Aloe vera is widely used as a powerful natural remedy for many illnesses.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a pulpy plant used in alternative medicine. With a total of 420 different plant species of aloe vera, it is popular in Indian medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Over the centuries, the plant have become extremely popular for their beauty, health, skin care, and medicinal properties.
The clear gel found in aloe vera leaves is used in aloe vera creams, gels, and ointments. These items can be used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions. Aloe is available in capsule or liquid form to be consumed internally in order to promote health and well-being.\
Aloe Vera can be also called as:
Aloe vera has been used all over the world for a long time. This herb was given to the deceased pharaoh and was found in early Egyptian stone carvings. Aloe vera is known by many names, including: Acemannan, Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens Miller, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe barbadesis, Aloe capensis, aloe-coated gloves, Aloe Ferox, Aloe Gel, Aloe Latex, Aloe Leaf Gel, Aloe mucilage, Aloe natalenis, Aloe Perfoliata, Aloe Perryi Baker, Aloe saponaria, Aloe spicata, Aloe Vera, Aloe vulgari, Aloe Vera Barbenoids, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloes, Arborescens natalenis, Barbados Aloe, bitter aloe, Burn Plant, Cape Aloe, Carrisyn Curacao aloe, Chritkumari, Curacao Aloe, Elephant's Gall, first-aid plant, Ghai kunwar, Ghee-Kunwar, Ghikumar, Ghi-Kuvar, Ghrita-Kumari, Gvar Patha, hirukattali, Hsiang-Dan, Indian Aloe, Jafarabad Aloe, jelly leek, Kanya, Kumari, lahoi, laloi, Lily of the Desert, Lu-Hui, medicine plant, Mediterranean aloe, Miracle Plant, mocha aloes, mussabar, natal aloes, nohwa, Plant of Immortality, plant of life, rokai, sabilla, Savila, Socotrine aloe, subr, true aloe, Venezuela aloe, Za'bila, Zanzibar aloe.[1]
Nutritional Value:
Some major Nutrients in Aloe Vera ;
Vitamin C (10.11%)
Carbohydrate (6.92%)
Iron (4.50%)
Calcium (1.90%)
Sodium (1.27%)
Types of Aloe vera:
There are currently about 580 species of Aloe listed in the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. In this article, we'll look at 5 of the most popular.
Aloe Barbadensis Miller:
This is one of the most common and popular types due to its healing properties. The gel produced when the leaves are cut aids in the healing of burns and the treatment of a variety of skin and hair problems. This plant produces yellow flowers and has white spots on the leaves that fade as the plant grows older.
Aloe Crosby’s Prolific:
The long leaves of this miniature or dwarf aloe have translucent teeth. The plant produces orange-red flowers and turns red in the sun, adding to the beauty of your landscape design. It is appropriate for containers and beds.
Aloe Rubroviolacea:
The Arabian Aloe is drought tolerant. It thrives in beds, borders, containers, patios, and gardens. The plant is stunning, with its blue-green leaves and reddish teeth surrounding them. In full sun, the leaves turn purple. In the winter, it produces dense spires of red flowers and is virtually disease-free.
Aloe Ferox:
Aloe Ferox is also referred to as Cape Aloe. Each leaf has brown teeth and spines, particularly on the underside. The plant blooms with large, bright orange flowers. In addition to food supplements, the transparent gel of the Cape Aloe is used in burn ointments and other skincare products.
Aloe Capitata Var. Quartziticola:
When grown in partial shade, the leaves of this aloe are milky blue, but when exposed to sunlight, they turn purple. This plant has a flower stalk that is branched and has a round flower head. Each bell-shaped flower is a glossy orange with a golden-yellow interior. Unlike other types of aloe, this one can withstand a brief freeze. Aloes are typically simple to grow and care for. Nonetheless, understanding the differences between them will help you choose the best one for your garden.
Can you eat Aloe Vera?
Most people apply the gel to their skin, but it is also safe to eat when prepared properly. Aloe vera gel has a clean, refreshing flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies and salads.
It’s generally safe to eat the gel inside the aloe vera leaf, as well as the skin. Wash the skin or gel thoroughly to remove traces of latex, which can have B.
