Aloe Vera is a plant that has a long history of medicinal use. The use of aloe vera dates back at least 6,000 years. People have used aloe vera for conditions such as:
- Wounds
- Hair loss
- Cold sores
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
Aloe vera can come in various forms, including a topical gel or ointment, it can be used in its raw form, or it can even be consumed as a liquid.
You can cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant and use the gel inside. Preprepared aloe vera gel is also available for purchase in many pharmacies and health shops.
Use a small amount of aloe vera when you first try it and then build the quantity up to suit your needs.
Uses of Aloe Vera
Treating canker sores In a 2012 study, researchers found that when people applied aloe vera to canker sores, it sped the healing of the ulcers and reduced pain. Another study from 2012 backed up this finding. However, this study noted that aloe vera did not work as effectively as corticosteroids, which are the standard treatment for canker sores. Still, most of the participants reported being satisfied with the results of either treatment.
Healing wounds Aloe vera may help with healing minor wounds and burns. A recent review of studies showed some promising results for aloe vera’s use in healing wounds on the skin. The review included studies that found that aloe vera can help with preventing or treating conditions such as:
- skin ulcers
- postoperative wounds
- genital herpes
- chronic wounds
- burn wounds
- cracked nipples
- psoriasis
Reducing plaque in the mouth In a 2014 study, researchers found that an aloe vera mouthwash was as effective in treating plaque as contemporary mouthwash options. People used aloe vera as a mouthwash for 30 days and saw a significant reduction in plaque compared with the placebo group.
Helping with anal fissures Anal fissures are small cuts or tears in the lining of the anus. They are often the result of a large or hard bowel movement. A preliminary 2014 study found that applying aloe vera to anal fissures helped aid healing. Although the study showed positive results, the researchers indicated that further research is necessary to prove the effectiveness of this treatment option.
Treating Acne In a smaller 2013 study, researchers found that applying a combination of aloe vera and tretinoin to the skin helped treat acne. The study showed that aloe vera was effective in treating mild inflammation and reducing acne lesions over 8 weeks.
Controlling Blood Sugar The authors of a 2016 review concluded that aloe vera may help improve blood sugar control in people living with type 2 diabetes. However, they noted that the reviewed studies had several limitations and that further studies are necessary to confirm the findings.
Aiding digestive issues There is limited evidence to suggest that aloe vera may help with conditions such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research has shown that aloe vera may be effective in treating IBS. The study found that aloe vera improved symptoms of IBS compared with the placebo, but there is a need for additional research to prove the results. Other researchers have suggested that aloe vera may help prevent stomach ulcers. The study showed that aloe vera helped stop the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which are responsible for stomach ulcers.
Precautions for Use
One should use caution when taking aloe vera orally. It is important to limit the intake due to its potential negative effects, including:
- Cytotoxicity (cell toxicity)
- Mutagenicity (potential of a chemical to cause a cell mutation)
- Carcinogenicity
- Cramps and Diarrhea
- Less effective absorption of medication
The risks are mainly associated with non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera. This form of aloe vera is taken from the plant’s leaves and is not filtered to remove cancer-causing chemicals. Oral options should therefor contain decolorized filtered whole leaf extract of aloe vera to minimize risk.
Seven Ways to Use Aloe Vera
1. Pure aloe vera Research shows that aloe vera has certain characteristics that may make it effective in fighting acne. For instance, aloe vera gel is antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. You may use pure aloe vera cream instead of a traditional cleanser to prevent acne breakouts. This works because the antibacterial agents in aloe vera remove bacteria from the skin, reducing the risk of spots developing. To treat existing acne, some people apply aloe vera to the affected area and leave it on overnight. It is important to wash it off in the morning.
2. Aloe vera and Lemon Juice Citric acid found in fruits such as lemons may also help to treat acne. Pure lemon juice is acidic, so mixing this with aloe vera may stop the lemon juice from irritating the skin. You can make a face mask by mixing aloe vera and lemon juice in an 8 to 1 ratio, spreading this evenly over the face, and leaving it on for about 10 minutes. Importantly, they should avoid the sensitive eye area and wash the mask off thoroughly afterwards.
3. Cinnamon, Honey, and Aloe Vera Making a face mask from honey, cinnamon, and aloe vera is another option that may help to soothe acne. Cinnamon and honey have similar antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to aloe vera. To make a cinnamon, honey, and aloe vera face mask, a person can mix about 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of honey, 1 tbsp of aloe vera, and ¼ teaspoon (tsp) of cinnamon in a small bowl. This can be applied to the face, left on for 10 minutes, and washed off with warm water.
4. Aloe vera and Tea Tree Oil Research published in 2017 shows that tea tree oil gels and face washes may be effective for treating mild to moderate acne. You should avoid leaving tea tree oil on the skin for long periods, but when mixed with aloe vera, it may be suitable for use as a cleansing solution. To make a cleansing solution, mix together water, aloe vera, and 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Some people can be sensitive to tea tree oil, so it is essential to wash the solution off with water after a couple of minutes.
5. Aloe vera spray Spraying the skin with a diluted aloe vera solution can help hydrate skin without causing extra oil production or shine. You can mix roughly 2 parts water to 1 part aloe vera to make a spray. The solution can be placed in a spray bottle and sprayed onto the affected area, avoiding the eye area.
6. Coconut Oil, Sugar, and Aloe Vera Scrub Many over-the-counter exfoliants contain chemicals. If you wish to avoid chemicals you can make their own scrub, using a combination of coconut oil, sugar, and aloe vera. The grains in sugar remove the dead layers of skin. Studies suggest that lauric acid, a key component of coconut oil, may help to fight acne. You can make a scrub using equal parts sugar and coconut oil, mixed with half the amount of aloe vera. Once mixed, the scrub can be applied over the affected area and then rinsed off. Avoid exfoliating too regularly, and always consult a doctor before using exfoliating creams on acne, as they can further irritate the skin.
7. Creams Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter acne creams. People can find out which products contain aloe vera by looking at the active ingredients listed on the label. It may be a good idea to use creams containing aloe vera as part of the everyday acne-fighting routine because of its anti-inflammatory properties.