Health benefits of Aloe vera

 Aloe vera is a very popular medicinal plant that has been used for
several thousands of years.
It is quite an incredible medicinal plant full of nutritional
benefits. It is best known for treating skin injuries, but also has
several other beneficial effects on health. It is a succulent plant and
part of the lily family
(Liliaceae), the same family that garlic and onions belong to.

An aloe vera plant may well be pretty being a potted plant and add a bit touch of green to any office or
home. However did you know that your favorite potted plant could be used for
so much more than simply been a household decoration?

Different components of the plant are used for different purposes and
aloe vera has both internal and external applications. Below are some
health benefits of Aloe Vera.





Can serve as an alternative to mouthwash. 

A study
done in 2014 found aloe vera extract to be a secure and effective option to
chemical-based mouthwashes. The plant’s natural ingredients, which
include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can block plaque and also give
relief if you have hurt or swelling gums.

Aloe Vera works as an Adaptogen

Aloe vera is a well-known adaptogen (something that enhances the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and
resist illness). It is thought that aloe vera’s power as an adaptogen balances
the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of
the body. This enables you an increased ability to manage stress
(physical, emotional and environmental stress).

Helps to reduce constipation

Aloe vera has often be used to treat constipation. However now it is
not the gel that does the work but the latex, that provides the
benefits.

The latex is a sticky yellow residue found just under the skin of the leaf.
The key compound accountable for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, that has well-established laxative effects.
Poor digestion is associated with symptoms of many diseases. A properly functioning
digestive tract is one amongst the keys and foundations of health. Aloe vera is
known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and facilitate improved
digestion. The fascinating thing concerning taking aloe vera internally is that,
because it is an adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or
diarrhea, helping to regulate your elimination cycles in whatever way
you need.  
Even though aloe vera latex has
strong
laxative effects, making it helpful to treat constipation. It does not
seem to be helpful for other diseases of the digestive tract such as
irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

It increases  the rate of healing of burns

Aloe vera is used mainly as a topical medication, rubbed onto the skin instead of devoured.
It has long been referred to as a treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns.
A review of some experimental studies made it known that aloe vera could cut back
the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared to conventional
medication.
Aloe Vera, when formulated into a
properly designed personal care regimen, can treat, exfoliate, restore,
reveal and supply constant, impressive nutrition to the human skin. Once you move past the
slimey texture of natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin,
you will notice how soothing and cooling it is. And it’s for this actual
reasons that aloe vera has been mentioned as the miracle herb that can
be used to treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns.
Aloe vera also acts as an analgesic, acting to assist in relieving pain of wounds.

Improve skin and slow down aging

There are some preliminary evidences that topical Aloe vera gel can slow down aging of the skin.
In one study of 30 women over the age of 45, topical application of
the gel was shown to extend collagen production and improve skin
elasticity over a 90-day period.
Another study found that aloe vera reduced erythema (redness of the skin), but was also found to dehydrate skin cells.
Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is
one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry.



Reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics

Might aloe vera be able to help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels? One study
conducted in Thailand found that two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per
day caused blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes,
which suggests it’s going to have a future in diabetes treatment. These results
were confirmed with a later study from Turkey that used pulp extract. Many animal and human studies in type 2 diabetics have actually found promising results from consuming Aloe vera extract.
Aloe
vera has sometimes been used as a natural diabetes remedy. It is said
to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.

However, there have been some cases of liver damage reported with long-term ingestion of Aloe vera supplements.
 



Conclusion

There are many ways to use the aloe vera plant and the numerous
gels and extracts that can be made
from it. Researchers are continuing
to discover new ways to put this natural superpower to use. The next
time you are looking for an effective remedy or just a new houseplant,
consider aloe vera.



Aloe Vera Intake Precautions

This plant is incredibly medicinal, yet there are some cautions
against long-term use. Just because a bit is useful doesn’t mean
that a lot is more beneficial. This is an incredibly potent plant and
should be used with a level of respect for its efficiency. Long-term use
can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.

Tip: Avoid taking aloe internally during pregnancy,
menstruation, if you have hemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and
gall bladder.