Christopher Columbus said aloe was indispensable for curing ailments afflicting man's well-being. The aloe vera plant comprises mostly water. The remaining portion contains active ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and essential oils. Many health benefits can be obtained by taking aloe vera. To prevent over-depleting your body of potassium, do not drink aloe for longer than two weeks.
Improves Digestive Health
Aloe vera can improve digestive health in many ways. Aloe may help stomach upset, eliminate excessive gas, soothe peptic ulcer symptoms and provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome, according to Jamaica Gleaner News. Aloe can also be used for cleansing the colon and digestive tract. Aloe vera can be used to stimulate the digestive process.
Relieves Constipation
The inner lining of aloe leaves contains latex. Latex can be dried and made into an oral laxative, according to MayoClinic.com. The laxative effect of aloe is found in a component known as aloin. A variety of aloe components, including aloin, have been scientifically proven to contain laxative properties, notes the Mayo Clinic website. Aloe vera can be either taken alone or as part of an herbal remedy for constipation. Exact dosage cannot currently be determined. More research is needed to establish dosage, effectiveness and safety of aloe when compared to other laxatives.
Provides Heat Injury Relief
Taking aloe vera in topical form can sooth burning skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the gel of an aloe vera plant helps relieve symptoms of heat-injured skin, or sunburn. The gel provides a cooling effect. Aloe vera gel can be obtained by cutting off the tip of a plant stem and squeezing out the gel. Rub the gel directly onto the skin for immediate heat relief. If you do not have access to a fresh plant, aloe vera gel can also be purchased in ready-made form.
Helps Hair Health
Aloe vera juice can help preserve your hair health. Ayurvedic medicine commonly involves two methods of oral administration of aloe vera juice. Both may help counteract hair loss. One oral mixture involves taking 1 tbsp. of aloe vera gel with a pinch of cumin. The other oral option involves drinking 1/3 cup of the juice, according to HolisticOnline.com.
Heals Mouth Sores
Aloe vera contains strong immunomodulatory and antibiotic properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drinking aloe vera juice is a natural remedy for fighting and/or healing mouth chancre sores in Ayurvedic medicine, according to Holistic Online. Turning aloe vera juice into a mouth rinse can help heal mouth sores. Rinse several times daily for best healing results.
Another option for healing mouth sores involves taking aloe vera topically by mixing a pinch of the Indian herb neem with 1 tsp. of aloe vera gel. Directly applying the mixture to the sore will start the healing process. Or, topically applying 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel three times daily will accomplish the same goal.
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