Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera) is gel from the leaves of aloe plants. People have used it for thousands of years for healing and softening the skin. Aloe has also long been a folk treatment for many maladies, including constipation and skin disorders. Modern-day research into aloe vera’s benefits is mixed, with some evidence showing it can cause cancer in lab animals. There are no foods that contain aloe vera, so it must be taken in supplement or gel form.

Aloe Vera has been known for its healing properties for at least 6,000 years. In the early days, it was considered a “plant of immortality” and was presented to Egyptian pharaohs as a funeral gift, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Over time, groups from many geographical areas have used aloe vera, including Indians, Chinese, Mexicans, and North Americans, too, per a chapter in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.

Aloe, variously known as “burn plant,” “lily of the desert,” and “elephant’s gall” — has been used traditionally to treat wounds, hair loss, hemorrhoids, and digestive issues.

These days, aloe has an entire industry behind it. Its juices are used in cosmetics and personal-care products such as moisturizer, soap, shaving cream, and suntan lotion. The aloe vera product that probably comes readily to mind is the bright green gel that’s stocked on drugstore shelves. You’ve probably used it to soothe a nasty sunburn.

Health Benefits

Aloe vera is also available in supplement form, which is purported to offer the same benefits to the skin and digestive system as other preparations of the plant.

Health benefits of Aloe Vera include:

• Contains healthful plant compounds
• Has antioxidant and antibacterial properties
• Accelerates wound healing
• Reduces dental plaque
• Helps treat canker sores
• Reduces constipation
• May improve skin and prevent wrinkles
• Lowers blood sugar levels