Health Benefits

Health benefits of Aloe-Vera

Aloe vera is commonly known as Medicinal aloe, Chinese Aloe, True Aloe, Indian Aloe, Barbados Aloe, First aid plant, Burn Aloe, Babosa, Barbados aloe, Bitter aloes, Burn Plant, Coastal aloe, Common aloe, Curaçao aloe, Jaffarabad aloe, Mediterranean aloe, Musambra Aloe, Star cactus, Unguentine cactus, West Indian aloe, Aloe gel and Aloe leaf. It belongs to family of succulent plants in genus Aloe. Aloe vera is originated in Arabian Peninsula and Sudan. In these present days, species is cultivated widely in Near East, Northern Africa, Southern Mediterranean region and Asia. The plant is grown in subtropical regions of Mexico, United States, coastal regions of Venezuela and Dutch Antiles.

The natural range of Aloe vera is not clear though the species is cultivated widely in the world. It is naturalized in Arabian Peninsula through Egypt, Mauritania, Morocco and Sudan and also Cape Verde, Canary and Madeira Islands. The distribution is identical to Pistacia atlantica and Euphorbia balsamifera. In 17th century, this species was brought in to China and various parts of Southern Europe. It is naturalized in tropical and temperate regions of Australia, Belize, Barbados, US, Paraguay and Nigeria. It is considered that the distribution of species is the result of human cultivation so the taxonomy could be questionable.

It is cultivated widely as an ornamental plant. It is well known as putatively medicinal plant with modern gardeners. The succulence set up the species to survive in areas having low natural rainfall and make it optimal for rockeries and other water use gardens. Though the species is strong in zones 8 to 11, it does not tolerate snow and heavy frost. This species is antagonistic to insect pests but also scale insects, mealy bugs, spider mites and aphid species causes deterioration in health of plant. Aloe plants should be protected from rain and direct sun in very hot as well as humid tropical or subtropical climates but requires well-drained sandy potting soil as well as bright sunny conditions when planted in pots. Aloe vera is highly produced in Bangladesh, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, China, Jamaica, India, South Africa and Kenya.

History

Aloe vera has been described in writings in various cultures and as far back as Egyptians, Greek and Roman eras. In writings of Chinese and Indian early cultures, references have been found. Ancient records have shown the advantages of Aloe vera which is known for centuries having its therapeutic benefits and healing properties existing over 4000 years. Aloe vera is presented on Sumerian tablet which dates back from 2100 BC.

The antiquity was discovered firstly in 1862 in an Egyptian papyrus which dates back 1550 BC. Egyptian Queens used it for their physical beauty. It was used by Roman and Greek physicians. The research has also shown the use of Aloe vera by ancient Indian and Chinese. In Philippines, aloe vera is used with milk for treating kidney infections. The legend suggests that Alexander the Great defeated the island of Socotra in Indian Ocean to protect supplies of Aloe vera for treating battle wounds of the soldiers.

Plant

The plant is very short stemmed succulent or stemless which grows from 60 to 100 cm high with spreading offsets. It has fleshy and thick leaves which color varies from green to grey-green. Some varieties might show white flecks on lower and upper stem surfaces. The serrated leaf margins have small white teeth. Flowers bloom in summer on a spike up to 90 cm tall. Each flower is pendulous having yellow tubular corolla measuring 2 to 3 cm long. Aloe vera forms a symbiosis, arbuscular mycorrhiza, which allows the plant to access better of mineral nutrients in soil.

Flower and Fruit

An inflorescence is 60 to 90 cm high. Raceme is cylindrical, dense and narrow towards top. Terminal raceme is 40 cm high and lower ones are shorter. Bracts are white and flowers are orange, yellow or red measuring 3 cm long. A capsule like fruit is trigonous, splitting into three segments and measures 15-17 x 7-8 mm.

Leaves, Stem and Root

Stems are 50 cm which possess twenty five leaves in an upright dense rosette. Leaf lanceolate is fleshy, thick 6 to 7 cm wide and 40 to 50 cm long. An upper surface is graygreen, concave with reddish tinge which appears in patches in young plants. The margin of leaves have pale pink edge and 2 mm long pale teeth.

Health Benefits of Aloe vera

Aloe vera plant has thick leaves having gel like substance. It provides soothing and cooling effect when applied to the skin. It is used to treat skin wounds and burns. It has been used for centuries due to its healing properties. Besides skin benefits, it helps to strengthen hair and maintains healthy scalp. Rub Aloe vera to the scalp as well as hair to condition and improve dry and damaged hair. It helps to lower blood sugar levels, eliminates ulcers, cure nausea, reduces oxidative stress, prevent diabetes, heal side effects of radiotherapy treatments, inhibits cancerous growth, promotes hair growth and soothe acid reflux symptoms. It improves cardiovascular functions, lower cholesterol, triglycerides, cure gum diseases, enhance lifespan and alleviate joint and muscle pain.

  1. Hydrates body

Aloe vera plant is rich in water which helps to treat as well as prevent dehydration. Hydration assists in detoxification of body which provides way to flush out and purge impurities. It is loaded with rich amount of nutrients that upgrades body’s organ output.   It is essential because liver and kidneys are responsible for detoxification of blood and produce urine. So it should be healthy. After heavy workout, body requires rehydration with an intake of extra fluids. Body needs more fluids to flush out the build up of lactic acid from exercising.

