Aloe vera has been used as medicine for various ailments since ancient times. Today, aloe vera gel that is found inside its leaf is used as a popular remedy for many skin conditions such as sunburns, acne, pimples, cuts, psoriasis, and many more.
Due to its rich anti-inflammatory nature, the gel is used in hemorrhoids and insect bites.
The gel has a cool and soothing effect on the skin and is popularly used to inhibit itching and irritation over the skin.
Many aloe vera enthusiasts claim that aloe vera packs in many other health benefits when taken internally. It is believed to be particularly effective against arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, and many other diseases and infections. However, there are no conclusive studies to back these claims. But aloe vera is one of the best products you will ever use for many skin problems.
Aloe vera for skin
Researchers and scientists aren’t completely sure what makes aloe vera work so good in healing many skin conditions. But they have identified certain active compounds in them. For example, it is rich in certain compounds that are anti-inflammatory in nature. It also contains bradykininase, a chemical that acts as a topical painkiller. Aloe vera is also a good source of magnesium that helps to relax and dilate the blood vessels and speed up the healing on wounded areas.
Aloe vera for minor skin burns
Aloe vera gel is an excellent quick remedy for minor burns and sunburns. It is very effective in reducing the pain and irritation in the area. For all-over sunburn, add a cup or two aloe vera juice to a tub of lukewarm water and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes to soothe the pain and speed up healing.
Aloe vera for cuts and scrapes
Aloe vera gel forms a protective coating over the cuts and also speed up the healing. However, studies have found that it is less effective in serious and major wounds. The study found out that it, in fact, increased the time it took to heal such wounds.
Aloe vera for Psoriasis
Due to its anti-inflammatory property, it helps to heal psoriasis quickly and also softens the scaly skin. A study found that aloe vera gel has healed 83 percent of psoriasis condition in 4 weeks of its regular application compared to just 4 percent healing rate in people who did not use the gel.
Aloe vera for Acne
Apply the gel over the skin surface where you notice initial signs of an acne breakout. A study found that aloe vera gel has healed 90 percent of the skin sores within five days, which proves it is twice as effective as other standard topical creams.
Aloe vera for shingles
Painful sores of shingles are caused due to a herpes virus. Studies prove that aloe vera improves the healing time of shingles sores. It is believed that certain chemical compounds present in aloe vera have antiviral effects. Additionally, aloe vera dilates the blood vessels and improves the amount of blood reaching the affected area and speed up healing.
Aloe vera for internal use
Researchers and Doctors unanimously agree to aloe vera’s effectiveness in healing minor skin conditions and ailments. But how effective it is when taken internally? There are no conclusive studies in this area to back its effectiveness.
However, there are few studies that seem promising so far.
A study found that diabetes patients who took aloe vera juice daily for 42 days showed significant improvement in their sugar levels. This suggests that aloe vera could very well be used in diabetes drugs in the future.
Japanese researchers claim that certain active ingredients present in aloe vera inhibit stomach acid secretions and heals sores in the stomach. To be more precise, two active chemical compounds found in aloe vera inhibits and destroys H-pylori, a bacteria that is responsible for most stomach ulcers.