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Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe vera has been known for hundreds of years for its unbelievable medicinal uses. Beyond just cooling painful sunburns, this highly versatile plant has a lot to offer. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, which is why aloe vera is an essential part of many natural health routines.
From promoting digestive health to strengthening immunity and reducing inflammation, the benefits of aloe vera are numerous. Whether consumed as juice, applied topically, or taken in supplement form, this powerhouse plant can work wonders for your entire well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore 16 ways aloe vera benefits your health, uncovering its potential to improve your gut, immune system, and overall health.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
1. Relieves Acidity and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux and acidity are two different terms, even if they sound similar. Acidity is the general alteration in the pH levels of the stomach due to improper digestion. Acid reflux, on the other hand, is a phenomenon that involves the backward flow of stomach acids through the esophageal tract.
Aloe vera has soothing properties that help regulate the metabolism (R). The heightened rate of metabolism helps ensure proper digestion, which in turn keeps problems like acidity and acid reflux at bay.
What to Do?
- You can get raw aloe vera pulp and extract the juice, or buy preservative-free aloe vera juice available in stores.
- Drink a glass of fresh juice every morning before breakfast.
2. Treats Arthritis
Arthritis is primarily caused by inflammation in the joints, which creates friction, leading to joint pain. This is primarily visible in older people because of the degrading quantities of calcium in their bodies.
Aloe vera is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which ensures the proper treatment of the friction caused by the consistent clash between the joints. Aloe vera gel is rich in plant sterols, which deliver similar functions to those of steroid drugs, except they don’t negatively impact the body.
What to Do?
- If you want to treat it from within, drink aloe vera juice regularly before breakfast.
- The topical application of aloe vera gel works wonders
3. Cures Back Pain
Overexertion and overwork often result in back pain. Inflammation in the joints or even a sudden crunch due to sleeping in a weird position can lead to pain. If you are not a big fan of pain medicines and the long-lasting side effects they bring along with them, switch to the mother of natural healing, aloe vera.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties. Many people often tend to confuse the difference between anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Aloe vera does not provide instantaneous relief for back pain; instead, it induces effects on a long-term basis. It provides a soothing feeling upon application but is not analgesic like normal pain-relieving balms.
What to Do?
- Drink a cup of aloe vera juice every morning on an empty stomach.
- For in-the-moment relief, apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel in the affected area on the back.
4. Treats Breast Cancer
According to recent research, experts deduce that 2 out of 5 women have a risk of developing breast cancer. The cytotoxic potential of developing a toxic mass in the periphery of the mammary glands is increasing at an alarming rate.
Aloe vera, which is known around the world for its extensive health benefits, is one of the possible cures for breast cancer. Although there has been no concrete evidence to back the claim, ongoing research indicates a positive possibility. Aloe vera inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer (R).
What to Do?
- Start the intake of aloe vera pulp in its raw form every morning regularly.
- Consult a specialist if symptoms are prominent.
5. Reduces Body Heat
Did you know that aloe vera gel can help reduce body heat? Applying aloe vera gel before taking a shower helps lower the body’s temperature and adjust it further for a cold shower. It creates a barrier so that the drastically altered temperature between the water and the body doesn’t cause the body to go into shock. Apply the gel and leave it on for a substantial amount of time before taking a shower to cool yourself down.
What to Do?
- Apply a good amount of aloe vera gel all over the body and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash off the remnants in a cold shower.
6. Relieves Constipation
Constipation, and not having regular bowel movements increase the possibility of retention of toxic materials, which is harmful to health in the long run. Aloe vera juice has laxative properties that help in regulating bowel movements.
Aloe vera has laxative properties that help with conditions like constipation. This aids in regulating metabolism, which induces regular bowel movements. This ensures that you excrete unwanted toxins regularly.
What to Do?
- Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera pulp into your favorite shake or smoothie.
- If it is a store-bought aloe vera juice, consume 1-2 tablespoons of it every day.
7. Regulates Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is one of the primary components that helps maintain homeostasis in the human body. Aloe vera helps lower blood pressure when the levels spike.
Aloe vera is rich in vitamin C, which helps dilate the capillaries and other necessary blood vessels when the blood pressure rises (R). The dilated capillaries promote better flow throughout the body, which, in turn, gradually lowers the blood pressure back to normal.
What to Do?
- Doctors suggest mixing one teaspoon of aloe vera pulp and mixing it with any fruit juice for consumption.
- Drink this twice or thrice a day.
8. Treats Cold and Cough
Aloe vera for treating colds and coughs has been a common yet effective natural remedy. It helps eliminate the cold and cough with its anti-inflammatory properties. It doesn’t have any side effects and is even safe for consumption for kids and the elderly.
What to Do?
- Daily intake of 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Blend in two tablespoons of aloe vera pulp with your favorite fruit shake.
9. Treats Diabetes
Studies conducted on several diabetic and pre-diabetic patients have indicated that aloe vera lowers glucose levels in the body.
What to Do?
- Daily intake of half a cup of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach every morning.
10. Enhances Digestion
Regulated digestion is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Aloe vera has several properties that contribute to the overall well-being of the GI tract. It is rich in anti-inflammatory and laxative properties, which helps in digestion. It enhances the rate of metabolism, which, in turn, helps in the proper digestion of the ingested food and the timely excretion of toxins from the body
What to Do?
- Consume 1-2 tablespoons of raw aloe vera juice on an empty stomach in the morning regularly.
11. Aids Weight Loss
Aloe vera effectively aids in cutting down the extra fat in the body, which promotes weight loss without any negative side effects.
