You've probably heard that aloe vera is used for health problems and conditions, but you may be wondering exactly what aloe vera cures. Aloe vera gel is widely known to relieve sunburns and help heal wounds.
But did you know that your favorite potted plant can be used for so much more than easing unfortunate beach visits and home decoration? Yes, that's right, the question "What does aloe vera heal?" has multiple answers and we'll discuss them in this article onBiopedia.
Succulent has a long history of use for medicinal purposes dating back to ancient Egypt. The plant is native to North Africa, southern Europe and the Canary Islands.
From relieving heartburn to potentially slowing the spread of breast cancer, researchers are just beginning to unlock the benefits of this versatile plant and answer the question of what aloe vera cures.
If you're curious to learn what the health benefits of this miracle plant are, stay tuned for this article.
Aloe vera for heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder that often leads to heartburn. A 2010 review of studies suggests that consuming 1 to 3 doses of aloe gel at mealtimes can reduce the severity of reflux and prevent the formation of uncomfortable heartburn.
Aloe vera gel may also alleviate other digestive problems. The low toxicity of the plant makes it a safe and gentle heartburn remedy without side effects.
What aloe vera cures - oral hygiene
Another answer to the question, "What does aloe vera cure?" takes us to oral and dental health. In a 2014 study published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, researchers found aloe vera juice and gel to be a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes.
The plant's natural ingredients, which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can stop plaque formation. It can also provide relief if you have bleeding, irritated or swollen gums. That's why it's a good idea to purchase toothpaste and mouthwash with gel from the plant added to them.
What aloe vera cures - lowering blood sugar
Ingesting two tablespoons of aloe vera juice a day can cause blood sugar levels to drop in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a large study.
This could mean that aloe vera may have a future in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. These results are supported by another study published in Phytotherapy Research that used an extract of the plant's pulp.
This means that in the near future, we can classify this serious disease as one of the many conditions that are the answer to the question of what aloe vera cures.
But people with diabetes who take medication to lower blood sugar levels should be careful when consuming aloe vera. Aloe vera juice combined with diabetes medications can lower blood sugar levels to dangerous levels.
What aloe vera cures - a natural laxative
Aloe vera is considered a natural laxative. Several studies have investigated the benefits of succulents in aiding digestion. A team of Nigerian scientists conducted a study on rats and found that a gel made from typical aloe vera houseplants was able to relieve constipation.
But another National Institutes of Health study looked at the consumption of whole aloe vera leaf extract. These findings revealed tumor growth in the large intestines of laboratory rats.
It is recommended that aloe vera gel be used to relieve constipation, but in moderation. Experts advise that a dose of 0.04 to 0.17 grams of dried juice is sufficient.
If you have Crohn's disease, colitis or hemorrhoids, you should not consume aloe vera. The gel can cause severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea. You should stop taking aloe vera if you are taking other medications. The gel may reduce your body's ability to absorb the medicines.
Skin care
You can use aloe vera to keep your skin clear and hydrated. Its beneficial properties on skin conditions may be due to the fact that the plant thrives in dry, unstable climates.
In order to survive the harsh conditions, the leaves of the plant store large amounts of moisture. These moisture-rich leaves, combined with special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates, make the plant's gel an effective facial moisturizer.
There are a number of ways to use the aloe vera plant and the various gels and extracts that can be extracted from it. Researchers continue to discover new methods of using this succulent.
Be sure to consult your doctor if you plan to use aloe vera for medical reasons, especially if you are taking medication.