Aloe Vera: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects

Aloe vera plant is a juicy plant, and it is said to have numerous benefits in its juice and gel. Juice is an odorless liquid from the inside of the leaf, whereas gel is somewhat yellow in color and extremely bitter in taste. This magical plant has been used for some amazing medical benefits since the old times of Egypt.

Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera juice is commonly taken as a drink, whereas its gel has some useful purposes for the skin. Till 2002, aloe vera gel has been used as a nonprescription medicine due to its amazing medicinal properties, but soon U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found some doubts related to cancer-producing agents and discontinued its use.

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel which is also called latex, gives you a soothing effect on your skin because it contains a compound called aloin in it.

Different skin conditions have been treated using aloe vera gel for such a long time now. A medicine like Ayurvedic medicine contains latex (aloe vera gel), which gives a soothing effect and relief to the burning sensation.

Traditionally, it has been used in Chinese medicines for its bitter taste and soothing effect and has been found to treat disorders of the intestine and liver.

Organic aloe vera gel has hydrating properties and it has got some amazing moisturizing properties also when applied to the localized part of the body. Cosmetics companies will soon utilize the derivatives of this amazing gel in their products like shampoos, conditioners, soaps, makeup etc.

Nowadays, aloe vera tissues are available for the face for issues like redness around the nose to give a soothing effect.

Health Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera

There are many health benefits of Aloe Vera such as:

1. Aloe Vera for burns and wounds

Aloe vera gel has got some healing properties to treat different skin reactions like sunburn, dermatitis, skin scraping and minor wounds. You can take freshly cut aloe vera gel to apply on the affected area, and it will give you instant relief and a cooling effect. In other cases, it can actually improve wound healing.

2. Aloe Vera for face

One of the main side effects of cancer radiation is Radiation-Induced Dermatitis (RID)which is accompanied by redness, scaling of skin, blisters formation and dermal atrophy. Researchers have been exploring the use of aloe vera gel in medications used for the treatment of RID.

3. Aloe Vera for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

One of the complex forms of digestive disorders is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which further consists of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is considered the most serious condition, which further leads to abdominal cramps, diarrhea and even rectal bleeding. Aloe vera gel has been explored as to its use for the cure of this condition.

4. Aloe Vera for Diabetes

Another health benefit provided by the aloe vera gel is its use for people with pre-diabetic condition and type 2 diabetes for the better control of blood glucose levels. It has been found to be used as the best alternative for diabetes.

5. Aloe Vera for hair

Aloe vera soothing gel promotes the growth of healthy hair. It gives shine to hair. It treats the itchy scalp and cleanses the hair from depth.

You should add the aloe vera shampoo in your daily hair care routine.

Side Effects of Aloe vera

Frequent and regular use of anything can have its side effects as well. Aloe vera gel has been found to cause some mild allergic reactions in some people.

• It is generally recommended to use it on the localized part of the body for its safe use. However, mild reactions may include skin irritation, redness or rashes.
• Allergic reactions are most likely to occur in people already having skin issues or allergies to onion or tulips.
• Aloe vera gel is not recommended for severe burns or deep wounds. Seek doctor’s help in such cases immediately.

Oral Aloe Vera

It is quite important to make sure about the safety concerns of aloe vera juice when it is being taken orally.

For its long use, it can cause some side effects like abdominal pains, diarrhea or, in the severe case may be a potential loss of potassium.

A severe loss of potassium may further cause extreme weakness, fatigue or even irregular heartbeats. Long term use of raw aloe vera can lead to more severe conditions like kidney damage.