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Aloe

Overview

Aloe is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. In the United States, aloe is grown in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. The aloe that is mentioned in the Bible is an unrelated fragrant wood used as incense.

Aloe medications can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. People take aloe products by mouth for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. People apply aloe gel to the skin for conditions such as acne, dandruff, wound healing, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Cactus-like plant

Primary Functions:

Obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis

Also Known As:

Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe Capensis

How Does It Work?

The useful parts of aloe are the gel and latex. The gel is obtained from the cells in the center of the leaf; and the latex is obtained from the cells just beneath the leaf skin.

Aloe gel might cause changes in the skin that might help diseases like psoriasis.

Aloe seems to be able to speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound.

It also appears that aloe gel has properties that are harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi.

Aloe latex contains chemicals that work as a laxative.

Uses

  • Acne. Research suggests that applying an aloe gel in the morning and evening, in addition to a prescription anti-acne medicine, improves acne by about 35% in both children and adults.
  • Burns. Most research shows that applying aloe gel or cream to the skin can reduce healing time in people with first- or second-degree burns. Some research also shows that applying aloe cream reduces wound size compared to applying antibiotics in people with first- or second-degree burns. Also applying cream that contains aloe to the skin twice daily appears to improve itching and reduce skin picking compared to applying corticosteroid medication in people with chemical burns.
  • Constipation. Taking aloe latex by mouth can reduce constipation and also cause diarrhea.
  • Diabetes. Most research shows that taking aloe by mouth can reduce blood sugar and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. Aloe also seems to improve cholesterol levels in people with this condition. But it is not clear which dose or form of aloe works best.
  • Genital herpes. Evidence shows that applying an aloe extract 0.5% cream three times daily increases healing rates in men with genital herpes.
  • An inflammatory condition that causes rash or sores on the skin or mouth (lichen planus). Research shows that using a mouthwash containing aloe gel three times daily for 12 weeks or applying a gel containing aloe gel twice daily for 8 weeks can reduce pain associated with itchy rashes in the mouth. Other research shows that using a mouthwash containing aloe four times daily for one month or applying an aloe gel three times daily for 2 months reduces pain and increases healing similarly to the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide in people with itchy rashes in the mouth.
  • Obesity. Research shows that taking a specific aloe product (Aloe QDM complex, Univera Inc.) twice daily for 8 weeks reduces body weight and fat mass in overweight or obese people with diabetes or prediabetes.
  • A painful mouth disease that reduces ones ability to open the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis). Early research in people with oral submucous fibrosis shows that applying aloe gel reduces burning. But it does not seem to improve the ability to open the mouth or improve cheek and tongue movements.
  • Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). Applying a cream containing 0.5% aloe extract for 4 weeks seems to reduce the skin plaques. Also applying cream containing aloe gel seems to decrease the severity of psoriasis better than the corticosteroid triamcinolone. But using an aloe gel does not seem to improve other symptoms associated with psoriasis, including skin redness.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS
BY MOUTH:

  • For constipation: 100-200 mg of aloe or 50 mg of aloe extract taken in the evening has been used. Also, a 500 mg capsule containing aloe, starting at a dose of one capsule daily and increasing to three capsules daily as required, has been used.
  • For diabetes: The most effective dose and form of aloe for diabetes is unclear. Multiple doses and forms of aloe have been used for 4-14 weeks, including powder, extract, and juice. Doses of powder range from 100-1000 mg daily. Doses of juice range from 15-150 mL daily.
  • For obesity: A specific aloe gel product containing 147 mg of aloe twice daily for 8 weeks has been used.
  • For a painful mouth diseases that reduces ones ability to open the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis): Pure aloe vera juice 30 mL twice daily along with applying pure aloe vera gel to lesions three times daily for 3 months has been used.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For acne: A 50% aloe gel has been applied in the morning and evening after washing the face, along with a prescription called tretinoin gel in the evening.
  • For burns: Aloe and olive oil cream, applied twice daily for 6 weeks, has been used. Also, aloe gel or cream, applied twice or three times daily after changing a wound dressing, or every three days until the burn heals, has been used.
  • For genital herpes: A cream containing 0.5% aloe extract, applied three times daily for 5 consecutive days once or twice over a 2-week period, has been used.
  • For an inflammatory condition that causes rash or sores on the skin or mouth (lichen planus): Aloe gel, applied two to three times daily for 8 weeks has been used. Two tablespoons of aloe mouthwash, swished for 2 minutes and then spit, four times daily for one month has been used.
  • For a painful mouth diseases that reduces ones ability to open the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis): 5 mg of an aloe gel applied on each side of the cheeks three times daily for 3 months has been used. Applying pure aloe vera gel to lesions three times daily for 3 months has been used along with drinking pure aloe vera juice 30 mL twice daily.
  • For scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis): Aloe extract 0.5% cream applied three times daily for 4 weeks has been used. A cream containing aloe, applied twice daily for 8 weeks, has been used.

CHILDREN
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For acne: A 50% aloe gel has been applied in the morning and evening after washing the face, along with a prescription called tretinoin gel in the evening.
  • For a painful mouth disease that reduces ones ability to open the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis): 5 mg of an aloe gel, applied on each side of the cheeks three times daily for 3 months, has been used.

Aloe Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of aloe vera?

There are plenty of ways you can use aloe vera, both topically and internally.

