50 Facts about Aloe Vera You Don’t Know

Aloe (often called aloe vera) produces two substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex.


Uses of Aloe Vera:-

1. People use aloe gel topically, as a remedy for skin conditions including burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores.
2. Some people also use aloe gel to help surgical wounds and bedsores heal faster. There is some science supporting these uses. Some chemicals in aloe gel seem to be able to increase circulation in the tiny blood vessels in the skin, as well as kill bacteria. Together, these effects suggest that aloe gel might be effective in speeding wound healing.
3. Aloe gel is taken by mouth for osteoarthritis, bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis, fever, itching and inflammation, and as a general tonic.
4. It is also used for stomach ulcers, diabetes, asthma, and for treating some side effects of radiation treatment.
5. Some people take aloe latex by mouth, usually for constipation.
6. Aloe Vera latex is used orally for epilepsy, bleeding and absence of menstrual periods.
7. Psoriasis. Aloe gel might cause changes in the skin that might help diseases like psoriasis.
8. Aloe gel has properties that are harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi.
9. Itchy rash on the skin or mouth (Lichen planus). Research shows that using a mouthwash containing aloe 3 times daily for 12 weeks or applying a gel containing aloe twice daily for 8 weeks can reduce pain associated with itchy rashes in the mouth.
10. Using a mouthwash containing aloe 4 times daily for one month reduces pain and increases healing similarly to standard treatment in people with itchy rashes in the mouth.
11. Applying a cream containing 0.5% aloe for 4-8 weeks seems to reduce the skin plaques and decrease the severity of psoriasis. However, using an aloe gel does not seem to improve other symptoms associated with psoriasis, including skin redness.
12. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis). Research shows that applying acemannan, a chemical that comes from aloe, to the tooth socket of people with dry sockets after standard treatment, reduces pain and improves symptoms more than standard treatment alone.
13. Burns. Applying aloe gel to the skin might improve healing of certain types of burns called “partial thickness burns.” Some research shows that applying aloe cream twice daily decreases the size of first or second degree burn wounds and reduces the amount of time needed to heal. However, other research suggests that applying aloe daily is no more effective than standard treatment for reducing healing time.
14. Cancer. Early research suggests that when given with standard chemotherapy, three daily doses of a mixture containing fresh aloe leaves and honey dissolved in alcohol increases the number of patients with lung cancer who are able to heal completely, partially, or maintain control of their disease when compared to just chemotherapy alone. However, other research shows that taking aloe has not benefit in people with lung cancer.
15. Canker sores. Early research suggests that taking acemannan, a chemical that comes from aloe, shortens the amount of time needed for canker sores to heal. However, other research suggests that a gel containing aloe does not consistently shorten the length of time between canker sores.
16. Dental plaque. Some research suggests that using a toothpaste containing aloe daily for 24 weeks reduces plaque. However, other research evaluating another substance containing aloe found it to be comparable to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
17. Diabetes. There is conflicting information about whether aloe can reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. Two studies indicate that taking aloe gel by mouth can reduce blood sugar in women with type 2 diabetes. But another study did not show the same benefit.
18. Diaper rash. Early research suggests that applying a cream containing aloe gel and olive oil 3 times daily for 10 days reduces the severity of diaper rash in children younger than 3 years-old.
19. Dry skin. Early research suggests that applying a cream containing aloe to the skin for 2 weeks increases the amount of water in the outermost later of the skin, but not on the inner layers. Other research suggests that wearing gloves coated in aloe improves symptoms of dry skin in women. However, it is not clear if the benefits were from the aloe or the gloves.
20. Frostbite. When applied to the skin, aloe gel seems to help skin survive frostbite injury.
21. Gingivitis. Some research suggests that using a toothpaste containing aloe daily for 24 weeks reduces gingivitis. However, other research evaluating another substance containing aloe found it to be comparable to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
22. Hepatitis. Early evidence suggests that taking aloe 3 times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms of hepatitis in people with liver fibrosis mainly caused by hepatitis B or C.
23. High cholesterol and other blood fats (hyperlipidemia). Preliminary evidence suggests that taking 10 mL or 20 mL of aloe by mouth daily for 12 weeks can reduce total cholesterol by about 15%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18%, and triglycerides by about 25% to 30% in people with hyperlipidemia.
24. Insect repellent. Applying a product containing coconut oil, jojoba oil and aloe to the feet twice daily for one week intervals seems to reduce the number of sandfleas in people with flea infestations.
25. Inflammation in the mouth (oral mucositis). Some evidence suggests that using an aloe solution 3 times daily during radiation therapy lowers the risk of developing painful inflammations in the mouth.
26. Bedsores. Some preliminary evidence suggests that applying aloe gel does not improve the healing rate of bedsores compared to management with gauze moistened with salt water. However, other research suggests that a spray containing aloe does reduce the severity of sores compared to a standard treatment spray.
27. Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). Early research suggests that applying aloe twice daily for 4-6 weeks improves dandruff.
28. Ulcerative colitis. Preliminary evidence suggests that some people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who take aloe gel by mouth for 4 weeks have significantly reduced symptoms.

Side Effects and Precautions for using Aloe Vera:-

1. Taking aloe latex by mouth is likely unsafe, especially at high doses.
2. There is some concern that some of the chemicals found in aloe latex might cause cancer.
3. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances.
4. Taking aloe latex 1 gram per day for several days can be fatal.
5. Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Aloe — either gel or latex — is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There is a report that aloe was associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth defects. Do not take aloe by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
6. Children: Aloe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. Children younger than 12 years old may experience abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
7. Diabetes: Some research suggests aloe might lower blood sugar. If you take aloe by mouth and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
8. Intestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: Do not take aloe latex if you have any of these conditions. Aloe latex is a bowel irritant. Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.
9. Hemorrhoids: Do not take aloe latex if you have hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse. Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.
10. Surgery: Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Aloe Vera Dosing:-

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:
For constipation: 100-200 mg aloe or 50 mg aloe latex taken in the evening; however, it might not be safe to take aloe latex for this use.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
For psoriasis: Aloe extract 0.5% cream applied 3 times daily.

WAYS TO USE ALOE VERA:-

1. For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a home made burn healer.
2. Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.
3. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.
4. Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.
5. For rougher patches mix together an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.
6. Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.
7. Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse.
8. Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.

Aloe Vera Mask for dry skin:

1 teaspoon of yolk
1 teaspoon of aloe v-SAP
1 tablespoon of sour cream
Mix all ingredients.
Apply the mask and let dry, then apply a mask to another. Let each layer dry. When the last coat is dry wash your face with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera Mask for normal to combination skin:

Aloe vera mask is good for all skin types, tones and refreshes the skin, it also is good for preventing wrinkles.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice
2 tablespoons warm honey
Stir the ingredients thoroughly. Apply mask on face for 10-15 minutes

Note: To prepare this mask, it is necessary to cut the leaves 10-12 days before and put in refrigerator for best results.