The Health Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Gel - Soothing Skin and Improving Digestion

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It grows in warm, dry climates and has thick, spiky leaves. Inside these leaves is a clear gel that contains over 75 active ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, lignin, saponins, and amino acids.

This clear aloe vera gel is what provides the well-known soothing and cooling effect when applied to the skin. It has been used topically for wounds, burns, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. When ingested, aloe vera gel provides benefits for digestive and immune health.

Potential Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel

Here are some of the ways that ingesting or applying aloe vera gel may benefit your health:

1. Soothes Rashes and Skin Irritation

Aloe vera gel has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help keep harmful microbes from infecting scrapes, wounds, and burns on the skin. It also contains salicylic acid and other compounds that provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Research shows that applying an aloe vera cream helps heal sunburns faster. It also soothes dry, irritated skin from conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The cooling gel can provide quick relief from itching and inflammation.

2. Helps Heal Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Applying aloe vera gel directly to cold sores may improve healing time. Its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties fight the virus and reduce redness and swelling.

In one study, applying aloe shortened the healing time of cold sores by almost 4 days compared to no treatment. Using it 5 times a day provided the best results.

3. Supports Dental and Oral Health

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel helps keep your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria that can cause cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Several studies found that using aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash was as effective as common antibacterial products at controlling plaque and gingivitis.

Gently rubbing aloe gel on your gums may help soothe inflammation from gingivitis. Swishing the gel around your mouth can also provide relief if you have a sore or irritated throat.

4. Improves Constipation and Digestion

Aloe vera can provide relief when you're backed up. The latex, a substance found just under the skin of the leaves, contains anthroquinones. These compounds have a laxative effect that can stimulate contractions in your intestines to move stool along.

The gel also contains enzymes that break down sugars and fats and may improve digestion. One study found that aloe juice more than doubled the absorption of certain vitamins in people with diabetes who had poor blood sugar control.

Drinking 24 ounces of aloe juice daily may provide constipation relief. But be sure to look for products made only from the inner gel to avoid potential side effects from the latex.

5. Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Consuming aloe vera gel may also help people with diabetes or prediabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Several studies have shown that supplementing with aloe for 612 weeks resulted in lower fasting blood sugar levels compared to placebo groups. Other research found that aloe juice improved A1c levels, a measure of long-term blood sugar control.

Compounds in aloe, like acemannan and chromium, may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar metabolism. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking aloe supplements to avoid interactions with medications.

6. Provides Antioxidants and Vitamins

Aloe vera gel contains important vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health. Its a great source of vitamin C, E, B12, folic acid, and choline. Minerals like calcium, chromium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, copper, and zinc are also present.

These nutrients play vital roles in wound healing, metabolism, nerve function, and supporting your immune system. The gel also provides antioxidant polyphenols that neutralize free radicals and may protect your cells against damage.

7. Boosts the Immune System

Aloe vera has been used for centuries to aid digestion and support immune function. The polysaccharides found in the gel help jumpstart your immune system by activating immune cells called macrophages.

These macrophages release cytokines, which produce an immune response against pathogens that cause disease. Multiple test-tube studies show purified aloe compounds provide antiviral and antibacterial effects against cold viruses and certain bacteria.

Regularly drinking aloe juice may help reduce your chances of getting sick. More research is needed to determine effective dosing.

8. Promotes Heart Health

Some research shows that regularly consuming aloe vera gel can improve heart health and lower your risk of heart disease. Compounds like beta-sitosterol in the gel may help lower cholesterol levels.

In one study, people who consumed 2 ounces of aloe juice daily for 12 weeks had significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to a placebo group. Plus, aloe contains antioxidants that help improve circulation and blood flow.

The anti-inflammatory effects may also protect against heart disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the arteries.

Using Aloe Vera Gel

When shopping for aloe vera gel, be sure to choose 100% pure inner leaf aloe gel without added ingredients like preservatives, thickeners, colors, or perfumes. Avoid whole leaf aloe products.

For skin conditions, apply a thin layer of gel directly to the skin up to 3 times per day. You can refrigerate the gel to provide an even greater cooling and soothing effect.

To take aloe gel internally, drink 24 ounces per day diluted in water or another beverage. You can also blend it into smoothies. If taking aloe for constipation, do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid diarrhea and cramping.

When ingesting aloe vera gel, start with small doses to avoid stomach upset. Some people are sensitive and may experience allergic reactions. Discontinue use if any negative reactions occur.

Check with your healthcare provider before using aloe supplements if you have diabetes or take medication, as aloe may interact with certain drugs.

Risks and Side Effects

When applied topically, pure aloe gel is generally considered safe. Mild skin irritation is possible if you have a sensitivity.

Consuming aloe latex or improper doses of the aloe gel may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Ingesting aloe long-term is possibly unsafe and may increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking aloe vera gel internally. There is not enough research on the safety for pregnant or nursing mothers.

If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking aloe supplements as they may lower blood sugar. Those scheduled for surgery should stop ingesting aloe at least 2 weeks beforehand due to possible effects on blood sugar levels.

The Bottom Line

Aloe vera gel is rich in active compounds that provide soothing antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to the skin, it can help treat burns, cold sores, psoriasis, and other conditions.

When ingested in modest amounts, research suggests aloe gel may lower blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support immune function. But more research is still needed to determine safe and effective dosing.

Look for products made from pure aloe gel without extra ingredients. Avoid taking aloe latex internally due to potential side effects. Speak to your doctor before taking aloe supplements, especially if you have diabetes or take medication.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.