Aloe Vera
Updated Apr. 18th, 2024 | Read Time: 6 MInutes | What You Will Learn:
- External-Use-for-Skin
- Cosmetic-Benefits
- Anti-bacterial-and-Anti-fungal-Benefits
- Aloe-Juice (Latex)
- Laxative-Effects
- Blood-Sugar-Benefits
- How can I get Aloe Vera?
- Aloe-Vera-FAQs
Aloe vera is a succulent (cactus-like) plant whose sap has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. You can use it on the skin and take it internally to soothe the digestive tract. Most of us are familiar with the use of Aloe on sunburns, but did you know that you can also use it internally? Read on as we share the many benefits of aloe vera.
External Use for Skin
Aloe vera gel is best known for its benefits to the skin when used topically. This is because aloe gel has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. When used externally, it speeds the healing of many types of skin burns, including those from sun, radiation, chemicals and heat. It can also help to reduce the discomfort associated with these conditions, when applied soon after the trauma. Although it does not directly reverse sun damage, Aloe can help to prevent sun damage after exposure by blocking certain pro-inflammatory pathways in the affected cells.
You can use aloe vera topically to treat:
- cuts
- insect stings
- acne
- poison ivy
- skin ulcers (including diabetic ulcers)
- eczema
There is some evidence that topical application can help to reduce outbreaks of genital herpes and psoriasis as well.
Cosmetic Benefits
Because of its ability to help reduce inflammation and speed the healing of the skin, Aloe is commonly used in a wide variety of cosmetic and skin-care products. It has been widely approved around the world as a natural food additive. It is also commonly used as a gentle antibacterial moisturizer.
Aloe Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Benefits
Because of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, Aloe vera gel is commonly used to protect damaged tissue from infection. It can also be used to topically treat minor skin Infections such as boils and Tinea infections. This makes it particularly useful in helping to treat conditions such as Acne. When taken internally, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties heal the inner lining of the digestive tract, making it useful in treating ulcers, hemorrhoids and colitis.
Aloe Juice (Latex)
When the plant is harvested, the juice located in, and just beneath, the outer skin contains a far greater concentration of a constituent called aloin, which can create a laxative effect in the body. This substance is called the latex. In fact, many over the counter laxatives in North America contain this constituent. Thus, Aloe juice is a laxative that can be used for constipation and as a colon cleanser. The gel does not contain as much of a laxative effect and is more commonly used for its soothing properties.
Those using Aloe internally should be careful about the preparation they use to ensure that they get the desired effects without any unwanted side effects. This is especially true in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, where an irritating laxative can do more harm than good. Please read the labels carefully to make sure you purchase the form of Aloe your particular case requires.
Laxative Effects of Aloe
While the juice (latex) of the Aloe plant can be used as a laxative, the body will develop a tolerance over time. Consequently, it cannot be used too frequently or on an ongoing basis for the treatment of constipation. It can also have a strong laxative effect that can result in cramping and diarrhea. Use caution with your first use of any internal Aloe product to be sure you get the dosing right for your particular needs. Some forms of Aloe can coat and soothe the digestive tract and help to soften stools. Some Aloe acts as a soluble fibre, so it can bind medications and reduce their absorption. Be sure to take any form of Aloe away from other supplements and medications.
Blood Sugar Benefits
There is some initial evidence that Aloe may help to improve blood sugar control in diabetics and can also help to lower blood lipid levels in people suffering from hyperlipidemia. This effect is also seen in those with acute liver disease.
How can I get Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera can be purchased as a juice or gel. It is very sensitive to light and heat, and so it must be processed and stabilized immediately after harvest. The quality of Aloe vera supplements may vary amongst manufacturers because of the fragile nature of the Aloe gel. Be sure to use a manufacturer that you trust. If you have an Aloe plant at home, parts of the raw plant can be opened and the fresh juice or gel used topically or internally. Most commercial supplements contain the whole-leaf, and therefore, a mixture of juice and gel from all parts of the leaf. Be sure to take oral Aloe away from other supplements and medications as it can affect their absorption.
Aloe Vera FAQs
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant. Its juice has been used as a remedy for centuries.
How to use Aloe?
You can use aloe both topically and internally. Topically, aloe gel works to moisturize and soothe the skin. When taken internally, aloe is typically used as a laxative. There is some evidence to suggest that it may also help to support healthy blood sugar.
What is the difference between Aloe Vera juice and gel?
Aloe juice is more similar to sap, and is what you would typically take internally. The gel, on the other hand, is the thicker substance that comes from the inside of the aloe leaves.
Where can I buy Aloe Vera gel?
You can buy aloe gel and juice at most health food stores.
I use aloe for burns and it works magically. The brand I buy from National Nutrition is pure aloe which works very well. I have also used aloe gel as an internal cleanser. I love these articles by National Nutrition they give so much more info than finding it on Google. Thank you National Nutrition for this library!
Hello AL K,
You're welcome, we're glad to help you in learning about your health, naturally. Aloe Vera has many healing benefits and support the skin when applied topically. Since the skin absorbs everything put on it, it's important to use a pure aloe gel. When using an ingestible aloe, it is great at supporting digestive health. If you'd like to learn more about sking and digestive health, check out these articles too.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/digestive-health/
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/
Have a healthy day.
