Aloe Vera Benefits are endless! But we tried to list some of the major ones that are proven in studies.
Aloe vera is not just a low-maintenance outdoor succulent plant, but it can also be a great indoor plant with plenty of advantages! Let’s have a look at Aloe Vera Benefits in detail.
Here’s how to get thick aloe vera leaves
Aloe Vera Benefits in Garden and Home
1. It’s the Best Air Purifying Plant
Aloe vera’s effectiveness as an air-purifying plant can be attributed to its unique ability to absorb and break down indoor air pollutants. This includes VOCs such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly released by household products.
Its leaves contain specialized cells called “parenchyma cells” that have a high surface area, allowing them to efficiently absorb these chemicals. Once absorbed, the plant converts them into harmless compounds, thus improving indoor air quality.
2. Soil Conditioner
Aloe vera’s soil-enhancing properties stem from its ability to improve soil structure. It contains compounds called “polysaccharides” that help increase soil porosity and water-holding capacity.
You can mix 1 part aloe vera gel in 10 parts soil, try it in one of your container plants and see the results.
3. Aloe Vera as Rooting Hormone
Aloe vera can be a great natural rooting hormone helping you in propagating plants from cuttings successfully. It contains auxins, a class of plant hormones that stimulate cell division and differentiation in plant tissues. When applied to the cut end of a plant cutting, aloe vera gel provides auxins that encourage the formation of new roots. You can learn more about this here!
4. It Helps in Healing Wounds
Another of the best Aloe Vera Benefits is that this miraculous gel does wonders when it comes to healing. Applying aloe vera topically on wounds has been known to speed up the healing process.
Not only cuts and scrapes but sores, burns, and sunburns can also be treated with aloe gel. Some studies suggest that aloe gel can speed up the healing process due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
In folk remedies and traditional medicine branches like Ayurveda, it’s highly used for this purpose.
5. Best Drought Resistant and Low Maintenance Plant
Aloe vera, being a succulent, can handle drought without any fuss. It doesn’t need regular water to thrive, which makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening, especially in hot and arid climates. Whether you’re a beginner or a busy person who wants a plant that doesn’t demand constant attention, aloe vera is perfect for you–both outdoors and indoors.
Aloe Vera Health Benefits
6. Beneficial for Skin
Aloe vera is an important ingredient in the cosmetic industry. The antibacterial and antiviral properties make it a wonder gel for the skin. This gel naturally nourishes and moisturizes the skin and works even on oily skin without making it look greasy.
The healing nature of aloe vera is found to treat sunburn, too. So, next time you go out in the sun for tanning, feel free to apply aloe gel afterward.
Also, skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne can cause huge discomfort. Not only does aloe vera provide relief in such conditions, but because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it also fights bacteria that cause acne.
If that is not enough, numerous antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E present in aloe vera gel have an anti-aging effect.
Here is a study that validates the claim that Aloe Vera Benefits improve facial wrinkles. Moreover, this study talks about the effectiveness of aloe vera gel as an anti-aging formula.
7. Promotes a Healthy Digestive System
Aloe gel, when ingested orally, can do miracles for gut health. Not only does it kill bad bacteria, but it also provides relief from constipation and diarrhea.
Causes of constipation can be many, but it all comes down to one thing: infrequent bowel movements. That’s where aloe vera gel helps. Aloin present in aloe gel is an anthraquinone, giving it laxative properties. Thus making it an effective remedy for constipation. You can read more about treating constipation with aloe vera juice on Healthline here.
Similarly, it regulates the excretion cycle and helps with diarrhea. Relief in acid reflux is also observed through the oral use of aloe vera. It is one of the best Aloe Vera Benefits that you can reap for sure!
Have a look at the benefits of eating aloe vera plants here
8. Removes Dental Plaque
We don’t care for our dental health as much as we should. Over time, this leads to the development of pale yellow or brown substances over and between the teeth, known as dental plaque.
