9 Best Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.
The bioactive compounds present in aloe vera, such as aloin, aloe-emodin, and vitamins A, C, and E, provide its numerous health benefits.
Aloe vera has been found to heal burns by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, reduce acne by controlling oil production and preventing bacterial growth, and soothe sunburn by hydrating the skin and reducing redness.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aloe vera make it a popular natural remedy for various skin issues.
Featured Study
According to The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Aloe vera may be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients and reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Aloe vera.
Table of Contents
1. Heals burns
Aloe vera heals burns by providing a protective barrier to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, thereby facilitating the healing process.
This benefit is particularly important in preventing infection and promoting the recovery of individuals who have suffered from severe burns, such as those caused by kitchen accidents or wildfires.
Aloe vera's ability to heal burns is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds like aloe-emodin and aloin, which work together to soothe and protect the affected skin.
To reap the benefits of aloe vera for burn healing, it can be applied topically in the form of a gel or cream, which can be purchased over-the-counter or made at home by mixing aloe vera juice with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Top Preparations:
- Gel
- Cream
- Ointment
- Topical suspension
- Burn cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Heals burns.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloin | Scalds, sunburns, thermal burns |
| Anthraquinone | Burn blister, burn infection, severe burns |
| Aloin b | Acute burns, burn ulcer, severe scalds |
2. Reduces acne
Aloe vera reduces acne, which refers to the ability of the plant to decrease the occurrence and severity of acne breakouts on the skin.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who struggle with persistent acne, as it can lead to emotional distress, social anxiety, and even permanent scarring, such as pitting or hyperpigmentation.
Aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, thanks to its bioactive constituents like aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan, which work together to reduce inflammation and combat the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
To harness the acne-reducing benefits of aloe vera, individuals can use it in the form of topical gels, creams, or soaps that are rich in aloe vera extract, or drink aloe vera juice as a supplement to promote overall skin health.
Top Preparations:
- Aloe barbadensis gel
- Aloe barbadensis juice
- Aloe barbadensis oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces acne.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloe-emodin | Acne vulgaris, pustular acne, cystic acne, blackheads |
| Cinnamic acid | Inflammatory acne, redness, skin irritation, eczema |
| Salicylic acid | Whiteheads, closed comedones, acne scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation |
3. Soothes sunburn
Aloe vera soothes sunburn, which is the plant's ability to relieve the pain, redness, and inflammation caused by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
This benefit is crucial as sunburn can lead to blistering, scarring, and even increase the risk of skin cancer, making it a vital aspect of post-sun exposure care, especially for individuals who spend extended periods outdoors, such as beachgoers, hikers, and athletes.
Aloe vera's soothing properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the anti-inflammatory compounds aloin and aloe-emodin.
To utilize aloe vera's sunburn-soothing benefits, it is best to use herbal preparations such as aloe vera gel or juice, which can be applied topically to the affected area after sun exposure, or take orally as a supplement to help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.
Top Preparations:
- Gel
- Ointment
- Lotion
- Cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Soothes sunburn.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloe-emodin | Sunburn, heat rash, photodermatitis |
| Chrysophanic acid | Burns, inflammation, itching |
| Glycoproteins | Wound healing, skin irritation, redness |
4. Reduces inflammation
Aloe vera reduces inflammation, which is a natural response of the body to injury or damage, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.
This benefit is important because chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to tissue damage and impaired healing.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties due to its bioactive constituents, including aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of aloe vera, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as topical gels or creams, or as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules or powders, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Gel
- Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
- Topical ointment
- Cream
- Aloe barbadensis extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloin | Arthritis, gout, tendinitis |
| Aloe-emodin | Psoriasis, eczema, sunburn |
| Cinnamic acid | Inflammatory bowel disease, urticaria, hives |
5. Fights gum inflammation
Aloe vera fights gum inflammation, which refers to the redness, swelling, and pain associated with gum disease, a common oral health issue characterized by the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, leading to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
This benefit is important as gum inflammation can cause discomfort, bad breath, and even lead to tooth loss if left untreated, making it essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing related health problems.
Aloe vera has this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe and protect the gums.
