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Explore Aloe Vera Benefits: Health, Uses & Safety

Explore Aloe Vera Benefits: Health, Uses & Safety
Key Takeaways
  • Aloe vera’s soothing properties may treat acne, wounds, burns (including sunburn), and psoriasis. Besides aiding in wound healing, topical applications of aloe vera can also enhance skin integrity and appearance. 

  • In 2002, the FDA retracted its approval of over-the-counter aloe vera laxatives, as further research is necessary to understand its benefits in treating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

  • Topical aloe vera gel is usually safe for treating superficial wounds and sunburn. However, taking oral aloe vera can result in severe stomach cramps and may interact with other medications. Consult a healthcare provider before consuming aloe vera supplements or juices.

Aloe vera (also called Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a cactus-like medicinal plant native to North Africa and grows in hot, dry climates. In the U.S., the aloe vera plant grows in Texas, Arizona, and California. Aloe vera leaves are thick, green, fleshy, and pointed, about 12-20 inches long, and contain a slimy gel-like substance with healing properties. Aloe vera plant extract has been used in traditional and alternative medicine by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians for thousands of years.

Aloe vera products are some of the most commonly used herbal remedies in the United States. The primary active constituents of aloe vera, such as aloe-emodin, aloin (barbaloin), and aloesin, have therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. 

Aloe vera's potential benefits range from treating skin conditions and promoting wound healing to helping manage diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and dental problems. It is important to note that the role of aloe vera in treating digestive issues and diabetes requires further research; current data is insufficient to support its use in managing these health problems.

There are various types of aloe vera preparations, including:

  • Aloe vera juice for consumption.

  • Aloe vera extract in pill form to take as a dietary supplement.

  • Topical aloe vera gel or aloe vera cream for application to the skin.

  • Oral aloe vera gel for use in the mouth.

  • Aloe vera mouthwash for dental use.

Top Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Skin Health and Hydration

Aloe vera is a soothing skin protectant that can heal wounds and relieve itchy skin and skin irritation. Topical aloe vera treats a range of skin disorders, including acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen planus, burning mouth syndrome, oral submucous fibrosis, burns, skin wound healing, and radiation-induced skin inflammation. Many of these benefits are based on anecdotal evidence or case reports. However, studies have shown the following:

  • Topical application of aloe vera gel twice a day, along with tretinoin and medicinal soap, can improve acne.

  • Topical application of aloe vera to treat burns may speed up healing and reduce pain related to minor and more severe second-degree burns.

  • Aloe vera leaf gel may help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, and herpes simplex.

  • The soothing properties of aloe vera may help with sunburn.

Digestive Health and Relief

Aloe vera latex has laxative properties and may help in relieving constipation. However, due to a lack of safety data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stopped  permitting the use of aloe vera in over-the-counter laxative products in 2002.

Research has shown mixed results regarding the benefits of aloe vera for the gastrointestinal tract. One randomized controlled trial found that aloe vera helps to control irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. However, two other trials showed no benefit of aloe vera versus placebo (an inactive substance).

Small studies have shown that aloe vera benefits people with ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel syndrome). For example, using aloe gel twice daily for a month resulted in a 50% treatment response in the aloe vera group compared to a 14% response in the placebo group.

Aloe vera syrup has been found to reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn, regurgitation, belching, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.

Metabolic Effects: Cholesterol Reduction and Blood Sugar Stabilization

Aloe vera clinical trials have shown hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects (blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering effects, respectively). 

A 1985 study involved the administration of 100 grams of aloe vera gel and 20 grams of psyllium husk) to 5,000 patients who had heart disease and diabetes. A marked reduction in blood cholesterol levels was noted after the Aloe vera treatment. In addition, the majority of diabetic patients in the clinical trial had normalization of fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels to the point that they were able to stop the use of oral diabetes medications after 2 months of aloe vera therapy. 

Other studies have shown similar positive effects on blood glucose. A 1986 study involved administering a whole-leaf extract of aloe vera to people with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) in a 12-week controlled clinical trial. The study similarly showed significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL or bad cholesterol). 

Dental Health Improvements

Studies have shown aloe vera benefits in dental health, including:

  • Symptom improvement in people with oral lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes burning and soreness.

  • Reduced burning sensation in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a premalignant condition of the oral cavity.

  • Decreased pain and wound size in people with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores).

  • Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera mouthwash in patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis and candidiasis (inflammation and fungal infection in the mouth following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer).

  • Benefits in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis (gum inflammation).

  • Improvement in periodontitis (gum disease) with local application of aloe vera gel.

  • Usefulness as an antibacterial tooth gel, especially in people with sensitive teeth.

 

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Practical Uses of Aloe Vera

Skincare Routines

Aloe vera may be applied directly to the skin. However, it is a good idea to first apply a small amount of the gel or product to a small patch of skin to see if there are any reactions. Then, based on your needs and response, you can increase the use of aloe vera. Always consult a doctor before using aloe vera.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

Drinking aloe vera juice has several benefits, including:

  • Some formulations provide a low-calorie, healthy drink. An 8-ounce serving of aloe juice has very little sugar and just eight calories.

  • Drinking aloe vera juice can help you stay hydrated and improve the appearance of your skin.

  • Aloe vera contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A plays an important role in eye health.

  • Aloe vera juice is a natural source of nutrients like vitamin C and magnesium. Low levels of magnesium and calcium in the body can lead to muscle aches. Drinking aloe vera juice may correct the electrolyte imbalance and help with these symptoms.

