Aloe Vera | Natural Remedies for Skin, Digestion, Acne and More

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that grows well in arid desert climates. It’s been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a medicinal plant. It can be used as a cream, gel, ointment, liquid, or capsule. 

When taken orally, it is known to promote health and well-being or applied topically for skin irritation and other issues.

Aloe Vera leaf contains numerous vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, enzymes, amino acids, and various bioactive compounds. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-helminthic (parasitic worms), antifungal, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, emollient, purgative (laxative), and cosmetic values. It has been used in health care for many reasons. 

Medicinal Uses

One of the most beneficial medicinal properties of this plant species is its benefit for reducing inflammation and counteracting harmful oxidative stress. This is a process where the cells of the body become damaged because of free radicals which are loose in the bloodstream.

Burns

Topically it can prevent skin damage from UV radiation and other forms of radiation, like cancer treatments. It is commonly used for burns, including sunburn, and research shows that it may have better results than 1% silver sulfadiazine cream for some people.   

Digestive Health

Drinking or eating aloe vera may help soothe and heal common stomach problems. Health benefits include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and H. pylori bacteria which can lead to peptic ulcers in some people. 

Aloe vera plants have been used in traditional medicine to relieve constipation, but it’s no longer recommended for this purpose. 

Oral Health

Aloe vera may benefit oral hygiene by lowering levels of candida, plaque, and gingivitis. Research shows that using it in toothpaste or mouthwash was more effective than other types of toothpaste.   

Acne

Aloe vera is less irritating than traditional acne treatments, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. But when added to these very effective ingredients it helps soothe skin and reduce redness. Acne skin care products with aloe vera can be very effective in the treatment of acne. 

Other medicinal plants that can help with acne are Milk Thistle, Chamomile, and Basil. 

Other Medicinal Uses

This medicinal plant may help reduce skin irritation, jaundice, psoriasis, dandruff, and small cuts. 

Potential Side Effects

Most people don’t experience adverse effects from medicinal plants, including Aloe Vera unless they are sensitive to the plant species it belongs to. But for those that are sensitive, Aloe Vera may cause kidney issues, hematuria, hypokalemia, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances in some people. 

Skin irritation and allergic reactions are possible in people with sensitivities. Before trying any topical medicine for the first time, be sure to do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. Only use the aloe vera species internally, as other types of aloe may be toxic when ingested.

Don’t use aloe vera if you’re allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips. And don’t take it within 2 weeks of any scheduled surgery.

Don’t take aloe vera orally if you’re taking diuretics, herbs and supplements, corticosteroids, digoxin, warfarin, sevoflurane, stimulant laxatives, diabetes medications, and anticoagulants because it may interact with these medications.