses are numerous and range from treating sunburn and wounds to constipation and skin conditions.
Top 10 Benefits of Aloe Vera
1) Burns
Applying aloe vera gel after sun exposure can help reduce inflammation caused by a burn and help improve healing time. A 2006 study found that a topical treatment of aloe vera gel could be effective in treating first-degree burns without causing any adverse effects (1). Aloe also helps so
Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years. The juice from the leaves can be used to treat a variety of conditions. This article lists the top 10 evidence-based health benefits of aloe vera.
It’s an Antioxidant and Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Aloe vera gel is 99% water, but the other 1% contains some important nutrients. One tablespoon (15 ml) contains:
Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2 and B6
Minerals: magnesium, zinc, chromium, sodium, potassium, copper and manganese
It also contains 20 amino acids — the building blocks of protein — as well as certain enzymes.
Aloe Vera is a plant that has thick, serrated and fleshy leaves. It is used to treat various health and skin issues. The leaf juice of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) has been used to treat wounds, burns, rashes, inflammation, minor cuts and infections for centuries.
Aloe Vera is actually the common name for about 150 species of succulent plants belonging to the genus aloe. The most commonly grown variety is Aloe barbadensis miller. Aloe Vera has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years as an ingredient in many beauty products or as a home remedy for treating various ailments such as constipation, skin disorders and eczema.
The clear gel inside the leaves of aloe vera is used topically to soothe skin that has been burned or irritated, and some people use it to treat specific skin conditions including psoriasis and cold sores. According to medical research, aloe vera can help heal wounds, reduce dental plaque and lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Below I have listed 10 benefits of using aloe vera gel on your face/skin as well as internally:
1. Aloe Vera can help treat sunburns:
Aloe Vera is a common treatment for sunburns, and it can also be used to treat other minor burns. This is due to Aloe’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It has cooling properties that immediately soothe the skin, while the vitamin C, E and beta carotene in it helps protect the skin from further damage. Just break off a leaf of the plant and rub the gel onto the affected area for instant relief.
2. Aloe Vera can help treat oral conditions:
The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of aloe vera make it ideal for treating oral conditions such as canker sores, plaque and poor gingival health. Additionally, Aloe also contains salicylic acid which helps remove plaque from teeth when used as a mouth rinse.
3. Aloe Vera has anti-aging benefits:
Aloe Vera contains antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that are known to cause signs of aging including dark spots and fine lines or wrinkles on your skin.
4. Aloe Vera may help treat acne:
In addition to its use as a natural healing gel, the Aloe Vera plant has many other healthful uses. Here are ten of the best:
1. Natural Energy Drink
Aloe Vera gel helps to boost your energy levels when you need a quick pick-me-up.
2. Digestive Support
Aloe Vera juice can help with occasional indigestion and acts as a gentle internal cleanser.
3. Healthy Weight Management
Aloe Vera is a healthy and natural way to manage your weight, helping you to feel full and less likely to overindulge in unhealthy foods.
4. Antioxidant Support
The antioxidants in Aloe Vera help fight free radicals and support the immune system, which can be weakened by oxidative stress.
5. Immune System Support
Aloe contains strong antiviral properties and is helpful in keeping colds and flu at bay and supporting overall immunity against disease.
6. Oral Health Care
The antibacterial properties of Aloe make it a great mouthwash, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. Aloe also helps bad breath by killing odor-causing bacteria in the mouth and throat.
7. Skin Care & Healing
Aloe soothes minor skin irritations, sun
Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.” Since then, its uses have become more targeted and medicinal, and it’s one of the leading therapies for sunburns. Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. The gel and latex are used for medicines.
The gel is obtained from the cells in the center of the leaf, and when exposed to air, it turns yellow and forms a thickened gel that can be extracted from the rest of the plant. It’s commonly used in creams and ointments for skin care and minor burns. Aloe vera was used topically for thousands of years before it was considered safe to ingest aloe vera orally or naturally through juice form.