Aloe vera gel is generally known to soothe sunburn and help heal wounds. But did you know that this beloved plant can be used for much more than sunburn and home decoration?
Aloe vera has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, dating back to ancient Egypt. The plant is native to North Africa, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands. Today, aloe vera is grown in tropical climates around the world. From relieving heartburn to potentially slowing the spread of breast cancer, researchers are beginning to uncover the many benefits of this universal herb.
Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that often results in heartburn. It is a digestive disorder. A 2010 review showed that consuming aloe vera gel at mealtime may reduce the severity of GERD. It may also alleviate other digestive problems. The plant's low toxicity makes it a safe and gentle remedy for heartburn.
Keeping Food Fresh
A 2014 study published by Cambridge University Press examined tomato plants coated with aloe gel. The report showed evidence that the coating successfully inhibited the growth of many types of harmful bacteria on vegetables. Similar results were found in a different study conducted with apple. This means aloe gel can help keep fruits and vegetables fresh and eliminate the need for dangerous chemicals that extend the shelf life of produce.
An alternative to mouthwash
Published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 2014 Researchers have found that aloe vera extract is a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes. It may also provide relief if you have bleeding or swollen gums.
Blood sugar reducer
Two a day Taking a tablespoon of aloe vera juice may cause lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. According to a study, Phytomedicine Source: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phyto Pharmacy. This may mean that aloe vera may have a future in diabetes treatment. this result s were confirmed by another Study published in Phytotherapy Research using pulp extract.
Shop for aloe vera juice
However, diabetics taking glucose-lowering medications should be careful when consuming aloe vera. Juice combined with diabetes medications can lower your glucose count to dangerous levels.
A natural laxative
Aloe vera is considered a natural laxative. The benefits of a handful of aloe vera substances to facilitate digestion have been investigated. The results seem mixed.
A team of Nigerian scientists conducted a study on mice and found that typical aloe vera gel could relieve constipation. However, another study conducted by the National Institutes of Health looked at whole aloe extract consumption. These findings revealed that it affected tumor growth in the large intestines of laboratory mice.
If you have Crohn's disease, colitis, or hemorrhoids, you should not consume aloe vera. It can cause severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea. If you are taking other medications, you should stop taking aloe vera. It may reduce your body's ability to absorb medications.
Skin care
You can use aloe vera to keep your skin clear and moisturized. This may be because the plant grows in dry and harsh climates. The leaves of the plant store water to survive difficult conditions. These water-dense leaves are an effective facial moisturizer and pain reliever when combined with special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates.
Fighting breast cancer
New published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine One study looked at the therapeutic properties of aloe emodin, a compound in the plant's leaves. The authors suggest that the succulent shows potential in slowing breast cancer growth. However, more studies are needed to further advance this theory.
There are a variety of ways to use the aloe vera plant and the various gels and extracts that can be made from it. Researchers continue to discover new ways to use this succulent. If you plan to use aloe vera medicinally, be sure to consult a doctor, especially if you are taking medication. Consult your friend.
Read: 0
