Aloe Vera Health Benefits

Aloe Vera (sometimes known as Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent plant with spiky gel-filled leaves. Although it is thought to have originated in north Africa, humans have spread it around the world, and it can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

It is the gel from the leaves that provides the health benefits. This gel can be used fresh just as it is, or combined with other herbs to make simple aloe vera remedies (many people keep their own aloe vera plants for this purpose). Alternatively, you can purchase the pure gel as well as products derived from it such as toiletries, aloe vera juice and aloe vera capsules.

Aloe vera has been used around the world for thousands of years (basically since as long as records have been kept) for its healing properties. It has been widely used by Native Americans, ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Africans and Europeans amongst others. Fans of the plant included Cleopatra (who reputedly used it to keep her skin looking good) and Alexander the Great, and it was referred to by the ancient Greeks as the 'Universal Panacea'.

Today aloe vera is often known as the 'First Aid Plant', and has been the subject of scientific studies and clinical trials. Although some of the studies have shown contradictory results, and science has yet to conclusively prove (or disprove) many of the claims made for aloe vera, there is no need to wait for it to catch up in order for you to follow in the footsteps of people throughout history, and experience the health benefits of aloe vera for yourself today!

Although aloe vera has been studied quite extensively in recent years, and scientists have gained many insights into how it works, its mode of action is not yet fully understood. It contains a very wide array of beneficial substances, and the synergistic balance of these probably contributes to aloe vera's healing properties.

Aloe vera's powerful components include:

• 75+ nutrients, especially B-group vitamins
  
• 19 of 20 necessary amino acids
  
• Minerals, including significant amounts of calcium, magnesium and sodium
  
• Enzymes
  
• Glyconutrients, including polysaccharides which are thought to be the most active ingredients, particularly mannans (mannose polymers)
  
• Plant sterols
  
• Saponins
  
• Lignin
  
• Anthraquinones
  
• Salicyclic acid
  
• Phytonutrients

The claimed healing effects provided by these substances include:

• Anti-inflammatory
  
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production
  
• Removal of dead skin cells
  
• Helps desirable substances to penetrate the skin
  
• Lower cholesterol and maintain good triglyceride levels
  
• Maintain blood sugar levels
  
• Emollient (soothing)
  
• Anti-bacterial
  
• Anti-fungal
  
• Quickens the healing process, especially of burns, and after dermabrasion
  

Aloe vera is most commonly used by being applied directly to the surface of the body. Topical application of aloe vera may provide relief from the following skin problems and other ailments:

• Acne and pimples
  
• Itching
  
• Sores
  
• Burns
  
• Sunburn
  
• Pigmentation
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Eczema
  
• Warts
  
• Wrinkles and other signs of aging
  
• Minor wounds, scratches and cuts
  
• Itching
  
• Swelling
  
• Hives and other skin problems caused by allergies
  
• Insect bites
  
• Foot fungal infections
  
• Boils
  
• Bruises
  
• Bedsores
  
• Corns
  
• Excess oil and dryness (acts as a general moisturiser)
  
• Hair problems
  
• Pain relief
  
• Cataracts
  
• Sties
  
• Conjunctivitis
  
• Kills harmful bacteria and fungi on the body surface
  

Although most people associate aloe vera with external use for skin ailments, it also has a long history of internal use. It can be taken in gel and extract form, and has been reported to help with the following conditions:

• High cholesterol
  
• Heartburn
  
• Ulcers
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders
  
• Constipation (it has a laxative effect caused by anthraglycosides, which are found in cells underneath leaf skin, and not normally in the gel)
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Kills bacteria and parasites
  
• Settles nausea
  
• Strengthens the immune system
  
• Controls fluid accumulation
  
• Dental problems such as bleeding gums. Also good for the relief of lesions and post-surgical use, controls fungi and bacteria that can cause problems for denture users
  
• Arthritis
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Menopausal symptoms
  
• Asthma
  
• Cystitis
  
• Headaches and migraines
  
• Heart problems
  
• Colds and flu

Aloe vera is not just used to remedy problems though - it can also help to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In this more general sense, aloe vera is associated with life extension, disease prevention and detoxification of the body, and is regarded by many complementary medical practitioners as an excellent 'general tonic'.

