What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera? 9 Benefits

Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant with medicinal properties. Aloe vera benefits include uses in skin treatment, wound healing, diabetes control, treatment of peptic ulcers, oral applications and more.

Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot and dry climates. It is farmed in the subtropical areas, including the southern border areas of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. In 2002, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ruling that required manufacturers to remove aloe from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data.

However, the limited evidence that we have gathered from studies conducted all over the world point to the uses of aloe vera in various skin conditions and wound healing.

The gel obtained from fresh aloe vera has many therapeutic effects and can be used for the following

1. Skin treatment: Skin conditions such as dermatitis, sunburn, heat rashes, and radiation burns respond very well to aloe vera gel. Research backs up the ancient use of aloe vera in conditions such as
   • Psoriasis (a genetic condition that presents with scaly, itchy, and dry skin)
   • Dermatitis due to sunburn, insect bites, and heat
   • Seborrhea (scaly red scalp)
   • Dandruff
   • Skin abrasions (cuts) or minor burn
   • Skin injuries caused by radiation
   • Herpes cold sores
   • Acne
2. Anti-aging: Aloe vera contains sterols, which help your skin produce hyaluronic acid and collagen. Consuming aloe vera may improve skin elasticity and combat fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Surgical wound healing: Many studies have reported aloe vera’s surgical wound healing properties, especially in surgeries such as periodontal flap surgery and gynecological surgeries.
4. Laxative: Aloe vera latex is commonly used to treat constipation. It has a laxative effect due to anthraquinone glycosides. A small, controlled trial has demonstrated that it has stronger laxative effectiveness than the stimulant laxative phenolphthalein. It is even helpful in conditions such as fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus) and piles. Combinations of aloe vera, celandine, and psyllium may improve bowel movement frequency, consistency of stools, and laxative dependency in people. It is always prudent to talk to your doctor before starting aloe supplements.
5. Diabetes control: Aloe vera gel intake seems to be helpful to lower blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. It may also lower cholesterol levels, as reported in limited studies.
6. Peptic ulcer treatment: Aloe vera in many preparations is widely promoted for the treatment of ulcers and inflammation in the digestive system. There is evidence of the successful use of aloe vera gel along with heavy liquid petrolatum emulsion for peptic ulcers (open sores on the gullet, stomach, and small bowel). 3 percent aloe vera gel exerts some action on radiation-induced proctitis.
7. Ulcerative colitis: In a small European study, 44 adults with ulcerative colitis were randomly assigned to receive aloe vera gel or a placebo twice daily for a month. Almost half of the people treated with aloe vera responded to the treatment. This too requires further research.
8. Prevent metastasis (cancer spread): A small group study in patients with advanced cancer reported that 1 mL consumption of aloe vera tincture (10 percent aloe vera and 90 percent alcohol) twice a day along with 20 mg/day of melatonin may stabilize metastasis. This is more effective than taking melatonin alone. Additionally, a significantly higher percentage of one-year survival was observed in cancer patients who received an aloe vera and melatonin combination. This, however, warrants more evidence.
9. Promotes oral health: Studies have suggested that using aloe vera as a mouthwash can be effective in reducing plaque and helping prevent cavities and gum disease.