  1. Treat diseases

Though synthetic drug treatment effectively prevents diseases, this treatment is expensive as well as shows some adverse effects. The use of natural products for preventing and treating diseases are widely increasing especially in developing countries due to its affordability as well as fewer side effects. Some studies shows safe dose level and mechanism of actions of Aloe vera to prevent and treat disease. Further studies in detail are required to know the therapeutic safety, potentiality and mechanism of action of Aloe vera for managing diseases. (1)

  1. Oral mucosal diseases

Aloe vera is popular for its medicinal properties which treats various diseases with its application. Though the treatment of oral lesions has not been documented in literature, the systematic reviews have been made earlier on aloe vera and its extracts on oral diseases. The systematic review was made to evidence the effectiveness of Aloe vera to treat various oral diseases. Aloe vera possesses unique properties which act as a promising agent to treat oral lesions. Still further trials are needed in association of dosage to know its effectiveness as a cure for oral diseases. (2)

  1. Prevent hepatitis

APAP persuade hepatitis with an increase in oxidative stress, liver injury, hepatic GSH depletion and liver histopathology. With the presence of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and curing wound properties, Aloe vera helps to prevent these situations and is used as an adjunctive therapy for APAP-induced hepatitis. (3)

  1. Acts as antioxidant

The study was conducted on beneficial effects of methanol extract of leaf, flowers and skin of Aloe vera. Its antimycoplasmic and antioxidant activities was mainly focused on. The study reported that leaf and flower extracts possess antioxidant properties. The extract of leaf skin showed antimycoplasmic property which eliminates these bacteria. It has been concluded that extracts of Aloe vera from flowers and leaves skin is a natural antioxidant source.

  1. Speed up healing process

Aloe vera is used as a topical medication which is rubbed onto skin rather than consumption. It has been used to treat burns and sores. It is effective when used as a topical treatment for first and second degree burns. Since thousands of years ago, it has been used as a natural healer. Its external use is an effective option for dressing wounds. The juice seals wound stopping flow of blood to wound. It enhances the wound healing process. The study have shown its effectiveness to treat third degree burn victims and restores burned skin faster. The large amount of aloe vera gel could heal wounds of tissue injuries and gunshots.

  1. Prevent digestive issues

Aloe vera has adaptogenic properties which is helpful to maintain digestive health. It promotes better absorption of nutrients and eradicates toxic elements through smooth excretion. Healthy digestive process promotes overall health and affects actions as well as thoughts. It manages irritable bowel syndrome, piles, constipation and other gastrointestinal conditions that damages system. Aloe vera contains polysaccharides which help to cure ulcers and digestive problems. Ulcers are the prominent result of digestive problems that could be cured with the use of this plant extract. The studies show that it is able to cure peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease and other digestive tract problems.

  1. Strengthen immune system

The beverages prepared from Aloe vera juice contain detoxifying properties that helps to cleanse circulatory system and digestive system. When the absorption level of nutrients increases, it results in better circulation of blood and improves health. When the blood is rich in oxygen, it transports nutrients to cells efficiently. The healthy cells promote the ability of the body to counteract infections by strengthening immune system. It is able to neutralize harmful bacteria. The rejuvenating properties keeps the body fresh and active. The studies have shown immunomodulatory and antitumor activities due to aloe vera polysaccharides.

  1. Skin health

Aloe vera is used to treat skin problems since ancient times. The gel extracted from aloe vera leaf is a natural aid for skin abrasions and helps to lower symptoms of aging skin conditions. Aloe extract are included in cosmetics, toiletries, personal care products and skin care products. Apply the gel in raw form on face and is more effective in comparison to many expensive skin creams in the market. Drink its juice to enhance skin health. It also cures stings, acne, rashes and psoriasis.

  1. Treat nausea

Nausea occurs due to the consumption of contaminated food, due to chemotherapy treatments and having flu or virus. Though there are man-made medicines to treat nausea, even doctors are prescribing for natural options for treatment. Nausea might also occur due to disorders in stomach or digestive tract. The juice prepared from Aloe vera is helpful for sick stomach and makes feel better by providing calm feeling in the body which indirectly assists in alleviating the feelings of nausea.

Types of Aloe Vera

Whilst nobody knows just how many types of Aloe are extant, an excellent “guesstimate” is all about 350 species. The causes for the deficiency of preciseness are definitely the great number of plant representatives and also the similarity of appearance which will make it hard to distinguish one species from another. Shown below are a few well-known types of aloe vera.

1. Aloe aculeata

Aloe aculeata is really a sole stem less rosette that matures to roughly 60(-100) cm higher, 30(-100) across if you’re not included by pot. This particular plant develops well in light shade to full sun. This particular varieties demands frequent water in summer,  yet is inactive and requires hardly any water in the winter months, maintain it totally dry at or even around 4°C.

Aloe aculeata is definitely identified from other similar varieties with noticeable sharp spines around the leaves in that it is the only recognized aloe whose spines spring from tuberculation white base bumps.

2. Aloe Africana

This particular appealing species occur in the Eastern Cape of South Africa that is capable to adjust to an array of situations. It really is mostly restricted to hills as well as flats, developing in thicket as well as renosterveld vegetation. It often develops in collaboration with Aloe ferox, A. pluridens and A. speciosa, and hybrids aren’t unusual. The weather is average, without snow, and humid and hot throughout summers. Rainfall occurs all year round, from 600 to 700 mm per year. Its huge raceme is erect and may even be branched or even unbranched, and it has tubular flowers which are generally orange.

