Aloe is a common houseplant. When one of its thick, fleshy leaves is broken, the plant weeps a resinous yellow liquid called aloin, which coats and heals the wound. The translucent inner pulp within the plant has similar healing properties for humans. Juice made from this pulp can be ingested or applied to a variety of wounds to promote healing.
Benefits as a Laxative
MayoClinic.com lists several benefits of ingested aloe pulp juice. You may find it useful as a laxative. TipNut.com suggests drinking small amounts of juice made from aloe pulp once or twice a week if you need to encourage regular bowel activity.
Prevention of Cancer
Early studies have also suggested that aloe may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, although MayoClinic.com notes that further study is needed to attain more clear information on its preventative properties pertaining to cancer.
Benefits for Diabetics
Researchers have conducted histological examinations under laboratory conditions to investigate the benefits of aloe pulp and gel extracts for people suffering from diabetes. In rats with induced type II diabetes, those that were given aloe pulp and gel extracts experienced less severe organ damage due to diabetes than a control group of rats that did not receive aloe.
Effects on Burns
You may find aloe useful for treating skin burns. In mild and moderate skin burns, the application of the translucent pulp juice from an aloe leaf provides a quick, cooling sensation that reduces the initial pain of your burn. The mix of aloin and aloe pulp also coats your burned skin, protecting it from bacteria and other contaminants. Clinical evidence also suggests that this fluid will also interact with your skin to promote faster healing, although MayoClinic.com suggests further study is needed to confirm this.
Benefits to Skin Health
Aloe is traditionally used either directly or as an additive in a variety of skin treatments. It is commonly found in moisturizers and dandruff treatments. It is currently also recommended for skin irritation caused by prolonged radiation exposure. It may also be applied to cuts, pressure ulcers and canker sores to promote faster healing. As an extract, it is also added to topical treatments for genital herpes.
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