Aloe vera plants are a common sight on kitchen windowsills. Freshly snipped aloe leaves make for a handy, homegrown first aid treatment for cuts, burns and chapped skin. The plant produces two valuable substances--gel and latex, or juice. While aloe gel ranks as the favored acne treatment, aloe vera juice may also provide benefits. Although further clinical analysis is needed to confirm its effectiveness as a blemish blocker, herbalists recommend aloe vera juice as an aid in relieving acne symptoms. As with all herbal remedies, however, consult with your physician before use.
Identification
A succulent perennial plant, the aloe vera herb grows to heights of 2 feet. It bears spikes of yellow flowers. Its thick, fleshy, green leaves taper to a point with small, spiny teeth running along the edges.
History
According to the book "Nature's Medicine," Cleopatra used aloe as one of her beauty secrets for healthy skin. Ancient Egyptians also used the plant in embalming fluid. First-century Greek physician Dioscarides claimed aloe juices helped heal bruises and could stop wounds from bleeding. Introduced to other parts of Europe in the 10th century, aloe became a valuable ingredient in herbal medicines. Today, a variety of cosmetics, shampoos, creams and health care products contain aloe vera juice.
Benefits
Aloe vera juice has become a favorite in skin care products due to its natural moisturizing properties. Aloe stimulates macrophages, immune cells that battle bacterial infection. Its juices support blood circulation under the skin's surface and improve the amount of oxygen that reaches the skin, helping to heal acne and stimulate cellular repair.
According to "Nature's Medicine," aloe also acts as a natural antibiotic, antifungal and anesthetic agent, providing chemical compounds that relieve pain and inflammation associated with acne.
Side Effects
Although topical application of aloe vera juice is considered safe, oral use may lead to adverse reactions. Do not take aloe latex orally if you suffer from Crohn's disease, ulcers or hemorrhoids, as the juice can irritate your bowels. MedlinePlus.com, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, states that long-term oral use of aloe latex may lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, muscle weakness, weight loss and heart issues.
Warnings
The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that children and lactating women should not use aloe latex due to unknown side effects and safety concerns. Additionally, the UMMC advises that pregnant women should never take aloe latex, as the herb may trigger uterine contractions leading to miscarriage. Furthermore, MedlinePlus.com warns that taking 1 g of oral aloe latex daily for several days can prove fatal.
References
- "Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster; 2008
- Medline Plus: Aloe
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Blach; 2002
- My Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera History
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