3. Aloe albida

Aloe albida is really a dwarf varieties of delicious plant. Its flowers usually are tiny, white and also carried on one inflorescence. Its flowering period is generally at the beginning of autumn (March-April within the Southern Hemisphere), even though it may start to flower since February. The leaves form a rosette and also have a wax-like coating, which provides them a pale greyish/bluish green colour.

It develops in montane grassland as well as in cracks among rocks exactly where grasses are kept fairly short. It really is located on the mountains in Barberton in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa to the northern border, of in addition to areas of Swaziland.

4. Aloe albiflora

Aloe albiflora is really types of aloe native to Madagascar along with narrow, muricate leaves as well as broadly campanulate, snow-white flowers which are 10mm long as well as 14mm throughout the mouth. Its closest appreciation, according to leaf characters only, is Aloe bellatula.

Aloe albiflora is grown usually like a potted plant in greenhouses or even outside the house in mainly frost-free regions.

5. Aloe arborescens

Aloe arborescens is really a variety of blooming delicious traditional plant that belongs to the Aloe genus, which it shares with the well-known as well as analyzed Aloe vera. This particular species is additionally fairly well-liked by gardeners and it has been recently researched for possible health care uses.

 

6. Aloe arenicola

Aloe arenicola is actually a spotted creeping aloe, native to the arid west-coast of South Africa. This particular aloe is usually a dark blue-green colour along with narrow leaves which are protected in small white spots as well as rimmed along with white teeth. Like the majority of aloes, they will turn a reddish colour when they’re under stress from famine. The plant has a tendency to walk across the ground; never developing greater than about 70cm. Orange-red flowers show up on multi-branched racemes within the mid-summer.

7. Aloe argenticauda

Aloe argenticauda is really a variety of plant within the Aloe genus. It really is endemic to Namibia. Its natural settings are subtropical or even tropical dry shrub land as well as rocky locations.

 

 

8. Aloe aristata 

Aloe aristata is types of evergreen blooming traditional plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It really is native to South Africa as well as encircling nations. It really is stem less, saw-toothed as well as delicious. Its nectar-rich, tubular orange flowers have a tendency to entice birds, bees, as well as wasps effortlessly. It really is grown like a garden plant, but because it needs winter heat is grown beneath glass in temperate regions. It’s got gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. If not flowering, it’s just like and frequently mistaken for Haworthia fasciata.

9. Aloe bakeri

Aloe bakeri is really types of flowering plant in the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, indigenous to Madagascar. Developing to 10-20 cm (4-8 in) tall simply by 40 cm (16 in) wide, it is really an evergreen traditional forming several rosettes of spidery tasty green or even reddish-green toothed leaves, seriously mottled with white. In summer it creates red or even orange, green-tipped tubular flowers.

10. Aloe ballyi

Aloe ballyi (also known as Rat Aloe) is really a variety of plant within the Aloaceae family. It is seen in Kenya and Tanzania. It really is vulnerable by habitat loss.

 

 

11. Aloe barberae

Aloe barberae also referred to as Tree aloe, is really a types of aloe indigenous to South Africa. In the native places this particular slow-growing tree can easily reach up to 18 m (54 ft) high as well as 0.9 m (3 ft) in stem diameter. Aloe barberae is Africa’s largest aloe. The tree aloe is usually utilized just as one decorative plant. Their tubular flowers usually are rose pink (green-tipped); it flowers in winter as well as in its natural environment are pollinated by sunbirds.

12. Aloe brevifolia

Aloe brevifolia is really a small, compact, blue-green aloe, which is indigenous to the Western Cape, South Africa.

Outlined as Vulnerable on IUCN’s global Red List, it really is vulnerable in the natural habitat, yet is additionally widely known as an attractive plant in rockeries as well as desert gardens world-wide. Since it demands winter heat, in temperate regions it really is cultivated under glass or even like a house plant.

13. Aloe buettneri

Aloe buettneri is really a delicious plant along with thicker as well as fleshy leaves arranged in the rosette. The leaves grow to around 40-80 cm long, 8-9 cm broad. The leaves are rimmed by alternating paired as well as solitary teeth and are available together to create an underground bulb-like base making the plant seem stem less. The flowers are organized within a loose panicle. The plant holds up to 12 branches along with bulbs that adjust in color from green-yellow, orange, or dull red.

14. Aloe ciliaris

Aloe ciliaris is really a slim, hard, rapidly expanding climbing Aloe from South Africa. They may be separated from other climbing aloes by the way that the soft, white, hair-like teeth (=ciliaris) which grow across the margins of the leaves, extend all around the stem, in the bottom of the leaf.

 

15. Aloe commixta

Aloe commixta is really a rambling, multi-stemmed aloe, also referred to as the Peninsula Rambling Aloe. This particular “accent plant” hardly ever gets over 1 meter (3.3 ft) tall, since it’s slim stems have a tendency to crowds across the ground and also over rocks.

 

16. Aloe comosa

Aloe comosa is definitely the organic term for what is popularly known as Clanwilliam aloe. Even though Aloe comosa has become a part of the genus Aloe, during the past it’s been regarded as being part of two distinct families: the Aloaceae or even the Liliaceae family.

 

17. Aloe corallina

Aloe corallina is actually a variety of plant within the genus Aloe. It really is endemic to Namibia. Its natural settings are subtropical or even exotic dry shrub land as well as rocky locations. It really is vulnerable by habitat loss.

