9 Powerful Properties And Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with more than 500 species, present in most regions of the world. It’s one of the most widely used plants in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries today. However, it has a long medicinal history as well. Here we’ll see the main benefits of aloe vera to improve our health.

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In traditional Indian medicine, aloe vera is used for skin conditions, constipation, infections, and colic.

It’s also used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of fungal diseases.

We have all seen an aloe vera plant or at least a product that advertises it as an ingredient, but not everyone knows its potential as a therapeutic tool for treating skin problems, digestion, immunity and more.

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Aloe Vera Properties

Aloe vera is the most biologically active species of all aloe plants.

In its composition, there are more than 75 potentially active components, including minerals, vitamins, saccharides, amino acids (20 of the 22 required), enzymes, anthraquinones, lignin, saponins, and salicylic acids.

It’s very antioxidant due to the presence of vitamins A, B12, C and E, along with folic acid and choline.

It also has a good amount of minerals such as calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc.

Aloe vera contains 8 enzymes including alkaline phosphatase, aliase, amylase, bradykinase, catalase, carboxypeptidase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase.

It also contains 12 compounds known as laxatives. Among them are aloin and emodin, which also have analgesics, antibacterial and antiviral effects.

It has 4 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties: cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sitosterol and lupeol.

The hormones auxins and gibberellins help heal wounds and provide anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Calms Rashes And Skin Irritations

The first study to explore the topic properties of aloe vera on the skin was conducted in 1935, which found that the extract of this plant provides speedy relief of itching and burning associated with severe radiation dermatitis and potentialize skin recovery.

Since then, various studies have highlighted its use in wound healing, including the treatment of psoriasis, oral mucositis, surgical wounds, and as a home remedy for burns.

Cure Cold Sores

Research conducted by the Journal of Dentistry found that applying aloe vera to cold sores several times a day eases discomfort and speeds up the healing process thanks to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Being safe to consume orally, there is nothing to worry about.

Helps To Relieve Constipation

Aloe vera is also noted for its laxative properties.

A study conducted on 28 healthy adults found that the use of aloe vera latex had a laxative effect that increased intestinal fluid content, stimulated mucus secretion, and increased intestinal peristalsis.

All this makes the plant an ideal natural remedy to relieve constipation, but a proper diet is still the best-recommended advice to avoid the issue altogether. 

Boosts The Immune System

On one hand, the contribution of aloe vera enzymes generates a better general functioning of our cells.

In addition, it prevents zinc deficiency (essential for immune function) by providing good amounts of this mineral.

For more than 5 years, the uses of aloe vera in dentistry have been studied, since it has been shown that it has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal capacities and is very good for strengthening the immune system without allergic reactions, being completely natural.

Helps To Control Diabetes

Certain studies suggest that aloe vera can alleviate chronic hyperglycaemia and disturbed lipid profiles that are very common in diabetes patients, and are major risk factors for cardiovascular complications.

In two studies carried out, the ability of aloe vera to reduce blood glucose and triglyceride levels has been successfully verified.

Soothes Burns

The rejuvenating and protective effects of aloe vera against burns are perhaps its most popular property.

The United States government has used aloe vera to treat thermal and radiation burns in its military forces for many years.

Since 1959, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of aloe vera products as over-the-counter medications to treat skin burns, as it allows much faster healing.

Moisturizes Hair And Scalp 

Aloe vera has excellent properties for treating dry hair and itchy scalp.

The vitamins and minerals present in the plant keep the hair strong and healthy.

In addition, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it also helps to get rid of dandruff.

This is due to the enzymes that help remove dead cells from the scalp and promote tissue regeneration, also relieving itching.

Using aloe vera is an excellent natural alternative to counteract the damage that traditional shampoos and conditioners generate with their chemicals.

Aids Gut Healing

A study conducted found that 30ml. of aloe vera juice twice a day relieves irritable bowel, reducing pain and flatulence.

It has also been used to soothe and heal stomach ulcers thanks to its antibacterial agents and natural healing properties that restore the stomach lining.

Provides Antioxidants And Reduces Inflammation

We already know that inflammation is the root of the vast majority of diseases.

All the nutrients provided by aloe vera help reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage.

Vitamins A, C and E present in aloe vera are responsible for maintaining healthy vision, good neurological function, healthy skin, and an efficient immune system; also provide a good amount of antioxidants.

Final Thoughts

Aloe vera’s popularity is justified by its many properties and health benefits with zero side effects and contraindications.

It’s important to note that aloe vera, as well as other plants, are better used in their most natural form, as industrialised products may have harmful additives that will counteract their benefits.

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