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The health benefits of Aloe Vera

The health benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant belonging to the aloes of which there are several hundred species. Aloe vera has been used by humans for over 6,000 years in herbal medicine and in Ayurvedic medicine in general. Several clinical studies have demonstrated its many therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Composition of aloe vera

The active ingredients of aloe vera come from the sap where we find:

  • Aloin
  • Aloe emodin
  • Aloinosides
  • Hydroxyaloins

Mono and polysaccharides contain:

  • Cellulose
  • Mannose
  • Glucose
  • Aldopentose
  • L-Rhamnose

There are still a multitude of amino acids and minerals in quantity such as calcium, copper, chromium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and zinc. Also present are enzymes and many other elements.

Use of aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant used for many internal or external uses health matter. Its latex, taken from the outer layer of its leaves and the gel from the inside of the leaves, are the two main products used in herbal medicine. Aloe comes from the Middle East. It has been cultivated for a very long time in warm regions and in the tropics. It is best known to relieve problems of constipation, genital herpes or to treat psoriasis . It also helps to accelerate healing by burns as well as lesions and various inflammations or infections of the skin. We still find the use of aloe vera in dermatitis due to radiotherapy. This herb further helps reduce blood sugar in diabetics and dental plaque, periodontitis or candidiasis in the mouth.

Use of aloe vera externally

Aloe vera gel can be used to relieve many skin conditions externally. Thus, it is possible to pass on:

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Burns
  • Itching
  • Boils
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Sooth dry or irritated skin

How to apply aloe vera externally?

The application of aloe vera gel externally is done directly on the parts to be treated. In this case, the application must be repeated several times a day. It is possible to acquire gel of the plant in the trade or to cut a piece of leaf if one has one at hand, to squeeze it and to use the viscous and clear liquid which comes out.

Use of aloe vera internally

Aloe vera is a good laxative . In case of occasional constipation, 50 to 200 mg of aloe latex should be taken just before going to bed. It is recommended to start with small doses and adjust them according to the laxative effect which varies from person to person. This product should never be used continuously. If the problem is not resolved quickly or promptly, it is then necessary to see a doctor . To regulate type TII diabetes, it is recommended to take a spoonful of aloe gel twice a day before the main meals. Please note that its effectiveness has not been officially proven, under no circumstances should a prescribed medical treatment be stopped. In any case, people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar very closely and seek advice from their doctor.

Dosages

When using aloe vera gel, it should be applied to damaged skin in thin layers. In juice, consumption should not exceed 50 ml per day. In the form of capsules, the intake is 200-300 mg per day.

Aloe vera on the skin, nails and hair

Aloe vera has soothing properties for the skin. The gel is both:

  • Relaxing
  • Softener
  • Calming
  • Healing

Thanks to its hydrating properties , aloe vera brings additional comfort and suppleness to the skin, stretch marks and traces of acne. In summer, aloe vera gel soothes insect bites such as mosquito bites and calms sunburn.

Adverse effects and precautions for use

It is better to give preference to brands of aloe vera that do not contain aloin. After exposure to the sun, it is better to avoid using aloe vera gel on the skin because of the risk of photosensitization . The consumption of aloe vera in the form of latex is totally not recommended for pregnant women, young children as well as people suffering from ulcers, kidney or heart problems, irritable bowel syndrome.

Interactions

Latex and aloe vera gel are not recommended at the same time as taking plants with a laxative, cholesterol-lowering or hypoglycemic effect . They are still not recommended at the same time as taking drugs with a laxative effect, lowering cholesterol or blood sugar.