 

18. Aloe decumbens

Aloe decumbens is really a expansive, rambling aloe which is endemic to the fynbos vegetation of the Langeberg Mountains close to Riversdale within the Western Cape, South Africa. This particular aloe is decumbent – since it’s title implies – and its particular long, thin branches sprawl across the ground and also over the rocky outcrops exactly where it grows. Its vibrant scarlet flowers show up on and off all year round, no matter period.

19. Aloe eminens

Aloe eminens is often a types of plant within the genus Aloe.

It grows like a huge, branching tree of approximately 35 ft. Tall, like the giant Tree Aloe (Aloe barberae) of South Africa. They create bright red flowers. It really is endemic to Somalia, and is also vulnerable by habitat loss.

20. Aloe excelsa

Aloe excelsa, also referred to as the Zimbabwe Aloe is definitely an arborescent aloe. It’s got enticed the interest of gardeners as well as parks planners because of its impacting look as well as tolerance for the lots of circumstances. In the natural habitat, it multiplies best whenever given lots of water throughout its developing period yet needs a sharp dry period along with cooler conditions once the remarkable flowers appear.

21. Aloe ferox

Aloe ferox, also referred to as Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe,Red Aloe and Tap Aloe, is really a types of aloe native to South Africa’s Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Lesotho. It can be one of many Aloe species utilized to create bitter aloes, a purgative medicine, and in addition produces a non-bitter gel which can be used in makeup products.

Aloe ferox is listed on the plant listing of vulnerable plants together with other wild varieties of this genus.

22. Aloe gracilis

Aloe gracilis is really a climbing aloe, endemic towards the area surrounding the city of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Its natural range is situated just to the west of the associated climbing aloe Aloe ciliaris, also it occur in hairy fynbos as well as thickets, and grouped on rocky outcrops at all altitudes.

 

23. Aloe jucunda

Aloe jucunda is really a varieties succulent plants that belongs to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae. Aloe jucunda can achieve a height of approximately 35 cm. It’s got shiny triangular dark green leaves, generally about twelve, flecked with pale green spots, approximately 4 cm long as well as 2-5 cm wide, with triangular teeth around the margins. The inflorescences are solitary cylindrical clusters, about 35 cm high. The flowers usually are pale pink or even coral pink, 20-30 mm.

24. Lace Aloe

Lace aloe is really a dwarf aloe variety, generally known as aloe aristata as well as torch plant. The plant develops largely along with green, 4-inch rosettes of foliage edged along with soft, white teeth. Lace aloe blooms at the beginning of summer along with orange-red flowers borne on 2-foot stalks. The plant itself extends to about 1 foot in mature height and is also well-liked in rock gardens as well as small pots, as ground cover as well as for edging. Whenever growing outside, plant in areas of partial shade. If growing just as one interior plant, placed in a bright spot. Usually do not overwater since this can rot the roots.

25. Aloe Dichotoma

Aloe Dichotoma is really a bigger aloe vera, expanding to the mature height of approximately 20 to 27 feet having a 20-foot spread. Also called the quiver tree, aloe Dichotoma is regarded as the typical aloe in South Africa. The branches are smooth as well as engrossed in a thin, white-powder layer that can help to reflect the heat, and also the bark has got sharp-edged, golden-brown scales. Having a thick, spherical crown of blue-green foliage, the tree blooms along with yellow flowers from June to July. The flower buds usually are delicious and flavor just like asparagus. Any kind of well-drained, hot, dry, open site is a perfect location for developing aloe Dichotoma.

26. Aloe Dorotheae

Aloe Dorotheae is really a stem less evergreen succulent along with tapering green foliage which turns brown-red since it matures. The plant creates un-branched flower stalks along with green-tipped, red or yellow flowers throughout early winter. Aloe Dorotheae actually reaches an adult height of 2 to 3 feet having a 3-foot spread, and does very best in full sun or even incomplete shade.

27. Aloe saponaria

Soap aloe grows in the stem less rosette, as well as creates little offset rosettes all around its margin. The key rosette gets approximately about a foot and a half tall and simply as wide. The lance-shaped leaves are thicker and also succulent, pale green with white speckles, and 10-12 in (25.4-30.5 cm) long. The leaf margins are equipped with sharp, dark brown teeth. All through much of the summer, soap aloe sends up a purplish branched stalk around 2 ft (0.6 m) tall, bearing showy tubular yellow, orange or red flowers.

28. Aloe Chine sis

Chinensis is a well-liked variety of Aloe vera, which belongs to the Aloe genus (Aloe vera ‘Chinensis’). This particular variety is usually a Succulent which generally develops just as one Perennial, that is thought as a plant which matures as well as finishes its lifecycle during the period of 3 years or even more. Normally extends to an adult height of 60.0 cm (1.95 feet).

29. Aloe variegata

Aloe variegata is additionally referred to as Partridge Breast Aloe as well as Tiger Aloe, and grows lower than one foot tall. The distinctiveness of this variety originates from the red flowers that grow up through the middle of the plant and also the greenish-blue leaves that have white strips, similar to the pattern of tiger strips. Divisions of huge plants are propagated within the late spring after flowering.

30. Aloe Perryi

The attractive Aloe perryi plant originates from East Africa and it has leaves which branch out to make a star-shaped plant, along with red flowers sticking out from your center. The dried leaves are usually utilized for their therapeutic qualities. However, not yet regarded as an vulnerable varieties, the Aloe perryi is classed as “near threatened” from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

31. Aloe Polyphylla

Aloe polyphylla is really a distinctive variety of aloe which develops with no stem. The leaves develop in the spiral form directly on top of the soil, developing a rosette pattern. This particular aloe variety matures to 2 1/2 feet broad, and is also probably the most tolerant of being over-watered; however, it really is less tolerant of high temperature as compared to other types. Aloe polyphylla is classed just as one endangered varieties.

