Aside from its renowned ability to alleviate sunburn, aloe vera possesses a diverse range of applications that can enhance your overall health and well-being. This versatile plant can be consumed to combat inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome, or applied topically to combat skin conditions like eczema. Here are compelling reasons why you should either maintain an aloe vera plant at home or begin cultivating one today.
Aloe vera, scientifically known as Aloe barbadensis, is not just a remedy for sunburn but also a plant with numerous benefits. This succulent plant, characterized by its thick, short stem, serves as a valuable natural treatment that even those without a knack for gardening enjoy nurturing in their homes.
Aloe vera stores water in its leaves, which contain a gel-like substance that is often associated with the plant. Its extensive use in the food, cosmetic, and medicinal industries has created a significant global market worth over $13 billion annually. Here is a brief overview of the therapeutic advantages of aloe that you should take into account.
Nourishing juice
Aloe vera juice, available at select cafes and health food stores, is a refreshing beverage that can be served cold and offers a healthier alternative to many sugary drinks.
Studies have shown various benefits of aloe vera juice, such as its laxative properties that can alleviate constipation, and its anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve pain and reduce gum inflammation when used as a mouthwash.
Aloe vera juice can also aid in digestion, as research from 2014 suggests that it may reduce the occurrence of stomach ulcers and enhance overall digestive function.
Wound healing and skin health
Aloe vera is known for its ability to expedite the healing of skin wounds. Research has demonstrated this effect in Type 2 diabetic rats and animal models exposed to radiation, which is known to delay wound healing.
Furthermore, topical application of aloe vera has been found to be effective in treating eczema and combating multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas infections in burn wounds.
Relief from bowel conditions
A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that aloe vera is a safe and effective option for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, surpassing the benefits of a placebo.
In addition, oral consumption of aloe vera for four weeks has shown favorable effects in treating inflammatory bowel disease when compared to a placebo. In a randomized trial involving patients with ulcerative colitis, those treated with aloe vera saw improvement while the placebo group did not.
A review of scientific studies revealed that herbal therapy, including aloe vera, can significantly reduce inflammation in conditions such as colitis and inflammatory bowel disease, leading to decreased levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.
Improvement of facial wrinkles
A study published in the journal Annals of Dermatology in 2009 involved healthy female subjects aged 45 and above who received oral supplementation of aloe vera gel for 90 days. The results were remarkable, with significant improvements in facial wrinkles and increased facial elasticity observed in both low and high-dose groups.
Anti-cancer activity
In a study involving 240 patients with metastatic cancer, those treated with aloe vera showed better outcomes in terms of survival compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone.
According to the study’s authors, the percentage of tumor regressions and disease control was significantly higher in patients treated with aloe vera, along with a higher percentage of 3-year survival.
Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of aloe vera beyond its sunburn-soothing properties, you may consider cultivating your own plant at home. It can serve as a delightful tropical addition to your living space, whether placed as a succulent on your work table or in another part of your house.