Aloe vera gel is widely known to relieve sunburn and help
heal wounds. But did you know that your favorite potted plant can be used for
much more than sunburn relief and household décor?
Historical use of aloe vera
The use of aloe vera can be traced back 6,000 years to
ancient Egypt. It was known as the “plant of immortality” and was presented to
deceased pharaohs as a burial gift.
The succulent has a long history of being used for medicinal
purposes, dating back to ancient Egypt. The plant is native to North Africa,
Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands. Today, aloe vera is grown in tropical
climates worldwide. From relieving heartburn to potentially slowing the spread
of breast cancer, researchers are just beginning to unlock the benefits of this
universal plant and its many byproducts.
1.Heartburn relief
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive
disorder that often results in heartburn. A 2010 review suggested that
consuming 1 to 3 ounces of aloe gel at mealtime could reduce the severity of
GERD. It may also ease other digestion-related problems. The plant’s low
toxicity makes it a safe and gentle remedy for heartburn.
2.Keeping produce fresh
A 2014 study published online by the Cambridge University
Press looked at tomato plants coated with aloe gel. The report showed evidence
that the coating successfully blocked the growth of many types of harmful bacteria
on the vegetables. Similar results were found in a different study with apples.
This means that aloe gel could help fruits and vegetables stay fresh, and
eliminate the need for dangerous chemicals that extend the shelf life of
produce.
3.An alternative to mouthwash
In a 2014 study published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health
Sciences, researchers found aloe vera extract to be a safe and effective
alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes. The plant’s natural ingredients,
which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can block plaque. It can also
provide relief if you have bleeding or swollen gums.
4.Lowering your blood sugar
Ingesting two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day can
cause blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a
study in Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and
Phytopharmacy. This could mean that aloe vera may have a future in diabetes
treatment. These results were confirmed by another study published in
Phytotherapy Research that used pulp extract.
But people with diabetes, who take glucose-lowering
medications, should use caution when consuming aloe vera. The juice along with
diabetes medications could possibly lower your glucose count to dangerous
levels.
5.A natural laxative (detoxification)
Aloe vera is considered a natural laxative. A handful of
studies have looked into the benefits of the succulent to aid digestion. The
results appear to be mixed.
A team of Nigerian scientists conducted a study on rats and
found that gel made from typical aloe vera houseplants was able to relieve
constipation. But another study by the National Institutes of Health looked at
the consumption of aloe vera whole-leave extract. Those findings revealed tumor
growth in the large intestines of laboratory rats.
In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration required that
all over-the-counter aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or
be reformulated.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that aloe vera can be used to
relieve constipation, but sparingly. They advise that a dose of 0.04 to 0.17
grams of dried juice is sufficient.
If you have Crohn’s disease, colitis, or hemorrhoids you
shouldn’t consume aloe vera. It can cause severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
You should stop taking aloe vera if you’re taking other medications. It may
decrease your body’s ability to absorb the drugs.
6.Skin care
You can use aloe vera to keep your skin clear and hydrated.
This may be because the plant thrives in dry, unstable climates. To survive the
harsh conditions, the plant’s leaves store water. These water-dense leaves,
combined with special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates, make it an
effective face moisturizer and pain reliever.
7.Potential to fight breast cancer
A new study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and
Alternative Medicine looked at the therapeutic properties of aloe emodin, a
compound in the plant’s leaves. The authors suggest that the succulent shows
potential in slowing the growth of breast cancer. However, more studies are
needed to further advance this theory.
NB: The takeaway
There are a number of ways to use the aloe vera plant and
the various gels and extracts that can be made from it. Researchers are
continuing to discover new methods to put this succulent to use. Be sure to
consult your doctor if you plan to use aloe vera in a medicinal manner,
especially if you take medication.
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