Aloe vera is a natural detoxifying agent that helps eliminate unwanted toxins from the body. This promotes the regular cycle of metabolism, resulting in weight loss. This restricts the accumulation of excess fat in the body, which helps lose undesired weight.
What to Do?
- Combining aloe vera with lemon juice and consuming it after breakfast helps cleanse the body. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for an hour after consuming the juice.
- Blend your favorite fruits and add two tablespoons of aloe vera pulp.
- Combining aloe vera juice, pineapple, and cucumber promotes weight loss.
- Consume aloe and ginger tea twice or thrice throughout the day.
12. Promotes Eyelash Growth
Who wouldn’t want to have flirty eyelashes, and that too in a natural way? Aloe vera has been proven to help grow eyelashes.
Aloe vera gel helps moisturize and condition the brittle eyelashes. This helps maintain the strength and longevity of the eyelashes, which further promotes more rapid, thicker, and denser growth.
What to Do?
- Coat your eyelashes with a good quality aloe vera gel before going to sleep at night.
- You can even use a clean mascara wand for better and easier application.
- Repeat this process every single night for better results.
- Precaution though, make sure to patch test it on your skin before proceeding with the application on the eyelashes.
13. Reduces Inflammation
Skin inflammation can occur due to several reasons, including infection, allergies, or even because of getting hurt due to external factors. Aloe vera has a significant effect on healing inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps replenish the moisture around the affected area, promoting enhanced circulation of blood that aids in settling the inflammation.
What to Do?
- Apply a good amount of aloe vera gel over the affected area.
- Repeat the process multiple times throughout the day.
14. Boosts Immune System
One of the most sought-after aloe vera benefits lies in strengthening the immune system. Aloe vera has valuable enzymes that help break down the protein in ingested food into amino acids. This promotes the activation of the enzymes that act as fuel for every cell in and around the body.
Moreover, aloe vera also consists of bradykinase (R), which helps stimulate the immune system and destroy the infections caused by microbes.
What to Do?
- Consume aloe vera pulp blended with any juice every morning.
- Drink half a cup of raw aloe vera juice for impactful results.
15. Cures Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a painful condition in which tissue near the anal region acts as an obstruction for bowel movements.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that work in favor of treating hemorrhoids. The therapeutic properties of aloe vera provide a soothing and cooling effect to the tear that occurs in the anal region for patients suffering from hemorrhoids.
What to Do?
- To treat external hemorrhoids, directly apply aloe vera gel to soothe and reduce the pain.
- To treat internal hemorrhoids, cut aloe leaf and extract the gel. Blend with water or juice and drink daily.
16. Treats Wounds
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera play a crucial role in healing external wounds.
Aloe vera helps in healing wounds with its anti-inflammatory properties. One of the other benefits of aloe vera is that it soothes the irritation and tingling accompanying cuts or wounds.
What to Do?
- Clean the wound under running water and remove any excess dried blood.
- Apply a generous amount of the aloe vera gel over it.
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
While the application and consumption of aloe vera can effectively promise better health and well-being, doing so in moderation is important. Here are some side effects of aloe vera:
1. Avoid when Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Aloe vera hampers hormonal balance during pregnancy, and you should avoid the intake of aloe vera if you are pregnant. Aloe vera may contribute to miscarriages, and while exterior application doesn’t have any negative impacts, direct consumption can.
It is also best to avoid aloe vera if you are lactating and breastfeeding.
2. Kidney Issues
While the benefits of aloe vera apply to many body organs, the same can’t be said for the kidneys. Research and studies have claimed that the intake of aloe vera can be detrimental for people suffering from kidney issues. Aloe latex often contributes to kidney failure.
3. Skin Allergies
Before applying any new ingredient for the first time, always perform a patch test. Skin allergies might arise due to the persistent application of aloe vera gel for a continuous period.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance
Yet another side effect of aloe vera lies in electrolyte imbalance. Experts have suggested that this is often due to the laxative properties of aloe vera. Doctors suggest that people suffering from dehydration stay away from aloe vera and avoid consuming it because it tends to lower potassium levels in the body.
How To Select Aloe Vera?
Selecting the best aloe vera needs attention to a few details. You can’t just cut any leaf and consume the pulp or use it for other medicinal properties. There are a few criteria that need to be kept in mind while harvesting an aloe vera leaf.
- Long and wide leaf
- Round and fat
- Lack of blemishes or tears
- Clean and healthy throughout
How To Store Aloe Vera?
Storing excess aloe vera leaf or just the pulp is not something one needs to fret about. The leaves can be frozen, kept in the freezer, and used regularly whenever required. If you have scooped all the pulp out and extra pulp is left, just store it in a jar in the fridge. It should always be stored in a cold environment and not exposed to direct sunlight.
For many people who ask, “Does the aloe vera gel expire?” the answer to this question is yes, it does expire. Once the gel is extracted from the leaf, it should either be used immediately or stored in the fridge, where it stays good for around ten days.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is a powerhouse of health benefits that support health from the inside out. Regardless of whether in juice form or as a topical application, its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and nourishing properties make it a priceless natural remedy for numerous health issues. It can relieve digestion and calm inflammation or even alleviate arthritis.
Aloe vera is more than just a plant; it’s a holistic wellness solution. However, its usage should be in moderation. If you are suffering from any disease, it is best to consult a physician before using aloe vera. The entry of aloe vera into the daily routine could mark the first step toward a healthier and better life balance. Include aloe vera in your daily regimen as an initial step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
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