Aloe vera is a very popular plant both in the manufacture of creams and shampoos and in the creation of home remedies for health care. But… what exactly are the benefits it can offer?

The health properties of Aloe vera

This is a list of the advantages that Aloe Vera can offer in different types of health treatments.

1. It is an excellent moisturizer

This plant is used in a variety of moisturizers , which helps to care for areas of skin that are dry or damaged by excessive exposure to sunlight.

2. It is an aid against acne

The gel that is extracted from Aloe vera is a good anti-inflammatory , and so it is very useful to avoid reactions produced by excessive production of fat through the glands of the face. If combined with soap, it helps to remove the oily layer that covers the skin, which leaves the skin cleaner and the pores less likely to become inflamed.

3. Promotes wound healing

Aloe vera gel extracted directly from the plant is antiseptic and has elements that promote rapid wound healing . It helps to restore circulation around the damaged area, promotes cell regeneration, disinfects and also has a great power of penetration into the different layers of human skin, so its effects are very intense.

4. … and burns

Aloe vera is also very popular for treating minor or severe burns. In fact, it may be more effective than conventional medication in making these burns heal faster.

5. Reduces the appearance of dental plaque

It has been proven that, when it comes to reducing dental plaque, the extract of this plant is as effective as chlorhexidine, an ingredient widely used to care for oral health. This is because it kills certain types of bacteria responsible for the appearance of plaque.

6. Promising effects against psoriasis vulgaris

There is evidence that Aloe vera extract, in certain amounts, can be useful in the treatment of psoriasis vulga r without exposure to harmful side effects. It is therefore useful to prepare a poultice with gel from this plant.

7. Can be used in massage

As we have seen, Aloe vera gel has a lot of power to penetrate the skin, but also serves to reduce the itching of the skin, so is an excellent resource to be used in relaxing massages .

8. Clean dandruff hair

Using Aloe vera gel on the scalp helps to remove the dry skin plates that accumulate under the hair . In addition, as it has an analgesic effect, it reduces the itching associated with dandruff, which in turn favours not scratching and ends up further damaging the scalp.

9. It is a remedy for dry lips

The persistent effects of Aloe vera extract and its moisturizing and healing potential make it a good remedy to make cut lips heal quickly .

10. Helps heal mouth sores

It has been shown that the use of Aloe vera extract on mouth ulcers, sores and canker sores causes them to heal as quickly as with the use of conventional creams, although without any side effects. In addition, its analgesic effects may be greater.

11. It has antioxidant properties

Aloe vera extract contains a large amount of polyphenols, a class of chemicals with an antioxidant effect. Therefore, helps to eliminate free radicals that circulate in our body by damaging certain cellular tissues , thus helping to delay the appearance of the signs of aging and improving our overall health when applied to the skin.

12. Improves hair quality

The same moisturizing properties of Aloe Vera that can be used in skin care are useful when combating dry hair, whether it is due to genetic or environmental causes or by straightening it with a flat iron. In addition, removes a good part of the oil film that covers the hair, making it cleaner .

13. Has laxative elements

The aloin that can be found in the latex of Aloe vera is known for its laxative effects, which is why can be useful in specific treatments against constipation .

However, its consumption by mouth for long periods of time is contraindicated because of the adverse effects it can produce. Generally, Aloe vera has benefits if applied to the skin, not ingested.

A very versatile plant with many benefits

In conclusion, it can be said that Aloe vera has very useful components in a large number of treatments if applied to the skin : it offers anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, regenerating and relaxing effects, among others, and does not have the side effects of certain medications.

Bibliographic references:

  • Maenthaisong R1, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C (2007). The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns, 33(6), pp. 713 – 718.
  • Rodríguez Domínguez I, Santana Gutiérrez O, Recio O. Benefits of Aloe Vera l (aloe vera) on skin conditions. López and Enf. Marilín Fuentes Naranjo. Revista Cubana de Enfermería 2006; 22(3), pp. 0 – 0. ISSN 1561 – 2961.
  • Syed TA, Ahmad A, Holt AH, Ahmad SA, Ahmad SH, Afzal M.(1996). Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, doubleblind study. Trop Med Intern Health, 1(4), pp. 505 – 509.
  • Vogler BK, Ernest E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. Br J Gen Pract 1999; 49, pp. 823 – 828.
  • Witte P, Lemli J. (1988). Metabolism of 14C-rhein and 14C-rhein anthrone in rats. Pharmacology, 36(1), pp.152 – 7.