These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems. People most often use aloe vera as a topical medication, rubbing it onto the skin rather than consuming it. In fact, it has a long history of use in treating sores, and particularly burns, including sunburn.
The United States Pharmacopeia describe aloe vera preparations as a skin protectant as early as — For example, a review of experimental studies found that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared with conventional medication.
It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections. The evidence for aloe vera helping heal other types of wound is inconclusive, but the research is promising. Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems. One of the best ways to prevent these conditions is to reduce the buildup of plaque, or bacterial biofilms, on the teeth. After 4 days of use, the aloe vera mouth rinse appeared to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque.
Another study found similar benefits of aloe vera mouth rinse over a to day period. Aloe vera is effective in killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. Many people experience mouth ulcers, or canker sores , at some point in their lives. These usually form underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about a week.
For example, in a 7-day study of people with recurrent mouth ulcers, applying an aloe vera patch to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers. In another study , aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them. Aloe vera may also help treat constipation. This time it is the latex, not the gel, that provides the benefits.
The latex is a sticky yellow residue present just under the skin of the leaf. The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established laxative effects. However, people have raised concerns about safety with frequent use.
For this reason, aloe latex has not been available in the U. Contrary to popular belief, aloe vera does not appear to be effective against other digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. Learn more here. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin. Who knew an aloe vera plant had so much goodness packed into its leaves?
Despite the bevy of nutrients inside the gel, modern-day science has sought to confirm many claims made about the plant. Researchers have spent decades analyzing the plant as a health remedy and have come up with fascinating results.
Aloe is chock full of antioxidants which promote a strong immune system and the polysaccharides also have anti-inflammatory qualities. Some people use aloe to help with irritable bowel syndrome IBS , ulcers and to detoxify the intestinal track. Morrow, who is also a clinical supervisor at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, has used aloe vera gel to ease irritation in the digestive track in patients going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD may also be in luck. Some people use aloe vera to reduce the symptoms from damaged tissues caused by the disease.
Instead, she recommends glutamine, which is an amino acid produced in the muscles and transported to organ via blood, with aloe as an additive. The body has a much better chance at fighting off illness and infection if as many nutrients as possible can make their way into the bloodstream.
Polysaccharides are the primary component of aloe vera gel. These compounds, which are found in plants, create the thick quality of the gel. These same ingredients in aloe can also irritate the immune system, but not in a harmful way, Morrow notes. Instead, the immune system ramps up because it sees these compounds as a threat. However, polysaccharides are certainly not a toxin. In addition to this, the antioxidants that are present in the gel ward off free radicals which negatively impact immunity.
A few studies have indicated that aloe can play a role in lowering cholesterol. According to the National Institutes of Health NIH , daily intake of 10 ml or 20 ml of aloe for 3 months was shown to reduce LDL bad cholesterol by 18 percent and total cholesterol by 15 percent. The gel is sometimes used topically in sports medicine to soothe achy muscles, but taken orally, the anti-inflammatory ingredients may also help with pain. By eliminating unhealthy foods, the aloe vera has a better chance of working.
There are several ways aloe vera may help those suffering from diabetes. However, the NIH warns that combining glucose-lowering medication with aloe vera can have harmful effects. People with Type 2 diabetes may also look to aloe as a way to lower excessive amounts of fat in the blood.
Arthritis is a chronic condition in which joints are inflamed causing pain and stiffness. Aloe vera contains several enzymes and amino acids that are known to have anti-inflammatory qualities. Evidence is limited, but some people take aloe vera gel orally to ease the pain of arthritis. Morrow says many people are turned off by the tangy flavor, but there are ways to make it more palatable. Most people use the gel for its natural cooling effect on the skin.
Major health organizations, like the NIH, stop short of saying the plant is effective mainly due to lack of evidence. Caution should be taken when ingesting aloe vera as there can be potential side effects. The aloe latex—the yellow juice near the rind—is where most of the danger lies. However, ingredients in the more commonly used gel itself can also be harmful to some people. As mentioned above, aloe vera can lower blood sugar levels which can be problematic for people taking insulin or hypoglycemic medication.
Because there is the potential for low potassium counts from aloe, people who take medication Digoxin for heart rhythm problems may see adverse effects when using aloe. Taking aloe orally before surgery is not recommended since certain anesthesia also decreases blood clotting. If used topically, the NIH states that aloe may increase the absorption of steroid creams hydrocortisone. Aloe vera may be most well-known for its moisturizing properties. It can be found in plenty of skin and hair products, but it can also be used straight from the plant.
Research suggests that polysaccharides in the gel have anti-itching and anti-inflammatory that help with wound healing. However, more research is needed; another study demonstrated that aloe may delay surgical wound healing. Mix equal parts water and aloe vera gel together. Next, add an essential oil of your choice. The aloe locks in moisture and blocks external toxins from damaging hair.
