I love turning to Mother Nature and the incredible variety of plants she offers for natural health and beauty. Aloe vera is one of my favorite houseplants! I keep one in our kitchen so I can add a piece to my smoothie (without the outer leaf) or use the gel to soothe my skin. But did you know aloe vera can do so much more? Today, I want to share the amazing benefits of aloe, both inside and out, so you can add it to your natural medicine cabinet.
In this post, you’ll learn everything about aloe vera, including what it is, 10 amazing health benefits, and easy recipes to naturally support your health.
### What Is Aloe?
You might be familiar with succulents as those easy-to-care-for plants. Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis, is part of this plant family. Originally from Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, it now grows abundantly in tropical areas. People have used aloe for centuries for medicinal purposes, either by squeezing the juice straight from the leaf or purchasing it as a gel or ointment.
If you want to grow your own aloe vera plant, wait a few years before harvesting it. Older plants have more antioxidants and beneficial compounds. It’s also helpful to have several plants on hand if you plan on harvesting often. This allows time for each plant to recover between uses.
Aloe is also safe for all skin types—whether oily, dry, or a combination!
### The Best Part to Use
The most beneficial part of the aloe plant is the inner gel. If you’re harvesting aloe yourself, make sure to remove the outer skin and aloe vera latex (also known as aloin), a yellowish substance that can be harmful in large amounts. Let it drain out before using the gel for internal consumption.
### 10 Impressive Health Benefits of Aloe
I love it when nature provides a plant that’s so good for us both inside and out. Here are some of the ways aloe can benefit your health:
1. **Powerful Anti-Inflammatory**
Aloe is packed with phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation both internally and externally. For example, compounds like anthraquinones help reduce swelling and pain when applied to the skin. These anti-inflammatory properties make aloe great for soothing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and sunburns.
2. **Prevents Premature Skin Aging**
Aloe is rich in skin-loving antioxidants like vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, which help prevent premature aging. These nutrients protect the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to wrinkles.
3. **Promotes Skin Regeneration**
The vitamins and antioxidants in aloe support skin cell regeneration. This is why aloe is often used for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It can even help heal cold sores, reducing pain and speeding up recovery.
4. **Cleanses Hair Without Stripping It**
Aloe vera gel in shampoos and conditioners cleans hair deeply without damaging it. It removes product residue and excess oil, leaving your hair shiny and soft. This is why it’s a key ingredient in our Natural Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner.
5. **Calms an Itchy Scalp**
Aloe is also effective in soothing an itchy scalp and reducing dandruff, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Switching to an all-natural shampoo and conditioner with aloe, rosemary, and lavender can help manage scalp issues.
6. **May Help Prevent Hair Loss**
While more research is needed, the nutrients in aloe may support healthy hair growth. It contains vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, folate, and B12—nutrients that might help prevent hair loss.
7. **Softens and Conditions Hair**
The moisturizing properties of aloe leave hair silky smooth without any residue. Using a shampoo and conditioner primarily made with aloe juice doubles the moisturizing effect.
8. **Soothes and Supports the Digestive Tract**
Aloe internally can improve IBS symptoms and might help reduce GERD symptoms. Preliminary studies also show it has antibacterial effects against H. pylori, a bacteria linked with gastric ulcers. Aloe promotes digestive health, which in turn supports a healthy complexion.
9. **Supports Oral Health**
Oral health is vital for overall well-being. Aloe has shown promise in reducing inflammation and pain in gum-related conditions. Aloe-based mouthwashes can help manage oral mucositis and other inflammatory conditions.
10. **Helps Balance Blood Sugar**
Aloe might help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Some research demonstrates that it can lower fasting glucose levels and possibly HbA1C, though more studies are needed.
Aloe vera is a powerful and affordable addition to your natural medicine cabinet. It supports healing both internally and externally, from head to toe. I hope this article inspires you to explore the benefits of this incredible plant!
Xo Joy