32. Aloe arborescens variegated

A South African indigenous, this particular ornamental variegated Aloe possesses stunning leaves organized in rosettes on tall stems. This unique plant is also known as Aloe Krantz or even medicine because of the therapeutic powers of the sap within its succulent leaves, it’s helpful for several skin disorders since it helps reduce pain as well as decreases swelling. Additionally, it creates a excellent houseplant; super easy to develop it’ll thrive on any kind of sun-drenched windowsill using the the least effort.

33. Aloes mitriformis fluorescent

This particular dwarf form of Aloe has got powerful durable leaves organized in rosettes along with fine yellow-white serrations. Comes from Africa; this unique plant is additionally referred to as medicine plant because of the therapeutic powers of the sap in its succulent leaves. It is important for several skin disorders since it helps reduce pain as well as decreases swelling.

Aloe also constitutes a excellent houseplant, it is extremely simple to grow and can thrive on any kind of sunny windowsill with the a minimum of energy.

34. Haworthia retusa

A South African native also referred to as the ‘Star cactus’, this particular rosette forming plant possesses stubby, transparent green textured leaves up to 5cm long.  It is extremely simple to grow as well as creates several offsets rapidly filling a flowerpot. Haworthia retusa will appreciate any kind of sunny windowsill with the minimum of effort.

35. Aloe Vera Plant XL

This particular huge Aloe Vera plant, referred to as Indian medication plant because of the therapeutic powers of the sap in its luscious leaves is wonderful for several skin disorders since it helps reduce pain as well as decreases swelling. Additionally it is utilized like a well-known base for most cosmetics. Creates a fantastic house plant, as it’s one of the few plants which produces oxygen as well as soaks up carbon dioxide at nighttime, which makes it very ideal for developing in bedrooms. Quite simple to cultivate it’ll thrive on any kind of sunny windowsill using the minimum of effort.

36. Aloe peglerae 

Aloe peglerae is clump forming along with rosettes of spreading, blue-green leaves curving inwards, along with tiny white marginal teeth, which turn to reddish brown, since the plant matures. It creates red flowers from just one stalk. This unique plant can be referred to as medication plant because of the therapeutic capabilities of the sap in its succulent leaves; it is important for most skin disorders since it helps reduce pain as well as reduces inflammation. In addition, it is really a excellent house plant; quite simple to cultivate it can thrive on any kind of sunny windowsill using the minimum of effort.

Traditional uses

  • It is used to treat burns, wounds, minor skin infections, diabetes, Sebaceous cyst and elevated blood lipids.
  • Aloe vera provides moisturizing, soothing and healing properties.
  • Consume the juice of Aloe vera to provide relief from digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and heart burn.
  • In India, Latin America, Jamaica, United States, South Africa, Russia, Japan and China, it is used as a traditional herbal medicine.
  • Apply the sap to heal wounds.
  • In diabetic people, its internal intake helps to improve levels of blood glucose.
  • Aloe vera gel lowers the inflammation and symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
  • Apply Aloe vera topialy for psoriasis and genital herpes.
  • It provides protection from suntan or sunburn.
  • It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to treat skin infections such as benign skin cysts and boils.
  • Apply Aloe vera to prevent flaky scalp and skin in dry and harsh wealther.
  • It could be applied as moisturizer for the people with oily skin
  • Use the mixture of Aloe vera and raw cow’s milk for treating pneumonia, asthma, colds and biliousness.
  • Externally apply the mixture of aloe vera, cattle tallow an grated cassava for treating acute dermatitis and ringworm.
  • Apply the juice of leaf to stop bleeding from cuts.
  • Rub the juice on skin to ease swellings, itches and worm afflictions.
  • Leaves are used in NW Guyana to treat sores and abscesses also coughs, colds, pneumonia and malaria.
  • In European folk medicine, it is used to promote digestion.
  • In Chinese medicine, Aloe vera is used to treat fungal diseases.
  • In Indian medicine, it is used as a cure for constipation, stomach tumors, amenorrhea, skin diseases, colic, infections and worm infestation.
  • Use it internally for poor appetite, chronic constipation and digestive problems.
  • In folk history, it is used to treat cancer.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Aloe vera