Aloe vera can help our animal friends also. Holistic vets often make use of aloe vera in the treatments of various animal illnesses, and it can also be used at home for first aid treatments for companion animals. Cats, dogs, horses, cows, sheep, birds, fish, lizards, snakes and goats are just some of the species that can benefits from aloe vera's healing properties. Note that because some animals can have adverse reactions to plants that are safe for humans, it's best to check with your vet before using aloe vera or any other home remedy for your pets.

All of this might sound a little too good to be true to some. Is aloe vera really such a miracle worker? The answer is yes and no. Yes, it does have a very longstanding tradition of successful use as a healing agent for a wide variety of complaints, by numerous cultures worldwide. And today scientific investigation is starting to verify some of these claims.

On the other hand, no substance - natural or pharmaceutical - works for everyone all the time. Aloe vera cannot be guaranteed to work in any individual case, but given the low cost, ease of use, and minimal risk associated with its use (especially in comparison to the often high cost and strong side effects associated with conventional treatments), it is usually worth trying. Experiencing the results firsthand is always more rewarding than just reading about the experiences of others.

Aloe vera is available in many forms, so everyone should be able to find a product that they like to use. Options include pure aloe vera gel (either fresh from your own plant, or shop-bought), sprays, moisturising and antiseptic creams, lotions, juices and drinks, tablets, capsules, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, mouthwashes, pet products and more.

Overwhelmed by the choices? There are many, and unfortunately many of them are of poor quality and do not live up to the claims made for them. In future lenses I'll explore all of these aloe vera product types in more detail, to help you to determine which are worth your time and money. In the meantime, there are two easy and effective options: making your own simple aloe vera home remedies, and taking the world's only pharmaceutical-grade all-natural aloe vera capsules, which are recommended by many doctors and health care professionals.

There are a few things to be aware of when using aloe vera. Although it is generally considered a very safe substance to use, a very small percentage of people do suffer an allergic reaction to it. And despite what some people claim, it is also possible to experience negative side-effects if you are using it internally and you take too much. Trying a small 'patch test' on the skin when using a topical aloe vera product, and sticking to the recommended doses of any aloe vera capsules, tablets etc., is recommended.

The other consideration to bear in mind is product quality. In order to experience aloe vera's health benefits for yourself, you must use a good quality product that actually 'does what it says on the tin'. Be aware that aloe vera is a multi-million dollar industry, and although there are many excellent products available, there are also a few unscrupulous (or just ignorant) companies that place profits above effectiveness. The result is that many aloe vera products are heavily adulterated, and many juices, cosmetics etc. contain less than the stated amount of aloe vera gel or active extracts, or are made with substandard aloe vera, and may contain other - possibly harmful - fillers and preservatives etc.

So, given that not all aloe vera products are created equal in terms of the health benefits they provide, what can you do to ensure you get an effective product?

The solution is to buy high quality, standardised pre-prepared aloe vera products, or make your own.

Make your own aloe vera remedies
Aloe vera plants are cheap to buy and easy to look after, so many people like to grow their own and harvest the gel to use directly. This way, you know exactly how fresh your preparation is, and what it contains.

Or try pure aloe vera capsules
If you don't fancy making your own aloe vera treatments, or you're travelling and need something that's more portable, look for products made with food grade, organic aloe vera, and minimal additives. One of the easiest ways to benefit from aloe vera is to take it in the form of aloe vera capsules or tablets. Unfortunately, products like this vary a lot in terms of quality, but Aloeride® is one that consistently provides excellent quality and value. It is a purely natural product made from top quality plants, and is the only aloe vera capsule that is made to pharmaceutical standards, ensuring that there is enough of the active ingredients present to produce the desired benefits. Find out more about Aloeride® here.

Disclaimer - Please note that none of the information provided here is intended as medical advice, and it is recommended that you obtain professional guidance if you are ill.