Aloe Vera has been used as a healing plant for over 6000 years.
Used by the Egyptians and native Americans the plant was known as “the plant of immortality” and “The Wand of heaven”
This is a list of the benefits:
Contains healthful plant compounds
Aloe vera is a thick,plant that stores water in its leaves.
It is in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, and has an estimate as the annual market value of $13 billion globally
Antioxidant and antibacterial properties
Antioxidants are important for health.
Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols.
These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in Aloe vera, can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
Accelerates the healing of burns
Treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns.
Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns.
Reduces dental plaque
Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to reduce the buildup of plaque (bacterial biofilms) on the teeth.
In a mouth rinse study of 300 healthy people, 100% pure Aloe vera juice was compared to the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine.
Aloe vera does this by killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.
Helps treat canker sores
Many people have experienced mouth ulcers, or canker sores, at some point in their lives.
They usually from underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about 7-10 days.
Studies have convincingly shown that treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.
Either as a patch or gel, has been shown to aid in the recovery of mouth ulcers (canker sores).
Reduces constipation
Aloe vera can be use to treat constipation.
This time it is not the gel, but the latex, that provides the benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, does not appear to be effective against other digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
May improve skin and prevent wrinkles
There is some preliminary evidence that topical Aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin.
In one study of 30 women over the age of 45, the topical application of the gel shown to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity over a 90-day period.
There is very little evidence that can treat skin conditions like psoriasis and radiation dermatitis.
Lowers blood sugar levels
Aloe vera has sometimes use as a traditional diabetes remedy.
It is said to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.
Several animal and human studies in type 2 diabetics have actually found promising results from consuming Aloe vera extract.
However, the quality of these studies was fairly poor, so it is definitely premature to recommend Aloe vera for this purpose.
Additionally, there have been some cases of liver damage report as with long-term ingestion of Aloe vera supplements.
How To Prepare The Plant
To use the plant you slice it down the middle and rub it on the area of your skin that needs treatment.
Common Uses
Sunburns
Probably the most well-known problem that treats, sunburns can be helped with the application of the aloe plant.
Other Burns
You can also use aloe on mild burns on your body such as friction burns or minor heat burns.
Insect Bites
Aloe vera can take the itch or sting out of insect bites when applied directly to the skin.
Herpes Breakouts
When uses correctly aloe can also be uses to help control herpes breakouts.
Hair Growth
Contains proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp.
It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth.
Bottom Line
Aloe vera definitely has some unique therapeutic properties, especially when applied as an ointment for the skin and gums.
Various products are available to purchase in health food stores or online, including aloe vera gel, juice, supplements, oil, and powder. Speak to a doctor before using aloe products to treat a condition.