  • Burns: Apply Aloe Vera Gel on the burnt part. OR: Expose the Aloe Vera juice to sunlight for a while. Then rub it on affected parts. Else: Directly apply juice on the damaged skin
  • Cancer: Aloe prevents Cancer. Aloe Vera gel protects immune system.
  • Constipation: Drink One cup of Aloe Vera Juice on an empty stomach. OR: Take 1-2 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel in the morning.
  • Diabetes: Take a teaspoon of Aloe extract with water at every meal.
  • Frostbite: It decreases the blood flow to the frozen tissue.
  • Hangover: Take 1/2 cup of Aloe Vera juice before Alcohol consumption to avoid Hangover.
  • Piles: Combine equal amounts of Aloe Vera gel and sulphur to make a paste. Apply externally on the affected areas.
  • Kidney stones: Aloe juice contains Aloemannan. It decreases crystal formation.
  • Ulcers: Fresh juice should be applied on the affected areas.
  • Skin Diseases: Use Aloe Vera three times a day
  • Allergies: Take 28 grams of Aloe Vera Juice daily. OR : Prepare a paste of Aloe Vera. Apply it on the infected area. (For Skin Allergy)
  • Stomach ache: Take pulp twice a day.
  • Acne: The gel of Aloe Vera is an excellent skin cleanser. Rub the gel of Aloe Vera directly on the skin.
  • Haematuria: Eat 1/2 teaspoon of Aloe Vera pulp every morning. Use it for a week.
  • Dysuria: Take 1/10 tsp washed pulp. Take every morning for a week.
  • Abscess: Apply crushed leaves locally on the affected area. OR: Place the pulp on the affected part and bandage it.
  • Cough: Take 2 Aloe Vera leaves. Wash and Extract the juice after roasting the leaves. Take 3 ml of it with 30 ml warm water. OR: Fry 2 tablepsoon Aloe Vera pulp in Ghee. Add Sugar. Take half teaspoon twice a day.
  • Cold: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Cut it and take the gel out using a spoon. Heat the gel on a low flame for 3 to 5 minutes. Eat it
  • Flatulence: Take 2 tsp Aloe oil during bedtime.
  • Epilepsy: Warm the leaf gel for a while. Take 1 gram once in a day.
  • Dipsia: Take a pinch of warm leaf gel once in a day.
  • Fatigue: Powder the dried leaves of Aloe Vera. Include 5 g powder with each meal everyday.
  • Memory loss: Include 1 tsp leaf powder in your daily meal.
  • Baldness: Take leaf juice of Aloe Vera and Sesame oil in equal quantity. Mix them. Boil until moisture evaporates. Apply on head and massage well for 15 minutes.
  • Insomnia: Prepare a mixture of Aloe Vera leaf juice and Sesame oil. Take both in equal proportion. Boil them until moisture evaporates. Massage with it on head for few minutes.
  • Cuts: Split the leaves in parts and apply juice on the affected area.
  • Eye Problems: Mix half tsp Aloe juice with 1 tsp Boric Acid in 50 ml water. Use it as an eyewash. OR : Tie the pulp on the eyelids before going to bed. Use for 3 days. (Caution : To prevent infection take proper hygiene.)
  • Rheumatism: Take fresh pulp from the leaves. Warm it. Apply on the affected parts.
  • Swelling: Boil the pulp with water. Use it as poultice. OR: Pour 1 cup hot water in 1 tsp Aloe Vera juice. Apply it on the affected area.
  • Wounds: Mix 5 ml Aloe juice in 50 ml water. Apply on damaged skin. OR: Split the leaf longitudinally with knife. Use it as bandage over affected area
  • Age spots: Rub fresh juice of Aloe Vera over the spots. Repeat it twice a day for 2 months.
  • Aphthous Ulcers: Rinse mouth with 1-3 tbsps. of Aloe Vera juice. Repeat 3-4 times daily.
  • Colitis: Take two teaspoon of Aloe vera once a day.
  • Dacryocystitis: Dip a piece of cotton cloth in Aloe vera juice. Place it over the infected eye.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Take out the pulp of Aloe Vera. Have two tablespoon two times a day.
  • Emphysema: Take out the pulp of Aloe vera. Have it two times a day.
  • Muscle Sprains: Cut Aloe Vera in two halves. Warm each part on the pan. Bandage it on the sprained areas
  • Corns: Apply the pulp of Aloe Vera on the infected area.
  • Urticaria: Take out Aloe Vera  gel. Apply directly on the affected part twice or thrice a day.
  • Diaper rashes: Apply the pulp of Aloe Vera on the affected areas. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day
  • Itching: Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on to the affected area. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off. Repeat it daily for 10 days.
  • Breast: Apply Aloe Vera gel on Cracked or sore nipples twice a day. It has no side effects.
  • Heat Stroke: Take pulp of Aloe Vera leaf. Blend it with water or any citrus fruit juice. Drink it once a day.
  • Sunburns: Cut a leaf of Aloe Vera. Extract the gel out from leaf. Rub the gel on the tanned area for 10 minutes. Do it twice a day.
  • Melasma: Use Aloe Vera gel on your Skin at night. Wash it off in the morning. Aloe Vera lightens the dark spots without making the Skin dry.
  • Liver: Take out the pulp of one Aloe Vera leaf. Add little Black Salt and 1 teaspoon Ginger juice. Mix. Have it every morning for 15 days.
  • Diarrhea: Take out the pulp of Aloe Vera. Add crushed Cumin and little Sugar. Have one teaspoon after every 4 hours.
  • Spleen Enlargement: Take 2 tablespoon pulp of Aloe Vera. Add little Turmeric. Have it once a day.
  • Weak Eyesight: Take 5 tablespoons Aloe Vera pulp and half teaspoon Alum. Put them in a cotton cloth and hang over a bowl. Collect the water dripping from cloth. Use it as eye wash.
  • Mumps: Peel Aloe vera. Warm the peeled side. sprinkle Turmeric over it. Bandage over the affected area.
  • Conjunctivitis: Extract juice of Aloe Vera. Soak a piece of cloth in it. Place it over infected Eye. OR : Apply the leaf juice directly to the outer eyelid
  • Warts: Soak a cotton ball in the freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel and apply directly on the wart. Secure it with a bandage.
  • Ascaris: Take quarter tsp fresh Aloe Vera pulp twice a day.
  • Jaundice: Drink 30 ml aloe Vera juice once a day.
  • Hepatitis: Aloe Vera juice is very useful for Liver. It helps to cure Hepatitis. Consume 10 ml of it thrice a day.
  • Cicatrix: Apply the fresh pulp of Aloe Vera or use the gel on scars. Let it dry. Then rinse with water. It is very useful for all skin types
  • Blisters: Wash the affected part properly and pat dry with soft cloth or cotton. Apply Aloe Vera gel over that part. (Note: You may use natural gel extracted from Aloe Vera leaves or you may purchase from market.)
  • Candidiasis: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Take out the gel and eat and rub gel around vagina for 5 minutes also.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Apply Aloe Vera gel directly to the affected parts
  • Pyelonephritis: Have one table spoon of Aloe vera extract once a day. OR: Have 1/2 glass of Aloe vera juice once a day.
  • Rosacea: Apply the Aloe extract over the affected area two times a day.
  • Puffy Eyes: Apply Aloe Vera gel over the puffy eyes. Use two times a day.
  • Stretch Marks: Take freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel and burst 3 Vitamin E capsules in it. Mix them well and apply on the marks.
  • Gum Diseases: Apply Aloe Vera gel on infected gums. Leave for half an hour. Swish with lukewarm water.
  • Arthritis: Drink 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera juice twice a day for 15 days.
  • Joint pain: Cut a leaf of Aloe Vera. Extract the gel. Massage affected joints with gel for 15 minutes.
  • Muscular pain: Massage with Aloe Vera  gel for half an hour.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome: Extract the gel of Aloe vera. Have two tablespoon two times a day.
  • Hematoma: Apply Aloe Vera gel to the affected area.
  • Peeling Skin: Take a fresh leaf of Aloe Vera. Cut from middle. Rub its gel over affected skin. Let it dry. Rinse with normal water. It heels the skin. OR : If natural Aloe Vera  is not available, purchase Aloe Vera cream or lotion from market and use.
  • Blackheads: Take a piece of Aloe Vera leaf. Cut from middle. Rub it over affected area for 5 minutes. Let it dry. Wash with lukewarm water. Do it daily.
  • Gingivitis: Apply Aloe Vera gel on gums. Swish with water after 15 minutes.