Hmm, I had forgotten all about the effects of taking aloe vera internally. I had read about this about 40 years ago, but the juice was very expensive. I never tried it. Also, my sister who worked for a naturopath soon after it picture was popular, didn't recommend it. However, I do use it on my skin! I used the Thayers Witch Hazel And Aloe Vera Toner. It's amazing. I have a, sometimes severe, rash on the back of my neck and all the way across my shoulders. It gets extremely itchy, red and swollen. Sometimes very dry It sometimes occurs on other parts of my body as well. The Aloe Vera/Witch Hazel really does take down the swelling and itching. It's very soothing and cooling. I do follow it with coconut oil or celadrin cream as well. It's the only combination I found that works. When it was really bad, I also used aloe vera directly from the plant on the rash. This also helped quite a bit! I also use the Aloe Vera/Witch Hazel Toner on my face twice daily. This is where I 1st noticed an eczema type rash. And again it is very cooling, soothing and moisturizing on my skin. The Aloe Vera, I find, really does work well with witch hazel and coconut oil. Thanks for the article.
Hello Kelyani,
Aloe has many great benefits both internally and topically. It is great for the skin like you mentioned and also helps with anti aging benefits and keeps the skin glowing. It's naturally soothing and decreases inflammation too. We're glad you enjoyed learning more about it in our article. Here's our article on skin health we think you'll enjoy reading:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/
Have a healthy day!
J’ignorais que l’aloès était anti bactérienne. Merci à l’article.
……
I didn't know aloe was anti bacterial. Thanks to the article.
Hello Maryse,
Indeed, Aloe has many more benefits than supporting the skin after too long in the sun. It's great topically for other wounds and can be taken internally for a digestive aide.
Have a healthy day!
I keep an aloe plant to use the gel for burns and an antiseptic. It works extremely well and the plant is hardy, so it is a win win. I know the gel sold at National Nutrition is good for stomach ailments. This article explains so many benefits of the aloe plant.
Aloe Vera has helped me on many fronts. First of all, I have used it as a relief from burns which I get often because I cook a lot. I apply it immediately and it works great. Secondly, I have used bottled aloe vera juice which I purchased from National Nutrition and that too has helped me with digestive issues. I keep a plant which tends to be hardy in that it does not require too much looking after. I take the gel from the plant and apply it directly to a burn. Great stuff.
Hello Al,
Indeed, many know about Aloe's great topical benefits, but not about the internal healing benefits it has as well. Aloe juice definitely supports gut health and may help heal gut issues as well. Glad you're enjoying our articles & learning about your health too!
Stay well!
I have always known that aloe vera gel works really well to help treat and ease sunburns but I had no idea that it was great when ingested as well. I love the fact that aloe vera can help control blood sugar and can be used as a natural laxative. It was also great to find out that aloe vera can be used to help with other skin conditions (other than sunburns) such as acne and skin health as well. Good to know!
Hello,
Aloe Vera has many uses; however, the aloe you put on your skin differs from the aloe vera formulas for your body. When ingesting Aloe, ensure it's pure and of the utmost quality. Aloe offers many health benefits as outlined in this article and is great for digestive health. We're glad you found this information to help support your health.
Stay healthy & well!
Wow! What an amazing plant! I knew about it being moisturizing and good for burns but I did not know about it being used to possibly lower blood sugar in diabetics. I also did not know that it works well with psyllium husks which my husband takes every day. I'll have to share this article with him because I think he will find it as interesting as I did. I think I will buy some for my skin as it is very moisturizing and great for those accidental sunburns. I really appreciate the thought and care National Nutrition has put into these articles. Great info!
Hello Joelle,
Aloe is an all-around great supplement. Many people don't realize the internal benefits it offers, when consuming aloe, we recommend the liquid format and mixing it with some water. As for the topical gelly, it's great and soothes irritated or inflamed skin as well as heals it faster. We are glad you enjoyed this article and hope your husband enjoys it just as much. Since he takes psyllium, he may be interested in reading that article too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/psyllium/
Have a healthy day!
This is A MUST to have in your house.
Hello Sharon,
Aloe is a great supplement for gut health, plus it supports skin health when taken internally too! Here are more tips for digestive health:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/digestive-health/
Stay healthy & well!
Excellent to use on burns,, whether it is sun burn or burn from a stove. It relieves to sting almost instantly
Hello, Sharon
Indeed, aloe applied topically is great for burns and supporting the healing process of the skin. Food grade aloe also has many benefits when taken internally, you can learn about those benefits here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/aloe-vera/
I knew that Aloe can be used for sunburns and to soothe the skin when it is uncomfortable but had no idea all the other cool benefits! I never realized that it had laxative properties, could help with acne or poison ivy! It makes sense since it is so soothing on the skin for things like sunburns that it would have other comsetic benefits. I have tried Aloe in drinks before and it was very tasty so it is nice to know all the greatness of it!
Hello O,
We love to hear that you discovered the amazing benefits of Aloe. It's like a little superhero for your skin, isn't it? From soothing sunburns to helping with acne and poison ivy, plus its magnitude of internal benefits when taken internally. Talk about a multi-talented plant. Plus, sipping on Aloe drinks sounds refreshing and delicious. It's great to know that something so tasty can also be so good for you. Enjoy all the greatness that Aloe has to offer and you can learn more about skin health here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/?