  • Heals burns. Due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties, aloe verais often used to treat burns
  • Improves digestive health
  • Promotes oral health
  • Clears acne
  • Relieves anal fissures

Is aloe vera poisonous to humans?

Oral ingestion of aloe vera is potentially toxic, and may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea which in turn can decrease the absorption of drugs.

Is Aleo aloe vera juice healthy?

Aleo Aloe Vera Drink as a healthy drink, it doesn't contain any preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavor, no fat. In addition, Aleo Aloe Vera Drink was nominated and got the annual Gazelle Award for 2013-2016 years period. This is an award to the fastest-growing and most successful private companies.

Does aloe vera grow hair?

Aloe vera contains something called proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair.

Is Aloe Vera good for your face everyday?

In fact, you might have even used aloe in the past for sunburn, minor cuts, or small abrasions. Despite its healing powers, you may be wondering if it's safe for using on your face. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. When used correctly, aloe vera can help with a variety of ailments that might affect your skin.

Does aloe vera make you sleepy?

However, more research is required. Most people can be allergic to the aloe vera gel, causing skin allergies, redness in the eyes, skin rashes, irritation and burning sensation. Aloe vera juice may lower the levels of potassium in the body, further causing irregular heartbeat, weakness and fatigue.

Is aloe vera harmful?

Aloe gel is generally considered safe when appropriately applied to the skin. Taking 1 gram a day of aloe latex for several days can cause acute kidney failure and can be fatal. Aloe latex might also have the potential to cause cancer. Other side effects include abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Can aloe vera reduce belly fat?

Aloe vera juice is one such drink that may help you shed belly fat naturally. Digestion plays a crucial role in promoting weight loss, and aloe vera juice is known to boost digestion and keep tummy woes at bay. According to the book, Healing Foods by DK Publishing House, "Aloe vera juice helps balance intestinal flora.

Why do people drink aloe vera?

Aloe vera may help decrease irritation in the stomach and intestines. The juice may also help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory disorders of the intestines. One 2013 study of 33 IBS patients found that aloe vera juice helped reduce the pain and discomfort of IBS.

Can you drink aloe vera juice everyday?

Daily consumption of aloe vera juice is believed to fight and cure a range of digestive disorders including poor digestion, constipation, acidity and gas. It is also beneficial in boosting appetite and keeping a check on weight gain. Aloe vera juice consumption flushes out toxins from the body.

Is Aloe Vera for skin whitening?

Per the limited number of existing studies, certain chemicals in aloe vera may have skin-lightening properties. These chemicals are called aloin and aloesin. They may reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by destroying existing melanin cells and preventing further formation of melanin in the skin.

Can aloe vera remove pimples?

By purchasing pure aloe vera and applying it generously to your face in place of a cleanser, you'll be boosting the blood flow in your skin and killing off harmful bacteria. You can also spot-treat your acne breakout areas, leave the aloe on overnight, and wash it off in the morning to reduce redness and irritation.

Is aloe vera bad for your face?

Despite its healing powers, you may be wondering if it's safe for using on your face. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. When used correctly, aloe vera can help with a variety of ailments that might affect your skin.

Does aloe vera grow hair faster?

Aloe vera contains something called proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair.

What can I mix with aloe vera for my hair?

How To Use Aloe Vera For Hair Fall?

  • Honey And Aloe Vera. Take some honey, aloe veragel and coconut oil and mix all the ingredients in a bowl
  • Onion And Aloe Vera. Take some onion juice and mix aloe veragel in it
  • Coconut Milk And Aloe VeraGel
  • Lemon And Aloe VeraGel
  • Baking Soda And Aloe VeraGel

What are the side effects of aloe vera?

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aloe?

  • blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Burning and itching of the skin (infrequent)
  • Stomach pain and cramps (high doses)
  • Diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances (long-term use at high doses)

Is Aloe Vera good for dark circles?

Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel works like magic for nearly all skin problems. If you find it soothing and if it works perfectly well for your skin type, apply aloe vera gel under your eyes and leave it overnight. It may be effective in naturally reducing dark circles.

Can aloe vera remove scars?

The takeaway. Dermatologists haven't found a “miracle” scar eraser yet — but aloe vera may be able to lighten acne skin scars and reduce their appearance. While aloe doesn't usually cause significant side effects, stop using it if you have skin irritation and swelling.

Is Aloe Vera good for wrinkles?

Aloe vera extract helps in naturally increasing the production of collagen in the body, which further helps in reducing the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen helps in decreasing the wrinkles and helps in skin tightening.It also improves the elasticity of skin.

Is Aloe Vera good for eyes?

It's safe to use aloe vera gel on the outside of your eyelids to relieve redness or swelling. Just be careful not to get any of the gel in your eyes and don't apply it too close to the edge of your eyelid. Avoid rubbing your eyes if you apply aloe vera to your eyelids and only use a small amount.

Why does aloe vera burn my face?

Most people can be allergic to the aloe vera gel, causing skin allergies, redness in the eyes, skin rashes, irritation and burning sensation. Consuming aloe vera juice might cause your blood sugar levels to drop. The laxative effects of aloe vera can lead to dehydration.

Can I eat aloe vera plant raw?

Aloe Vera Leaves Are Generally Safe to Eat

Aloe vera leaves are comprised of three parts: the skin, the gel and the latex. They're best known for their gel, which is responsible for most of its health benefits. While most people apply the gel to their skin, it's also safe to eat when prepared right.

Clinical Studies