About Aloe Vera & Joint Pain

The aloe vera plant stores a large number of nutrients, including vitamins E, C and B, iron, zinc, manganese and calcium. It also contains amino acids and fatty acids. The plant has been used topically and internally throughout history, most commonly for treating wounds and alleviating constipation.

History

The aloe vera plant has been around for thousands of years and has long held a place in alternative medicine for its many health benefits. The Egyptians loved the plant's qualities so much they depicted it on stone carvings and buried their dead with it. They referred to it as the "plant of immortality," according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Aloe Vera

The thick succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant are about 95 percent water. The transparent gel inside the leaves is where the plant gets its many health properties. The aloe barbadensis is one of over 250 species of the aloe but the most common type used for medicinal purposes. The aloe vera plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic abilities, also containing antiseptic agents such as lupeol, urea nitrogen, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, sulfur and phenol.

Joint Pain

Joint pain can be from a wide variety of reasons. Arthritis, the most common cause of joint pain, is an inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that also causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is characterized by a growth of bone spurs and degeneration of joint cartilage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Another type of joint pain is bursitis. This pain is caused from inflammation of fluid filled sacs that cushion the bone.

Significance

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory substances that can help ease the pain and stiffness of joint pain inflammation. Applying the aloe gel directly onto painful joints, as well as drinking aloe juice can help repair damaged tissue caused by inflamed joints, according to Positive Health Online. Aloe vera can help speed up healing by regenerating cells, one of the many reasons it is successfully used to treat wounds. According to the Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center, drinking aloe vera can help to reduce and soothe inflamed joints. Other ingredients that can help ease the pain of swollen joints include vitamins E and C, fatty acids, manganese and sulfur, all of which can be found in aloe vera.

Considerations

Always consult your doctor before beginning any supplemental treatment. Aloe vera is not known to have many side effects but some people may be allergic to the plant. Taking aloe vera internally may cause cramping and diarrhea.