There are over 300 species of aloe plants, but Aloe barbadensis (aka aloe vera) is the most well-known and prized for its healing properties in the health and beauty worlds.

Natural habitats for the spiky succulent plant include Africa, Asia, Europe, and the southern and western parts of the United States.

Many centuries ago, people realized the plant had more to offer than its attractive appearance. Aloe vera gel and juice became popular herbal remedies, used to treat everything from skin problems to digestive issues.

Let's look at the history of aloe vera and some of its potential benefits.

What Is Aloe Vera and Where Does It Originate?

For at least 6,000 years, aloe vera has been known for its healing properties. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it was once considered a "plant of immortality" and was given to Egyptian pharaohs as a funeral gift (NCCIH).

Aloe vera has been used by people from all over the world, including Indians, Chinese, Mexicans, and North Americans, according to a chapter in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.

Aloe, also known as "burn plant," "lily of the desert," and "elephant's gall," has traditionally been used to treat wounds, hair loss, haemorrhoids, and digestive problems.

Aloe now has a thriving industry behind it. Its juices are found in cosmetics and personal-care items such as moisturizer, soap, shaving cream, and suntan lotion. The bright green gel found on drugstore shelves is probably the most familiar aloe vera product. You've most likely used it to treat a bad sunburn.

Aloe vera supplements are also available and are said to provide the same benefits to the skin and digestive system as other plant preparations.

Latex Aloe

This is the yellow pulp found just beneath the plant's leaf's outer surface. According to the Mayo Clinic, aloe latex has laxative properties and is typically taken orally to treat constipation.

Aloe Vera Leaf

The leaves are filled with a clear gel extracted from the plant that is commonly used:

As a topical gel applied to the skin to treat burns and other skin conditions

Orally administered in liquid or capsule form

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most recent aloe vera trend is aloe-based drinks, such as aloe vera juice, which is made simply by extracting the aloe vera gel from the leaves and mixing it with water. Because aloe vera can be bitter on its own, some brands will flavour or sweeten the bottle. Examine the ingredients to ensure that it isn't loaded with added sugar.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Aloe Vera?

Better Digestion
Treatment of Skin Conditions Such as Psoriasis and Acne
Wound Healing
Sunburn Relief
Less Heartburn
Lower Blood Sugar

At least for certain conditions, research supports the ancient use of topical aloe vera as a skin treatment. Aloe gel has been shown in studies to be effective in treating skin conditions such as:

Psoriasis
Seborrhea
Dandruff
Mild burns
Abrasions on the skin
Radiation causes skin damage.
Herpes zoster
Acne
Anatomical fissures

There is also compelling evidence that aloe juice, which contains latex, can be used as a laxative. Aloe juice was once used in over-the-counter constipation medications. However, because the safety of aloe was unknown, the FDA ordered in 2002 that over-the-counter laxatives containing aloe vera be reformulated or removed from store shelves.

Reduce Blood Sugar

A previous clinical trial discovered that drinking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice daily for two weeks lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study participants' triglyceride levels also improved, which could be an added benefit for those with diabetes: They are more likely to develop heart disease, which has been linked to triglyceride and cholesterol abnormalities. A more recent study suggests that aloe vera may have similar effects on blood sugar and lipids in people with prediabetes.

Aloe Vera Risks

Before using it, consult your doctor. Aloe vera should not be used on a regular basis, according to researchers. However, if the aloe product is free of aloin, a plant extract that has been linked to colorectal cancer in rats, it may be safe to use as a sunburn treatment. Aloin is found between the aloe plant's outer leaf and the gooey stuff inside.

Adverse effects Topical aloe vera may cause skin irritation. The laxative effect of aloe can cause cramping and diarrhoea when taken orally. People who consume aloe for more than a few days may experience electrolyte imbalances. It can also stain the colon, making a good view of the colon difficult during a colonoscopy. Avoid it for a month before your colonoscopy. Aloe gel for topical or oral application should be free of aloin, which can irritate the digestive tract.

Deep cuts and severe burns should not be treated with topical aloe vera. Individuals who are allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips are more likely to be allergic to aloe. Oral aloe in large doses is dangerous. If you have intestinal problems, heart disease, haemorrhoids, kidney problems, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances, avoid taking oral aloe. Interactions. If you take any medications on a regular basis, consult your doctor before beginning to use aloe supplements. They may interact with medications and supplements such as diabetes medications, heart medications, laxatives, steroids, and liquorice root. Oral aloe vera gel use may also interfere with the absorption of medications taken concurrently.

A Closer Look at the Potential Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also a popular ingredient in the beauty and cosmetics industry. It can be found in everything from moisturizers and toners to shampoos and deep conditioners. Aloe Vesta is an entire line of products designed to protect sensitive skin.

What's the big deal about this? The plant is well-known for its ability to improve skin hydration and clarity. According to a previous article, it is high in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and it contains seven of the eight essential amino acids. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, though some critics argue that more research is required before we can be certain.

A previous uncontrolled study discovered that aloe has anti-ageing properties: For three months, the researchers gave aloe vera gel to 30 women orally twice a day. The women noticed significant improvements in their wrinkles and skin elasticity. This effect, according to the researchers, was caused by an increase in collagen production.

Aloe vera hair care products are also available. Some beauty professionals, according to the website Byrdie, apply the gel found inside the leaves directly to their hair and use it as a deep conditioner. It may leave a residue behind, so be sure to thoroughly rinse it out, and if you have skin conditions, consult a dermatologist before using raw plant products on your skin.

How to Choose and Store Aloe Vera for Maximum Quality

To learn about the best storage method for your aloe vera product, read the label. In general, aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice should be stored in a cool, non-humid environment, such as at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The shelf-life of a product can be affected by humidity and temperature. As a result, amber-coloured bottles of aloe vera juice are common. According to previous research, the dark bottle is intended to keep light from affecting the active ingredients.

Aloe vera is classified as a supplement, and supplements are not fully regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means there's no way to know for sure whether the product's quality, safety, or claims are true. And while many products claim to be rich in aloe vera, many of them contain no or very few active ingredients.

However, there is one thing to look for when purchasing your product: the International Aloe Science Council seal, which has been active since the 1980s. When they place their seal on a product, it means that the aloe vera quality and purity have been tested and confirmed.

Top Aloe Vera Products

01. Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Brand Seven Minerals

Price

19.95$

Scent Aloe Vera
Use for Face

Active Ingredients vitamin_c
Skin Type Oily, Dry, Normal

Ratings

4.5 stars out of 61244 ratings

02. Bighture Aloe Vera Gel

Brand	BIGHTURE
Price Scent	12.99$ Fragrance
Item Form	Gel
Use for	Whole Body
Skin Type	Oily, Normal

03. Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Brand price	Honeyskin 15.29$
Scent	Aloe Vera
Use for	Whole Body
Special	Aloe Vera
Item Volume	8 Fluid Ounces

04. NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel


Scent Price	Unscented 15.89$
Use for Brand	Whole Body NTRSNS
Active Ingredients	USDA Organic Aloe Vera
Special Ingredients	Aloe Vera - organic from cold-pressed aloe produced and harvested in the USA