The moisture from the aloe also promotes a healthy scalp and the anti fungal elements in the gel are known to eliminate dandruff. The combination of vitamins and minerals in aloe can soothe skin that is red from inflammation and acne. Regularly applying aloe to the face can help reduce redness. Some studies have found aloe may help treat the skin disease. The NIH cites research that used a cream with 0. Moisture from aloe keeps skin firm while the antioxidants may provide a more vibrant complexion.
Aloe is also used to lighten hyperpigmentation of the skin. Aloe can help take the sting out of swollen lips and can also be used as a moisturizer for chapped lips. By thankyoubody. To Use: Defrost one cube in a bowl the night before use. Use as you would normal shampoo. The gel is viscous, with air bubbles and sometimes a vibrant green color. The draw of aloe vera is, of course, its ability to heal naturally, but unfortunately not all products are as pure as they want you to believe.
These words would be great for a spelling bee, but for your skin? Not so much. When it comes to getting the most pure version of aloe, immediately using the gel after cutting it is the most effective method. Aloe begins to lose some of its potency after a few hours so cutting a fresh leaf will give you the most nutrients. Of course, this makes the most sense for topical use.
Caution: Be careful not to use the yellow juice from the leaf. It has a laxative effect. The other option is aloe vera in a bottle.
Defined as aloe vera leaf juice. Commercial aloe juice is made by crushing or grinding entire leaves, including the latex portion. Because the latex has a bitter flavor and laxative effects, it is removed during processing using a stripping agent.
The NIH warns that this method can result in an aloe product with very few active ingredients, such as Acemannan. Although she does caution against using whole-leaf aloe. Although aloe vera is a natural remedy, take precautions before using it. The National Library of Medicine recommends avoiding aloe latex because of serious side effects such as stomach cramping, kidney problems, heart disturbances, muscle weakness and blood in the urine.
Years ago, many companies used aloin the substance that causes the laxative effect in their laxative products, but the FDA stepped in and prohibited the use of the substance. The federal agency was concerned people would begin increasing their aloe latex dosage because the body builds up a tolerance and higher dosages could lead to the aforementioned health problems.
Defined as aloe vera inner leaf juice, or inner fillet. Commercial aloe vera gel is made without the outer rind and aloe latex. Some products use carrageenan, an element in seaweed, as a thickening agent. The problem? Carrageenan has been linked to digestive problems which is a bit ironic since aloe gel is often used to aid in digestion.
There is more present in gel. Before aloe gel and juice can hit store shelves, it has to be properly harvested and undergo a highly-sanitized production process. Aloe farms can be found throughout the world. Africa, Australia, Asia, Central America, South America and the Caribbean are all popular locations for growing aloe for commercial use.
Perhaps because aloe has been recognized as big business by many, farms in other countries are cropping up. The International Aloe Science Council states that commercial operations have requested set-up help in Greece, Iran and other countries in the Middle East.
To grow strong aloe plants, farms need good irrigation systems, fertilization and the proper climate. There are no aloe vera seeds, only pups. To grow a new aloe plant, simply cut offshoots of a mature plant roots and all and replant.
If cut improperly, aloe loses its potency quickly and becomes susceptible to contamination. Farm employees harvest the largest and most mature leaves which are found at the bottom of the plant. Some aloe plants yield three leaves at a time, while others can produce six to nine leaves at harvest time.
The leaf is pulled away from the stalk and cut at the white base of the plant. While aloe vera gel has been used historically as a frostbite remedy, ask your doctor first before trying it. Unlike canker sores, cold sores develop on the outside of your mouth. Aloe vera may help treat the herpes virus, which is also the underlying cause of cold sores. Apply a small amount of the gel to your cold sore twice daily until it goes away.
The moisturizing effects of aloe can help alleviate dry, itchy skin associated with eczema. Aloe vera gel may also help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis. While this oily form of eczema is most often found in the scalp, it can also affect parts of your face and behind the ears, too. As with eczema, aloe vera may help alleviate inflammation and itchiness from psoriasis.
For best results, apply aloe vera gel twice daily to the affected area of skin. Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera, the gel may help treat inflammatory forms of acne , such as pustules and nodules.
Apply the gel with a cotton swab directly to the pimple three times daily. However, not everyone has an aloe plant hanging around their house. In such cases, OTC products work just as well. For the best results, look for a gel that lists aloe vera as its main ingredient. This is because the gel itself has moisturizing elements to protect and heal the skin. You may also consider steering clear of aloe vera if you have a severe burn or other significant wounds.
Some users may experience itching or slight burning as the aloe vera goes to work in your skin. However, if you experience a rash or hives, you could have a sensitivity to the gel and should stop using it immediately.
While the gel has microbial properties, its protective layer can disrupt the healing process and make an infection worse. Aloe vera may be a source of natural treatment for a variety of skin ailments. They can help with specific concerns you have regarding your overall skin health. Your favorite potted plant is more than a decoration. Aloe vera can be used to relieve heartburn, keep fruits and vegetables fresh, and much more.
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