Is Aloe Vera Juice Good For Swelling?

Aloe vera, a succulent plant that grows in warm, arid climates, provides a wealth of health benefits. Aloe vera is easy to grow indoors and can be used, as needed, to soothe minor skin irritations. Among its medicinal effects, aloe vera has been shown to reduce swelling related to a number of causes. Consult your doctor about using aloe vera to treat a medical condition.

Post-Surgery

Aloe vera may be useful to reduce swelling after surgery, according to a study that appeared in the September 2011 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology." The study mentioned aloe vera among a list of complementary and alternative therapies that accelerate wound healing and reduce swelling and discoloration. Other supplements listed in the study include the enzyme bromelain, the pain-relieving herb arnica, vitamin C, bioflavenoids, lavendar oil and the herb Gotu kola, an herb used in Ayruveda, the traditional medicine system of India.

Wound Healing

A study published in the November 2003 issue of the journal "Alternative Medicine Review" found that aloe vera reduces swelling and speeds wound healing. Aloe vera has been used successfully, both applied topically and taken internally, to decrease healing time and minimize pain, swelling and scarring.

Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains from overworked muscles respond well to supplementation with aloe vera, writes Diane Gage in "Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer." For sore and swollen muscles, alternate an aloe vera ice pack with an aloe vera lotion massage of the affected area for 48 hours, then replace the aloe vera ice packs with heated aloe vera rubs and hot water or whirlpool soaks.

Detoxification

Use aloe vera juice to reduce internal swelling and fluid retention from toxin accumulation in your tissues, states John Gray in his book, "The Mars and Venus Diet and Exercise Solution: Create the Brain Chemistry of Health, Happiness and Lasting Romance." Aloe vera improves lymphatic function and reduces internal swelling by decreasing inflammation in your digestive tract. A healthy lymphatic system helps manage fluid levels and reduce swelling throughout your body. Aloe vera also kills pathogenic bacteria and helps oxygenate tissues, resulting in more energy for healing. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties make aloe vera a good detoxifying agent.

Bug Bits and Rashes

Aloe vera acts as a mild anesthetic by relieving itching, pain and swelling associated with insect bites, rashes and other skin irritations. The enzymes carboxypeptidase and bradykinase contribute to aloe vera's wound healing benefits by reducing redness, swelling and pain and speeding the healing process. Your minor burns and other skin wounds may heal up to three days faster when you use aloe vera gel or apply the juice from a freshly-cut aloe vera leaf, writes nutritionist Phyllis Balch in her book, "Prescription for Herbal Healing."