Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular go-to option in Indian households to treat any minor wound or for any skincare or hair care treatment. The main reason behind this is the vast array of benefits of aloe vera. So if you too are keen on knowing them, keep scrolling to find out the different ways of using Aloe vera benefits and side effects of its overuse.

What Are the Health Benefits of Aloe Vera?

The benefits of aloe vera are as follows:

1. Accelerates healing of wounds

Aloe vera is popularly applied to wounds due to its anti-bacterial properties. It contains several polyphenols, which is the main reason behind restricting the growth of bacteria. Additionally, it produces a cooling sensation, and hence it is extensively used to heal sunburn.

2. Treats canker sores

Canker sores underneath the lip on the inner surface of the mouth are very common in people. Although they require little time to heal, you can accelerate the healing process by using aloe vera gel.

3. Treats acne

People dealing with acne problems, irrespective of their gender, can use aloe vera gel to cure them. You can also prepare different face masks using aloe vera gel and other readily available ingredients to get effective results instantly and, at the same time, enjoy glowing skin.

4. Solves digestive problems

Aloe vera juice acts as a laxative and effectively treats constipation. It contains compounds such as aloin or barbaloin, which are extremely effective in treating this digestive problem. Nonetheless, it is essential to keep a check on its consumption to avoid its side effects.

5. Lowers blood sugar levela

Aloe vera juice is highly effective in controlling blood sugar levels. So, if you are suffering from the same, you can opt for Aloe vera juice. However, it is a must to consult a doctor before proceeding with this treatment.

6. Aids in weight loss

One of the advantages of aloe vera is that it has shown a prominent effect on an individual’s weight management. Its action against pancreatic enzyme is effective in absorbing fats resulting in weight loss.

7. Relieves heartburn

There are several digestive issues that can lead to heartburn. To reduce its severity, you can take 1 to 3 ounces of aloe vera gel during meals.

8. Soothes razor burn

If you encounter a razor cut while shaving, then you can apply aloe vera gel on it. It soothes the burn by producing a cooling sensation.

9. Treats dental plaque

You can use aloe vera juice as an effective mouthwash. It kills bacteria such as Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. This has proven to be extremely effective in reducing dental plaque considerably, thus aiding you in preserving your oral health.

How to Use Aloe Vera?

Individuals enjoy the flexibility to use aloe vera in several ways to get its effect. These ways include:

Aloe vera in pure form

You can use the gel from the Aloe vera plant directly on your skin to treat pimples and acne. Additionally, you can also apply aloe vera gel on your hair and skin. Its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties prevent acne from reappearing. You can apply it on the affected area at night before sleeping. Next morning wash off the gel with cold water.

Aloe vera with cinnamon and honey

You can prepare a face mask using aloe vera with honey or cinnamon, as both of them have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To make the mask, you need to mix 1 tbsp of Aloe vera gel, 2 tbsp of honey and 1/4th tbsp of cinnamon in a bowl. Apply this mixture to your face and leave that for 10 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water.

Aloe vera gel with lemon juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which provides relief to skin irritations. You can prepare this mixture by adding lemon juice with aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture to the affected regions and after 10 minutes, wash your face off to remove the mask completely.

Aloe vera gel in spray form

Spraying aloe vera in diluted form on your face is beneficial as it will prevent your face from getting dehydrated. At the same time, preparing the solution is extremely easy. You only need to mix water with aloe vera gel. This mixture will not produce any excess oil on your face.

Aloe vera gel with tea tree oil

Research suggests that tea tree oil is highly beneficial in treating acne. You can mix aloe vera gel with water and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and apply it to the affected area to get the best results.

Aloe vera gel creams

You can use creams infused with aloe vera to get rid of acne and pimples and enjoy beautiful glowing skin.

Aloe vera scrub with sugar and coconut oil

You can prepare a scrub using aloe vera gel, sugar and coconut oil to get rid of dead skin cells and enjoy glowing acne-free skin. Mix aloe gel, coconut oil and sugar to make a scrub to remove dead skin cells and enjoy glowing skin.

Although there are several medicinal benefits of aloe vera, consuming it in excess and that too for a long time can cause severe side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of Aloe Vera?

The side effects of excess aloe vera consumption are as follows:

You can face an alarming drop in blood sugar level if you do not check your aloe intake.
Due to the laxative property of aloe vera, you can end up suffering from diarrhoea.
Aloe vera causes a significant change in the electrolyte balance of the body resulting in severe dehydration.
You can also experience sudden fatigue due to a drop in potassium levels in the body.
You can experience muscle cramps and abnormal heartbeat on excess consumption.
It increases the chances of colorectal cancer if you consume it for a longer time.
You can experience hepatitis and red urine on increasing aloe vera consumption.

While consuming aloe vera, you must keep in mind some precautions to stay safe from its side effects.

What Are the Precautions While Using Aloe Vera?

The precautions for using aloe vera are as follows:

Avoid taking aloe latex orally at any dose.
Do not take Aloe if you are expecting a baby or breastfeeding.
Children consuming aloe latex can suffer from cramps, stomach aches and diarrhoea.
Avoid taking aloe vera in case of any upcoming surgery.
Avoid consuming aloe vera in excess.
Immediately stop consuming aloe vera if you notice any allergic reactions.
Consult a doctor before consuming aloe vera to avoid any side effects.

Who Should Avoid Using Aloe Vera?

aloe vera cosmetic cream — (source: freepik)

People who must avoid consuming aloe vera are as follows:

Pregnant women
Nursing mothers
People allergic to Liliaceae family plants
Children below 12 years of age

Now that you are aware of the health benefits of aloe vera make sure that you do not end up consuming excess and encounter its side effects. Additionally, if you notice any side effects, immediately consult a doctor to prevent their severity.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ Can aloe vera treat Alzheimer’s disease?

There is not much evidence to support the fact that aloe vera can treat Alzheimer’s disease. Hence, it is better to consult a doctor before using it in this condition.

✓ Can aloe vera be used to treat poor eyesight?

No. To date, no such evidence has been obtained in support of aloe vera successfully treating poor eyesight.

✓ Can aloe vera juice lower high blood pressure?

No. Aloe vera juice has no proven effect in reducing the high blood pressure of an individual.