1. Soothe Your Sunburn
Nothing feels better on a hot sunburn than cool aloe vera gel. The gel is so popular for treating sunburns that it can be found in any drugstore right next to sunscreens. In nature, aloe vera gel comes from inside the leaf of the aloe plant. Anti-inflammatory properties in the gel help reduce swelling, while antibacterial and anti-fungal properties fend off potential infection. Spread a generous amount of the gel across your sunburn to relieve pain and itching.
2. Treat Other Skin Irritations
Deodorants, face washes, moisturizers and wound creams often include aloe among their ingredients. Aloe has long been used to soothe and speed healing for a wide variety of skin problems including acne, rashes, wounds, cuts and scrapes, canker sores, insect bites, poison ivy and gum disease. Along with preventing infection and healing, the gel provides a protective coating, and the 96 percent water content moisturizes delicate skin. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera to the bothersome area if you have one of these skin conditions.
3. Drinking Aloe for Better Digestive Health
Aloe works in four ways to generally improve your digestive health. Several fatty acids found in aloe reduce swelling and irritation in the stomach, small intestine and colon. Secondly, acid-reducing properties help to relieve and prevent indigestion. In addition, the variety of nutrients found in aloe supplements a diet, compensating for any nutritional deficiencies that may exist. Lastly, a compound in aloe called acemannan may boost T-lymphocite production, supporting immunity and aiding the body's ability to fight infections.
4. Get Your Bowels Moving
Beyond improving your overall digestive health, the latex portion of the aloe plant can be taken by mouth to relieve constipation. The latex is a yellow substance found on the inside of the aloe leaf. Often taken as a dried powder in pill form, aloe latex is known to be quite powerful in getting the bowels moving. However, aloe taken as a laxative can cause cramping, diarrhea and an electrolyte imbalance. To avoid this, take only the recommended amount of aloe latex. Also, avoid mixing aloe latex with other laxatives since it could be too much for your system. Pregnant women should avoid using aloe latex since the abdominal contractions that move your bowels could also induce premature labor.
5. Finding Sources of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an easy plant to grow, but it takes time and space to get a good amount of it. If you are short on time or space, look to your local drug store for 100 percent aloe vera gel. Since the FDA does not regulate aloe vera, it is difficult to ensure the purity of different aloe products. Look for brands without dyes or scents. Try your natural foods store, where you may find aloe products specially formulated for your health need.
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