Aloe Vera is a succulent, cactus-like plant. People have used its sap as an herbal remedy 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.

What is Aloe Juice (Latex)?

Harvesting exposes the juice beneath the outer leaf skin. This juice contains high levels of aloin. Aloin can produce a laxative effect. People call this subatance aloe latex. In fact, many over the counter laxatives in North America contain this constituent. People use aloe juice as a natural laxative for constipation and colon cleaning. Aloe gel contains much less aloin. People commonly use the gel for its soothing properties.

Choose aloe products carefully to achieve the desired benefits and reduce 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.

What Are The Top Uses for Aloe Vera?

External Use for Skin

Aloe vera gel is best known for its topical skin benefits. Research shows aloe gel has 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.

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.

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

1. What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant. Its juice has been used as a remedy for centuries.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Where can I buy Aloe Vera gel?

You can buy aloe gel and juice at most health food stores.