Aloe vera juice may help with constipation; however, there is not enough research to confirm the safety of aloe vera products. Additionally, consuming aloe vera can lead to stomach cramps, and while it's rare, there have been reports of liver damage associated with oral aloe vera use. Before taking aloe vera juice or supplements, it's important to consult your healthcare provider.

DIY Aloe Vera Remedies

There are commercially available aloe vera preparations (creams, gels, lotions, serums) for application to the skin. You can also make your own aloe vera gel by cutting a leaf and extracting the gel inside. Topical aloe vera gel is generally safe for minor wounds and sunburns. However, it is important to seek medical attention for deep wounds and severe sunburns to prevent complications.

Similarly, you can make aloe juice by cutting a few healthy, mature aloe leaves. Mix the gel with some water and drink. Keep in mind that topical use of aloe vera is generally safer than oral consumption of aloe vera products. 

Potential Risks of Aloe Vera

Adverse Effects of Topical Aloe Vera Use

Topical aloe vera gel is generally well tolerated and considered safe for most people. However, some people report burning, itching, and eczema after applying it to the skin. Do a patch test on a small area before applying aloe vera cream or gel to your whole face or a large area of skin.

Risks of Oral Aloe Vera Use

  • Oral aloe vera latex (whole leaf extract) can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea due to laxative effects. 

  • Unprocessed aloe vera (non-decolorized) may contain cancer-causing chemicals.

  • High doses of aloe latex (1 gram per day for several days) may cause kidney damage, which can be life-threatening.

  • There are rare reports of acute hepatitis (liver injury) linked to oral aloe products.

  • Aloe gel and aloe latex taken orally are not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • Children younger than 12 years of age should not receive oral aloe latex or whole-leaf extract.

  • Animal studies have found a link between nondecolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera and gastrointestinal cancer; however, more research is needed to find out if this is a concern in humans.

Drug Interactions

  • High doses of aloe latex can decrease potassium levels and increase the risk of side effects from digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart problems.

  • Oral aloe can slow down blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (blood-thinning medications) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or herbs and supplements with blood-thinning effects. 

  • Oral aloe can interact with diabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). 

  • Oral aloe latex can decrease the absorption of certain drugs and make them less effective.

  • The use of oral aloe can interfere with anesthetics such as sevoflurane (Ultane) and increase the risk of side effects such as excessive bleeding.

  • Stimulant laxatives and oral aloe vera used together can over-stimulate the bowels and cause diarrhea and dehydration.

  • Oral aloe vera is a laxative and can decrease potassium levels when used with diuretics (water pills)

Safe Usage Guidelines

While topical aloe vera gel is generally safe, oral use of aloe vera whole leaf extract or whole leaf extract can cause health problems in some people. In addition, aloe vera may interact with your other medications. Always check with your health care provider before you use aloe vera orally (by mouth).

Common Questions and Concerns About Aloe Vera

What Are The Benefits of Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a dietary supplement and skin protectant with a wide range of health benefits, including treating skin conditions, controlling blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and improving some dental issues. However, many of its benefits are not proven scientifically and are based on anecdotal evidence, case reports, and small studies.

What Does Aloe Vera Do To The Human Body?

The major active constituents in aloe vera have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which can have many health benefits in the human body. 

Is It Good To Take Aloe Vera Everyday?

You should check with your doctor before taking aloe vera every day. Oral intake of aloe vera products has been linked to serious health complications, including liver damage, kidney failure, and potential cancer risk.

What Are The Secret Benefits of Aloe Vera?

Some of the key benefits of aloe vera treatment include wound healing, improving symptoms of skin disorders, managing blood sugar and blood cholesterol, and reducing dental plaque and gum disease.

What Is Aloe Vera Used To Treat?

Aloe vera is used to treat a wide range of health conditions. However, the beneficial effects of aloe vera are not proven for many of these conditions. Scientific evidence supporting aloe vera benefits includes: 

  • Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, burns, and lichen planus.

  • Gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

  • Diabetes (high blood sugar) and hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol).

Does Aloe Vera Clean The Stomach?

Aloe vera latex has laxative properties that can help clean the digestive tract. However, the FDA has not approved the use of aloe vera in over-the-counter laxatives because there isn’t enough safety data.

What Are The 10 Uses of Aloe Vera?

Ten potential uses of aloe vera include treatment of:

  • Acne

  • Burns

  • Psoriasis

  • Lichen planus

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

  • Hypercholesterolemia

  • Mouth sores and gum inflammation 

  • Antiplaque effects

Can You Use Aloe Vera Straight From The Plant?

Yes, you can use aloe vera straight from the plant for topical use. Simply cut a few mature leaves and extract the inner gel. However, healthcare providers do not recommend oral intake (ingestion) of unprocessed aloe vera latex as it may contain cancer-causing chemicals.

Conclusion: Aloe Vera in Your Wellness Journey

Aloe vera is a succulent plant believed to have many health benefits. Some claim it can help with a long list of diseases. However, many of its benefits are not supported by strong scientific evidence or large placebo-controlled studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reveal conflicting results on whether aloe vera extract is beneficial for many health conditions.

The strongest, highest-quality, evidence-based benefits of aloe vera are its ability to control symptoms of skin disorders. Topical application of aloe vera gel or cream is safe for most people. Aloe gel may provide relief from common skin conditions such as acne, sunburn, and irritation. 

However, it is best to check with your healthcare professional before using aloe vera orally (ingesting aloe vera latex or whole leaf extract or drinking aloe vera juice). Ingesting aloe-based products orally can cause serious health complications in some people and potentially dangerous interactions with other medicines.