Benefits and Uses :-
Anti-Ageing: Aloe vera sterols stimulate the production of face-plumping collagen and hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the skin and smoothens out fine lines and wrinkles. Women who took a low dose of aloe vera gel for 56 days saw a 'significant' improvement in facial wrinkles and elasticity, according to a small Korean study. Furthermore, the plant repairs damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is responsible for up to 80% of visible signs of ageing.
It fights Acne: A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment discovered that combining topical retinoids and aloe vera gel to treat breakouts has 'superior-efficacy' to either treatment used alone. Salicylic acid, found in aloe vera, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to eliminate acne-causing bacteria while also calming stressed-out skin to reduce redness and irritation.
It Reduces Plaque: Researchers from India discovered that swishing aloe vera mouthwash reduces plaque as effectively as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash for gum disease. Alternatively, you could use an aloe vera gel-based toothpaste. When the Academy of General Dentistry compared the germ-fighting ability of tooth gel to two commercial toothpastes, the former was just as effective – if not more so – at controlling cavity-causing organisms.
Hydrates body: The aloe vera plant is high in water, which aids in the treatment and prevention of dehydration. Hydration aids in detoxification of the body by providing a means to flush out and purge impurities. It contains a high concentration of nutrients, which improves the output of the body's organs. It is necessary because the liver and kidneys are in charge of detoxifying the blood and producing urine. As a result, it should be beneficial. After a strenuous workout, the body requires rehydration through the consumption of extra fluids. More fluids are required by the body to flush out the lactic acid buildup caused by exercise.
It Soothes Razor Burn: Aloe vera is well-known for soothing and healing burns, including razor burn. It occurs when the blade damages your skin and hair follicles, causing them to become inflamed. It is a nearly unavoidable side effect of de-fluffing your face. Apply a thin layer of the gel post-shave to eliminate the rash and restore skin balance – it will reduce redness, relieve pain, and aid in the healing of razor bumps.
Treat diseases: Though synthetic drug treatment effectively prevents diseases, it is expensive and has some side effects. Natural products are increasingly being used to prevent and treat diseases, particularly in developing countries, due to their low cost and lack of side effects. Some research indicates that Aloe vera has a safe dose level and a mechanism of action for disease prevention and treatment. Further research is needed to determine the therapeutic safety, potential, and mechanism of action of Aloe vera for disease management.
Prevent hepatitis: With an increase in oxidative stress, liver injury, hepatic GSH depletion, and liver histopathology, APAP induces hepatitis. Aloe vera, which has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, helps to prevent these situations and is used as an adjunctive therapy for APAP-induced hepatitis.
Acts as antioxidant: The study looked at the beneficial effects of methanol extracts of Aloe vera leaf, flowers, and skin. Its antimycoplasmic and antioxidant activities were primarily studied. The antioxidant properties of leaf and flower extracts were discovered in the study. The extract of leaf skin has antimycoplasmic properties, which means it kills these bacteria. It has been determined that Aloe vera extracts from the flowers and leaves of the plant are a natural antioxidant source.
Speed up healing process: Rather than being consumed, aloe vera is used as a topical medication that is rubbed onto the skin. It's been used to treat burns and open wounds. It works well as a topical treatment for first and second degree burns. It has been used as a natural healer for thousands of years. Its external application is an effective method for dressing wounds. The juice seals the wound, preventing blood flow to it. It hastens the healing of wounds. The study demonstrated its efficacy in treating third-degree burn victims and restoring burned skin faster. A large amount of aloe vera gel could heal tissue injuries and gunshot wounds.
Strengthen immune system: Aloe vera juice-based beverages have detoxifying properties that aid in the cleansing of the circulatory and digestive systems. When the rate of nutrient absorption increases, blood circulation improves and health improves. When the blood is oxygen-rich, it efficiently transports nutrients to cells. Healthy cells improve the body's ability to fight infections by strengthening the immune system. It has the ability to kill harmful bacteria. The rejuvenating properties keep the body active and fresh. Aloe vera polysaccharides have been shown in studies to have immunomodulatory and antitumor properties.[3]
It Lowers Blood Sugar: Two tablespoons of aloe vera juice has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. Compounds in the plant increase insulin sensitivity, allowing the body's cells to use blood sugar more efficiently. As a result, Fewer cravings, less hunger, and less difficulty losing fat. In an eight-week study conducted by Seoul National University Hospital, pre-diabetic patients lost nearly a kilo of fat and gained half a kilo of lean body mass after taking an aloe vera gel supplement.