  • Grey hairs: Apply Aloe Vera gel over scalp. Wash after drying. It cures the problem and Strengthen the hair.
  • Dandruff: Massage Aloe Vera juice on the scalp. Leave for 1-2 hours and then rinse off.
  • Sallow skin: Take a Aloe Vera leaf. Cut it from the center. Rub inner part over affected areas. Let it dry. Wash with normal water.
  • Herpes Zoster: Take out the gel of Aloe Vera leaf. Apply it over affected areas twice a day.
  • Split Ends: Extract Aloe Vera gel. Apply it to the tips of your hair. Tie your hair and cover with a plastic bag. Leave it for an hour. Rinse it with lukewarm water.
  • Menstrual Disorders: Cut a fresh Aloe Vera leaf from its center and take out the gel. Add One teaspoon Honey to improve the taste and eat. Repeat daily on an empty stomach for about 9-10 weeks.
  • Blemishes: Cut a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel on your skin. Let it dry and form a mask. wash off with water. Repeat daily.
  • Eczema: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and apply its gel topically on the affected area. Let it dry. Wash off with warm water. Apply it regularly for good results.
  • Nipple Discharge: Take an Aloe Vera leaf and peel it off. Apply the gel on the nipples. Wash off before you feed next.
  • Prickly heat: Cut an Aloe Vera leaf and extract the gel out of it. Apply the gel on the affected Skin. Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash with cool water. Do this daily for a week.
  • Acne scars: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Apply its gel directly onto the Acne scars. Leave it on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off. Repeat it twice a day for a week.
  • Skin rashes: Cut the Aloe Vera leaf and extract out the gel. Apply on the affected Skin. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with water. Do it twice a day for a week to reduce Skin Rash.
  • Cracked Heels: Take 1 tablespoon of fresh Aloe Vera. Apply in on Cracked Heels. Leave it for half an hour. Wash off. Repeat it twice a day for a week.
  • Oily Skin: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Cut it in half and extract the gel out of it. Apply the gel directly onto the affected Skin. Let it dry. Wash off the skin with cold water. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day for a week.
  • Bruises: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Extract out its gel. Apply the gel onto the affected area. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day to cure Bruises.
  • Skin tan: Extract the gel from Aloe Vera leaf. Apply it over the affected area. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash with water. Do this daily for 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Chapped Hands: Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on the affected area. Leave it for 10 to 12 minutes. Wash off. Do this two times a day to treat Chapped Hands.
  • Hair fall: Take Aloe Vera gel or juice and apply it to the scalp. Leave it for one to two hours and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat the procedure for two to three times a week.
  • Stye: Apply Aloe Vera juice or gel on infected Eye. It will give relief and treats infection.
  • Dry Lips: Take fresh Aloe vera leaf. Squeeze the gel out of it. Apply this gel on the Lips.
  • Aging: Take out the pulp of Aloe Vera. Massage your face with it for 10 minutes. Leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure twice a day. OR Drink Aloe Vera juice prepared from 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel, once a day.
  • Hiatel hernia: Blend 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel to extract the juice. Drink 1/4 cup of it 30 minutes before the meal
  • Gastroparesis: Blend 3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel with 2 cups of water. Drink this juice every morning. Its laxative property aids in the proper functioning of your digestive system.
  • Kidney diseases: Apply Aloe Vera gel daily on kidney area to reduce the pain.
  • Oral Herpes: Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected area. Allow it to get dry. Rinse it off with fresh water after 1 hour. This gel will provide proper healing and helps stop the itching sensation.
  • Alopecia areata: Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel directly on the scalp. Do gentle massage and leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse it off.
  • Dull skin: Cut Aloe Vera leaf to half. Peel out the gel and apply this gel to your skin. Let it sit for 10 minutes to get dry. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure twice a day to have a fairer glowing skin.
  • Ganglion: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf. Cut it and take the gel out using a spoon. Apply the gel over the affected area and leave it for 25 minutes. Repeat the process 2 times a day.
  • Glossitis: Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and extract the gel from it. Apply over your tongue and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat the process 2 times a day.
  • Heat exhaustion: Extract the pulp from the Aloe Vera leaf. Blend it with one glass of water. Drink it once a day.
  • Hepatomegaly: Extract the pulp from Aloe Vera leaf. Mix it with a few pieces of Ginger and a pinch of Black Salt. Have it daily in the morning for ten days.
  • Hepatosplenomegaly: Extract the pulp from the Aloe Vera leaf. Mix it with a pinch of Turmeric. Have it daily in the morning.
  • Interstitial Cystitis: Take one teaspoon of Aloe Vera pulp ( extracted from the Aloe Vera leaf ) with water. Have it daily after every meal.
  • Latex allergy: Apply a thin layer of Aloe vera oil over your skin.
  • Lichen Planus: Drink 30 ml of aloe Vera juice diluted with water on an empty stomach in the morning.
  • Herpes: Apply Aloe extract over the affected area. OR: Have Aloe juice also cure Herpes. OR :  Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected skin area. Leave it to dry. Repeat it daily to reduce itching sensation.
  • Myocarditis: Extract the pulp from the Aloe Vera leaf. Have 1 teaspoon of it daily in the morning.
  • Nickel allergy: Extract the pulp from the Aloe Vera leaf. Apply over the affected area.
  • Pancreatic cancer: Consume one teaspoon of Aloe Vera pulp (extracted from the Aloe Vera leaf ). Have it daily.
  • Pellagra: Apply Aloe Vera gel ( extracted from the Aloe Vera leaf ) over the affected areas.
  • Polycythemia: Consume 1 teaspoon of freshly extracted pulp from the Aloe Vera leaf daily in the morning.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: Extract the gel from the Aloe Vera leaf. Apply over the affected areas.
  • Keloids: Take out fresh gel from the Aloe Vera leaf. Apply it on the affected region. Leave it for half an hour. Repeat the process for 2 to 3 times in a day.
  • HIV/AIDS: Consume a daily intake of 1200 mg of Aloe-vera. It will provides relief from the symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
  • Chemotherapy: Drink Aloe Vera juice daily. It will act as a immunity booster and helps the body to heal itself from the damages done by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
  • Stress: Drink Aloe Vera juice daily. It will provide relief from Stress.
  • Peptic Ulcers: Consume half cup of aloe vera gel in the night on an empty stomach before going to bed.
  • Saggy Breast: Aloe Vera has skin tightening properties. Massage your Saggy Breast with Aloe Vera. This will help the Aloe Vera gel to go deep inside the skin and tighten it up.
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on the affected areas. Leave it for 10 min and then wash it.
  • Loose Vagina: Have 2 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel or juice daily. Take it for 15 to 20 days. It will help in repairing the damaged Vaginal Muscles and rejuvenate them.
  • Menstrual Cramps: Have 2 tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice with a teaspoon of Honey in it. Have it 2 to 3 times in a day.
  • Stomach Polyps: Have 2 tablespoons of fresh Aloe Vera gel every day. OR : Have 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice every day.
  • Ulcerative Colitis: Have 1 tablespoon of fresh Aloe Vera gel every day to get rid of Ulcerative Colitis.

