Aloe vera juice can be used internally to treat many health problems, including digestion issues. It is made from the outer parts of the aloe vera leaf and it is typically consumed as a tonic. It can help improve the immune system and it possesses benefits for the skin, similar to the aloe vera gel. The suggested serving size for pure aloe vera juice is four tablespoons daily, but you can take as much as eight.
25 Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera
Why is aloe vera such a miracle plant? Aloe vera is loaded with a variety of enzymes, nutrients, and phytochemicals, including 12 varieties of anthraquinones (organic compounds that possess pain-killing and anti-microbial properties) and the majority of essential amino acids—amino acids are imperative for muscle development and play an important role in the development of the central nervous system.
Aloe vera also contains a large assortment of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, choline, vitamin B12, and other B vitamins. Its minerals include zinc, sodium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, chromium, and calcium.
The following are the top 25 benefits of aloe vera.
- Digestion and intestinal issues: Aloe vera is a well-known digestive aid. It can help relieve digestive issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease. It also has a laxative effect that can improve bowel movements. In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals, researchers found that aloe vera gel could relieve constipation in rats. The aloe vera extract acemannan has also been found to decrease symptoms and inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
- Aids peptic ulcers: Aloe vera can help relieve intestinal bleeding related to peptic ulcers. The anthraquinones in aloe vera is responsible for stopping the bleeding.
- Boosts the immune system: Regular consumption of aloe vera can help boost the immune system. The polysaccharides in aloe vera juice will stimulate white blood cells that help fight viruses in your immune system. Aloe vera is also considered an adaptogen, and it can help the body adapt to physical, environmental, and emotional stress.
- Treats wounds, burns, and inflammation: The plant sterols are responsible for the natural anti-inflammatory action of aloe vera. It also contains salicylic acid to help relieve burns, cuts, wounds, abrasions, and scars.
- Lowers cholesterol: Aloe vera is very helpful for heart health. The beta-Sitosterol in aloe vera has been found to help lower cholesterol. Overall, aloe vera may help decrease heart disease risk by reducing cholesterol, improving oxidation and circulation of the blood, and regulating blood pressure.
- Helpful for diabetes: A study published in the journal Hormone Research in 1986 found that aloe vera has a hypoglycemic effect and can lower blood glucose levels in patients with type-2 diabetes. In a systematic review published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2003, aloe vera was found to positively improve glucose control in diabetic patients.
- Treats psoriasis and other skin issues: Aloe vera is considered an effective remedy for rosacea, allergic skin reactions, rashes, and skin conditions such as psoriasis. In a study published in the journalTropical Medicine & International Health in 1996, researchers found that a topical aloe vera cream effectively treated psoriasis symptoms. The study observed 60 patients with psoriasis, and they were given either aloe vera extract cream or a placebo. The study was conducted over a period of six weeks and included monthly follow-up visits for about a year.
- Asthma and respiratory disorders: The anti-inflammatory abilities of aloe vera can reduce asthma symptoms, making it easier for asthma patients to breathe.
- Alkalinizes the body: Aloe vera is alkalinizing by nature, and it can help balance pH levels in the body. Aloe vera will complement a diet that’s high in other alkalinizing foods, including many vegetables and fruits.
- Rejuvenates the female reproductive system: Aloe vera helps rejuvenate the uterus, and it can help relieve painful menstrual periods. The remedy is often used to improve symptoms of menopause.
- Helpful weight loss aid: When you drink aloe vera juice on a regular basis, it helps your body burn calories quicker by stimulating your metabolism.
- Safer mouthwash alternative: Do you want a chemical-free mouthwash alternative? Aloe vera juice may be a safe and effective solution. The ingredients in aloe vera, such as vitamin C, can help relieve swelling or bleeding gums. It can also help reduce dental plaque, according to a 2014 study published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences.
- May help kill cancer cells: A 2013 study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicinefound that a compound in aloe vera leaves called aloe-emodin can inhibit the spread of breast cancer cells. Another study found that aloe vera may benefit chemotherapy patients, and can improve survival time and tumor regression.
- Improves wrinkles and skin elasticity: Aloe vera contains antioxidants, which can help hydrate skin, improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. Aloe vera will stimulate the fibroblasts that produce elastin fibers and collagen; as a result, there are fewer wrinkles on the skin with the use of aloe vera. The zinc and amino acids found in in aloe vera help moisten the skin.
- Beneficial sunburn treatment: Aloe vera can help treat sunburns at the epithelial level of the skin, and it has a protective effect on skin exposure to UV (ultraviolet) and gamma radiation.
- Acne prevention and treatment: Aloe vera pulp has an anti-acne effect and is an effective skin cleanser. Aloe vera gel or juice can be applied to acne or pimples for an effective natural treatment. It can also help prevent acne outbreaks.
- Helpful eczema treatment: Aloe vera is useful in the treatment of eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. A 2007 review published in the International Journal of Toxicology found that aloe-derived ingredients could topically treat eczema.
- Treatment for hair conditions: Aloe vera is the ultimate tonic for your hair. It is considered an effective remedy for hair loss, itchy scalp, dandruff, and dry and damaged hair. It can also be used as a natural hair conditioner. The amino acids and other nutrients found in aloe vera can help strengthen hair. You can also use aloe vera as a shampoo when combined with jojoba oil and coconut oil.
- Effective foot cleanser: Aloe vera can be used as an effective foot scrub when combined with rice powder and sugar. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes; then gently scrub your feet with the aloe vera formula for about 10 minutes. Aloe vera is considered an effective treatment for athlete’s foot.
- Helps strengthen teeth and gums: Using aloe vera gel promotes healthy gums and teeth. In fact, aloe vera is often found as an ingredient in toothpaste! A 2011 study published in the Journal of Indian Society Periodontology found that aloe vera gel could improve periodontal disease.
- Useful for arthritis and rheumatism pain: In a 2010 paper published in the British Journal of Community Nursing, it was suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect of aloe vera may be helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
- Natural dry skin moisturizer: Do you have dry skin? Aloe vera gel can help moisten your skin naturally, according to a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. In the study, 30 adult women had aloe vera gel applied to their skin —the aloe vera improved skin integrity and dry skin.
- Prevents dark circles under the eyes: The many nutrients found in aloe vera can help prevent dark circles under the eyes. Vitamins A, C, E, vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, and magnesium are all beneficial nutrients to prevent dark circles.
- Great for swollen lips: Aloe vera is also a great natural lip balm, and it can help reduce swollen lips after gently massaging them. Aloe vera, often combined with jojoba and beeswax, is typically found in commercial lip balms.
- Keeps produce fresher: In a 2014 study published in the journal Fruits, it was discovered that coating aloe vera gel on tomato plants would block some harmful bacteria types. In other words, aloe gel may help preserve fruits and vegetables naturally!