To utilize aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties for gum health, try using herbal preparations such as aloe vera toothpaste or mouthwash, or applying aloe vera gel directly to the gums after brushing and flossing.
Top Preparations:
- Gel
- Juice
- Tincture
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights gum inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloe-emodin | Gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth abscess |
| Catechin | Gum inflammation, mouth ulcers, dry mouth |
| Anthraquinone | Gum disease, bad breath, mouth sores |
6. Treats eczema
Aloe vera treats eczema by soothing and calming the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in affected areas.
This benefit is crucial for individuals who suffer from eczema, as it can lead to discomfort, pain, and compromised quality of life, causing difficulties in everyday activities such as sleeping, working, and even socializing.
Aloe vera's ability to treat eczema can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including aloin, aloe-emodin, and vitamins A, C, and E, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To reap the benefits of aloe vera for eczema, individuals can use it in the form of topical creams, gels, or ointments, or drink aloe vera juice as a supplement, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Aloe barbadensis gel
- Aloe barbadensis oil
- Aloe barbadensis cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats eczema.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloin | Eczema, psoriasis, skin inflammation |
| Aloe-emodin | Atopic dermatitis, dermatitis, skin irritation |
| Cinnamic acid | Eczema, rosacea, skin redness |
| Catechin | Skin inflammation, skin irritation, psoriasis |
7. Cures wounds
Aloe vera cures wounds by accelerating the healing process, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration.
This benefit is particularly important as it helps prevent infection, reduces scarring, and enables individuals to recover faster from injuries such as cuts, burns, and surgical incisions.
Aloe vera's ability to cure wounds can be attributed to its rich composition of bioactive constituents, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin.
To harness the wound-curing properties of aloe vera, it's best to use it in herbal preparations such as gels, creams, or ointments that can be directly applied to the affected area, allowing the plant's active compounds to penetrate and promote healing.
Top Preparations:
- Aloe barbadensis gel
- Aloe barbadensis juice
- Aloe barbadensis cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Cures wounds.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloin | Abrasions, burns, cuts |
| Acemannan | Infections, scalds, sunburns |
| Vitamins a, c, and e | Acne, eczema, skin irritations |
| Chrysophanic acid | Boils, fungal infections, ulcers |
8. Improves skin elasticity
Aloe vera improves skin elasticity, which refers to the skin's ability to snap back into its original shape after being stretched, indicating a healthy and resilient skin texture.
This benefit is important as it helps to maintain a youthful appearance, reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent sagging skin, which can occur due to aging, sun exposure, or weight fluctuations.
Aloe vera's ability to improve skin elasticity is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fatty acids and amino acids, which work together to nourish and firm the skin.
To harness the benefits of aloe vera for skin elasticity, it's best to use herbal preparations such as aloe vera gel, which can be applied topically after cleansing and toning the skin, or aloe vera juice, which can be consumed as a supplement to promote overall skin health from the inside out.
Top Preparations:
- Aloe barbadensis gel
- Aloe barbadensis cream
- Aloe barbadensis serum
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves skin elasticity.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloin | Wrinkles, sagging skin, loss of firmness |
| Aloe-emodin | Skin laxity, dull skin, lack of suppleness |
| Chrysophanic acid | Fine lines, dry skin, skin inelasticity |
9. Cures mouth ulcers
Aloe vera cures mouth ulcers by providing relief and promoting the healing of painful ulcers in the mouth.
This benefit is crucial as mouth ulcers can be debilitating, affecting an individual's ability to eat, speak, and carry out daily activities; for instance, a severe mouth ulcer can make it difficult for a person to eat their favorite foods or even attend social gatherings.
Aloe vera's ability to cure mouth ulcers can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents such as aloin, aloe-emodin, and vitamins A, C, and E, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the benefits of aloe vera for mouth ulcers, it's best to use herbal preparations such as aloe vera gel or juice, either topically or taken as a mouthwash, in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Gel
- Aloe barbadensis juice
- Topical ointment
The following table displays the major constituents of Aloe vera and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Cures mouth ulcers.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aloin | Mucositis, stomatitis, glossitis |
| Anthraquinone | Oral lichen planus, buccal mucositis, tongue ulcers |
| Vitamins a and c | Angular cheilitis, dental caries, oral candidiasis |