Precautions                                                                                                 

  • If used for long time period, it causes pigmentation in intestinal mucosa, hematuria and albuminuria.
  • Longer term use also causes popular dermatitis, hypersensitivity and loss of potassium.
  • Its prolonged use promotes chances of colon carcinoma.
  • Pregnant women should not use it.
  • It should not be used on children under 12 years of age.
  • If used internally might cause diarrhea and cramping pain in gastrointestinal tract.
  • Long term use of gel causes skin rashes.
  • Adverse effects such as oedema, kidney damage and heart rhythm might be experienced.
  • Not to be used by the patients with irritable bowel syndrome and haemorrhoids.
  • Aloe vera juice increase the side effects of Cytochrome P450 3A4 and CYP2D6.
  • The supplements of Aloe if used inappropriately cause acute hepatitis, thyroid dysfunction and perioperative bleeding.

How to Eat         

  • Aloe vera gel is used as an ingredient in beverages, yogurt and some desserts.
  • In Tamil Nadu, curry of Aloe vera is served with rice or nan bread.

Other Facts        

The sap or derivatives of Aloe Vera is used in products such as tissues, make up, soaps, moisturizer, incense, sunscreens, shampoos and shaving cream.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=182653#null

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1367/

http://www.hear.org/pier/species/aloe_vera.htm

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Aloe+vera

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/aloe-vera

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-aloe-vera.html

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Aloe vera Quick Facts
Name: Aloe vera
Scientific Name: Aloe vera
Origin Aloe is originated in Sudan and Arabian Peninsula. It is widely distributed in India, Africa and other arid areas.
Calories 36 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients Vitamin C (10.11%)
Carbohydrate (6.92%)
Iron (4.50%)
Calcium (1.90%)
Sodium (1.27%)
Health benefits Hydrates body, Treat diseases, Oral mucosal diseases, Prevent hepatitis, Acts as antioxidant