It May Boost Your Metabolism: Animal studies have shown that aloe vera activates an enzyme called AMP-activated muscle protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates your metabolism. In one study, porky rats fed dried aloe vera gel lost weight because the supplement increased the number of calories they burned. Is it possible for humans to reap the same benefits? More investigation is required.
It Treats Mouth Sores: When you feel a cold sore coming on, remember that aloe vera is a proven remedy. According to studies, the gel fights viruses such as herpes simplex, the most common cause of cold sores. Do you have a mouth ulcer? You can also slather it on top of that. In one study, aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing process, but it also reduced pain.
Skin health: Since ancient times, aloe vera has been used to treat skin problems. The gel extracted from the aloe vera leaf is a natural treatment for skin abrasions and aids in the reduction of symptoms associated with ageing skin conditions. Cosmetics, toiletries, personal care products, and skin care products all contain aloe extract. Apply the gel in its raw form to your face; it is more effective than many expensive skin creams on the market. Drink its juice to improve your skin's health. It can also be used to treat stings, acne, rashes, and psoriasis.[3]
Treats nausea: Nausea can occur as a result of consuming contaminated food, chemotherapy treatments, or being infected with a virus. Though there are man-made medicines to treat nausea, doctors are also prescribing natural treatments. Nausea can also be caused by stomach or digestive tract problems. The juice made from Aloe vera is beneficial for sick stomachs and makes people feel better by providing a calm feeling in the body, which indirectly helps to alleviate nausea.
Dose:
The dosage of aloe vera creams and gels varies. Some burn creams contain only 0.5 percent aloe vera. Others used to treat psoriasis may contain up to 70% aloe vera. Aloe has no set dose when taken orally.
Some people take 100-200 milligrams of aloe juice or 50 milligrams of aloe extract daily as needed to relieve constipation. 1 tablespoon of the gel has been used daily to treat diabetes. High doses of aloe or aloe latex taken orally are hazardous. Consult your doctor for instructions on how to use aloe.
Side Effects & Risks:
Before using it, consult your doctor. Aloe vera should not be used on a regular basis, according to researchers. However, if the aloe product is free of aloin, a plant extract that has been linked to colorectal cancer in rats, it may be safe to use as a topical sunburn treatment. Aloin is found between the aloe plant's outer leaf and the gooey stuff inside.
Side Effects:
Topical aloe vera may cause skin irritation.
Because aloe has a laxative effect, taking it orally can cause cramping and diarrhea.
People who consume aloe for more than a few days may experience electrolyte imbalances in their blood.
It can also stain the colon, making a good view of the colon difficult during a colonoscopy. So stay away from it for a month before having a colonoscopy.
Aloe gel, whether for topical or oral application, should be free of aloin, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Stomach pain
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Blood in the urine
Low potassium levels in the blood
Muscle weakness
Risks:
Individuals who are allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips are more likely to be allergic to aloe.
If you have intestinal problems, heart disease, hemorrhoid, kidney problems, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances, avoid taking aloe orally.
Oral aloe in large doses is dangerous.
Precautions:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: When taken orally, aloe gel and latex may be hazardous. According to one report, aloe is linked to miscarriage. It may also increase the likelihood of birth defects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking aloe by mouth.
Intestinal conditions such as Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: If you have any of these conditions, avoid using aloe latex. Aloe latex is a gastrointestinal irritant. Aloe latex will be present in products made from whole aloe leaves.[2]
Children: When applied correctly to the skin, aloe gel may be safe. Aloe latex and aloe whole leaf extracts may be harmful to children if consumed orally. Children under the age of 12 may experience stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
Kidney problems: High doses of aloe latex have been linked to kidney failure and other serious conditions.[2]
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