If you do not take proper measures, this plaque build-up can cause several tooth and gum diseases. Rinsing the mouth with aloe vera juice similarly affects oral hygiene as a standard mouthwash. Not only is this approach cost-effective, but unlike mouthwashes, aloe vera juice is free from any harsh chemicals and entirely natural.
Research by the Government Postgraduate College, Uttrakhand, India, states that Aloe vera mouth rinse is equally effective in reducing plaque as Chlorhexidine. It also lists out more aloe vera benefits.
9. Helps in Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Unhealthy eating habits lead to an insulin spike, and over time, the body becomes unable to utilize insulin, which results in diabetes.
Diabetes is incurable, and you’ve to live with it. To keep blood sugar levels in check, you can add aloe vera juice and its supplements to your diet.
Note that aloe vera alone is not the solution; healthy eating habits and regular exercise are a must for keeping diabetes at bay.
Read these studies here and here to learn more about aloe vera’s benefits and how it can be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetes.
10. Boosts Immune System
The immune system is vital in defending the body against harmful organisms and invaders. A stronger immune system means a better capability for the body to fight against diseases.
Aloe vera promotes the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and improves blood circulation. At the elemental level, nutrient levels in the cells rise.
Aloe vera juice also contains detoxifying agents, which effectively cleans up the toxins from the body, enhancing the digestive and circulatory system. Ultimately boosting the immune system – one of the major aloe vera benefits.
According to one Nigerian preliminary trial on HIV patients, consumption of 30-40 ml of aloe vera gruel a day showed positive results without any side effects. Check it out here.
11. Fights Cancer
Aloe vera can boost immunity in cancer patients and fight it. It is surely one of the best aloe vera benefits!
Its anti-cancer properties attracted many studies and trials, resulting in positive results. A study in 2013 found that emodin, present in rhubarb and aloe-emodin in aloe vera suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation.
Although there is not enough scientific evidence yet to prove that aloe vera may help in curing cancer completely, it is being suggested that taking aloe vera in diet boosts the immune system and prepares the body to attack cancer cells.
Check out this Turkish study that advocates the claim to use aloe vera for cancer treatment. Although, it also notes a need for more clinical trials and studies before reaching a significant conclusion.
12. Cures Hair Loss
Hair loss is a cause of worry for many, and why not? Instead of wasting a lot of money and making failed efforts–Give one try to aloe vera!
To reduce hair loss, apply aloe vera gel directly on the scalp. Not only is this step cost-effective, but it’s a safe and natural approach for treating hair loss. You’ll need to use it regularly for any changes to be visible.
In some cases, the results were visible in as soon as five days, as the study here indicates, along with other aloe vera benefits.
13. Provides Relief From Heartburn
It is commonly known as GERD, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or heartburn, which causes a burning sensation in the chest. It can cause a great deal of discomfort, especially after meals or while bending over.
You can take 1-3 ounces of aloe vera juice after the meal to reduce the effect of heartburn.
Here is a detailed study of the gel and the digestive system, along with other aloe vera benefits. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.
14. Helpful in Stomach Cancer
When cancerous cells grow within the lining of the stomach, it is characterized as gastric cancer. Don’t ignore the signs such as feeling full, bloated, lack of appetite, or having stomach ache for a long time; it might be a sign of gastric cancer. As mentioned above, the anti-carcinogenic property of aloe vera makes it a suitable treatment for gastric cancer.
Ziziphora, Ginger, aloe, and saffron extracts are also effective against gastric cancer, as suggested by this study, which also highlights other aloe vera benefits.
Conclusion
Aloe vera benefits are countless, and it has been used for ages in traditional medicines, not only this, it’s also useful for gardeners. When it comes to the health benefits, these trials and studies are sufficient to prove its efficacy.
Note: If you’re suffering from any pre-existing medical condition or planning to take it for a special purpose, it’s better to consult the doctor.
“Fight Cancer”, this is a very new point and very informative, which I have read till now. Great Article. Bookmarked your article for a future visit.