What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years. It thrives in hot, dry climates and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The gel inside aloe vera leaves is where most of the active ingredients are found. This clear gel has a strong, unpleasant smell, which is why people sometimes describe aloe vera as “smelly.”
Why Does Aloe Vera Smell?
The strong, bitter smell of aloe gel comes from substances inside the leaves called anthraquinones and phenolic compounds. These substances are thought to give aloe vera its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. So while the smell may be unpleasant, it’s an indicator of the active ingredients.
In addition, aloe leaves contain enzymes like bradykinase which break down proteins and fats. As these substances decompose inside the leaves, they contribute to the bitter, vinegary aroma.
Is Smelly Aloe Vera Safe to Use?
The smell alone does not indicate whether aloe vera gel has gone bad. As long as the gel looks and feels the same consistency as normal, it is still safe to use. Signs that aloe vera gel has spoiled include:
- Changes in color or texture
- Visible mold/fungus
- Rotten egg smell
As long as none of these signs are present, stinky aloe vera will retain its hydrating and soothing benefits. The scent primarily comes from the beneficial polyphenols and does not mean the gel needs to be discarded.
Benefits of Using Aloe Vera
Despite its off-putting smell, aloe vera has many science-backed benefits for skin and health. Here are some reasons to use aloe gel and juice even though they smell.
Promotes Skin Health
Aloe vera has two hormones, gibberellins and auxins, that help eliminate dead skin cells while stimulating collagen production in the skin. It also contains polysaccharides that enable skin regeneration at the cellular level.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help treat acne, sunburns, dry skin, blisters, and other irritations when applied topically. The hydrating gel soothes itchy, inflamed skin while allowing wounds to heal efficiently.
Supports Immune Function
Aloe vera is a source of antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Antioxidants boost the immune system by scavenging free radicals that damage body tissues.
Research also indicates that aloe’s polysaccharides induce cytokine production which regulates immune response. This allows aloe juice to fight viruses, inflammation, and other invaders in the body.
Eases Digestive Issues
Consuming aloe vera pulp can facilitate digestion thanks to enzymes like lipase, amylase, catalase, cellulase, and alkaline phosphatase. These enzymes break down fats, sugars, and acidity in the gut.
Aloe also contains compounds known to relieve constipation by acting as a natural laxative. It stimulates movements in the large intestine to promote regularity without causing dependency or side effects.
How to Reduce Aloe Smell
For some people, the bitter, vinegary smell of aloe is too off-putting regardless of its advantages. Here are some tips to remove or disguise the odor.
Look for Deodorized Products
Many commercial aloe vera products undergo a special deodorization process. This retains the benefits of aloe while significantly reducing its natural smell and taste.
Deodorized gel and juices will have less potent biological activities. But they may be more palatable, especially for daily consumption.
Mix with Fruit Juice
If drinking aloe vera juice straight, consider diluting it with a sweeter fruit juice like apple, grape, mango or cranberry. Not only does this make the bitterness more tolerable, but it balances out the healing properties.
You can mix them in equal parts to start with and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Blend into Smoothies
Adding aloe vera gel or juice to vegetable-based smoothies is a simple way to disguise any funky flavors. Banana, berries, tropical fruits, nuts, and greens are all strong enough to cover up aloe’s smell.
If you cannot find deodorized aloe drinks, making smoothies is the next best option. You will reap the benefits of aloe without tasting its stench.
Safety & Side Effects
While external application and oral ingestion of aloe vera is considered safe for most people, some side effects have been reported.
Topical Reactions
Using aloe vera gel directly on the skin can sometimes cause redness, stinging, or skin irritation. This may indicate an allergy, particularly to the anthraquinone compounds.
Test patch a small amount of gel on your arm before widespread use. Discontinue use if any unusual reactions occur.
Medication Interactions
Consuming aloe vera juice can potentially interact with certain medications due to its laxative effects or diuretic properties.
Those on prescriptions should consult their doctor before ingesting aloe drinks regularly. Diabetics need to monitor blood sugar levels as well.
Pregnancy & Nursing Cautions
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution, starting with low doses of aloe juice. The anthraquinones may stimulate uterine contractions while nursing mothers transfer compounds to their milk.
Children under 12 years old should not consume aloe vera juice either except under medical consultation.
The Bottom Line
While aloe vera gel and juice may emit a bitter, unpleasant scent, this is not necessarily indicative of spoilage. The odor comes from plant compounds linked to aloe’s therapeutic properties.
As long as the product looks and feels normal, stinky aloe is safe to apply topically or ingest. Focus instead on its myriad health benefits, from soothing skin conditions to regulating digestion. Commercial deodorization processes help reduce unwanted smells.
So next time you crack open an aloe leaf and get hit with a whiff of funk, know that it’s normal. The advantages of using aloe far outweigh any funky smells.
FAQs
Why does my aloe vera gel have a strong smell?
The odor comes from compounds like anthraquinones and enzymes that also give aloe its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It's normal for fresh aloe gel to have an unpleasant, bitter scent.
Can I still use aloe gel if it smells really bad?
You should discard aloe gel only if the color or texture seems off. As long as it looks and feels normal, smelly gel retains its beneficial qualities. Signs of spoiled aloe include changes in color/texture, visible mold, or a rotten egg smell.
Does the smell mean my aloe plant is rotting?
An intensely unpleasant or sulfur-like smell may indicate fungal or bacterial contamination. But the typical bitter, vinegary aloe scent alone does not necessarily mean your plant is rotting. Monitor the gel consistency and plant leaves closely to confirm.
Can I make aloe juice taste better if the smell is too strong?
Yes, try diluting the juice with fruit juices like apple or mango which disguise the bitterness somewhat. You can also blend aloe gel or juice into smoothies containing bananas, berries, greens, nuts, etc. This covers up the scent for easier ingestion.
Is it safe to consume smelly aloe juice when pregnant?
Pregnant and nursing mothers should exercise caution with aloe vera ingestion. Start with low doses and discontinue use if any stomach pain or uterine cramping occurs, as the compounds may stimulate contractions.
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.
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