There are various benefits of aloe vera for health and beauty. No wonder this plant, also known as aloe vera , has long been used to treat various health problems, from skin diseases to constipation .
One of the most popular benefits of aloe vera is that it moisturizes the skin . The proof, many beauty products that make aloe vera a natural ingredient to treat dry skin. In addition, there are many health benefits of aloe vera that are a pity to miss.
15 health benefits of aloe vera
Here are the benefits of aloe vera or aloe vera for your health:
1. Overcoming dry skin
Applying aloe vera to the skin can help treat dry skin. The reason is, aloe vera contains minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E which are good for strengthening the protective layer of the skin so that it can make the skin more moisturised.
2. Get rid of acne
Research shows that applying aloe vera gel in the morning and evening, along with a prescription anti-acne medication, reduces acne by about 35 percent.
The benefits of aloe vera for treating acne may be obtained thanks to the content of salicylic acid and other antiseptic compounds in it that can help kill acne-causing bacteria.
3. Clean your make up
For those of you who have sensitive skin , aloe vera can be used as an alternative to clean make-up without irritation. With its gel-like texture, aloe vera can dissolve facial makeup as well as moisturize the skin.
4. Overcoming swollen eyes
Although it needs to be researched more, applying aloe vera to the area under the eyes is believed to help treat puffy eyes . This is thought to be because aloe vera has the ability to increase blood flow, so that it can smooth the movement of fluid that has accumulated.
5. Accelerate wound healing
Many studies have shown that applying aloe vera gel or cream to the skin can speed up the healing process of minor (1st and 2nd degree) burns. In fact, one study found that aloe vera was more effective than the commonly prescribed ointment for minor burns.
6. Relieves chronic rashes and rashes
Some chronic diseases caused by inflammation can cause itching sensation in the skin and mouth. Of course, this can interfere with eating, drinking, and general comfort.
According to research, using a mouthwash containing aloe vera gel 3 times a day for 3 months can help reduce itching and rashes in the mouth. The same benefits can also be obtained if aloe vera gel is applied twice a day for 2 months on the skin.
7. Helps recover cold sores
Several studies have shown that creams with aloe vera extract can speed up the healing process of cold sores or sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Apart from being moisturizing, this benefit can be obtained because aloe vera has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes virus .
8. Overcoming psoriasis
The use of creams containing aloe vera is also said to reduce skin plaque caused by psoriasis . In fact, aloe vera cream is thought to be more effective than the triamcinolone commonly prescribed for psoriasis. Even so, further research still needs to be done.
9. Lowering blood sugar levels
Aloe vera has the potential to be a diabetes drug because a study shows that daily consumption of aloe vera extract can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes .
10. Treating Digestive Problems
There are many digestive problems that can be experienced by a person, one of which is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. GERD is a disease in which the valve between the esophagus and stomach cannot function properly.
As a result, stomach gas can return to the esophagus, causing heartburn. Quoting from Healthline, consuming one to three ounces of aloe vera gel can reduce the severity of GERD and relieve other digestive problems.
11. Mouthwash
Not only used to treat digestive problems, aloe vera is also useful as an alternative mouthwash. Aloe vera contains lots of vitamin C and other nutrients that can reduce plaque build-up and relieve bleeding and swollen gums.
Also Read: The health benefits of aloe vera that you must know
12. Lowering Blood Sugar Amount
For people with type 2 diabetes, consuming two tablespoons of aloe vera every day can reduce the amount of blood sugar in the body. However, you need to be careful if you take glucose-lowering drugs because they can be dangerous.
Consult your doctor first before consuming aloe vera to treat diabetes.
13. Against Breast Cancer
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that aloe vera is beneficial for fighting breast cancer.
This is because these plants contain emodin which can slow down the growth process of cancer cells.
14. Natural Laxatives
Other benefits of aloe vera are used as a natural laxative. However, don't overconsume it because it can be dangerous. Launching from Healthline, you should consume 0.04 - 0.17 g of aloe vera to treat constipation.
However, its use must be careful because if taken together with diabetes drugs, blood glucose can drop in high amounts, which can actually endanger health.
15. Smooth bowel movements
Many people have long known the benefits of aloe vera. The latex in aloe vera gel is known to be a laxative . However, its use must be done carefully because it can also cause side effects in the form of diarrhea.
Beware of the Side Effects of Aloe Vera
Although it brings many benefits, there are side effects that can arise from using aloe vera. On the skin for example, an allergic reaction is possible when aloe vera is applied topically. This allergic reaction is usually experienced by people who are also allergic to garlic, onions, and tulips.
Consumption of high amounts of aloe vera latex also has the potential to cause stomach upset and cramps. In fact, in the long term it can cause diarrhea, weight loss, kidney problems, muscle weakness, blood containing urine, and heart problems.
Therefore, do not carelessly consume aloe vera gel or latex products. You are advised to read the information on the packaging to avoid side effects.
Groups of people who should not take aloe vera gel or latex include:
• Pregnant women, because it increases the risk of miscarriage and fetal defects
• Children under 12 years of age, because of the risk of causing stomach pain, cramps, or diarrhea
• Patients who will undergo surgery within the next 2 weeks, because of the risk of disrupting blood sugar levels during and after surgery
• Patients with hemorrhoids, kidney failure, or inflammation of the intestines, because they can aggravate the condition
Aloe vera can bring many health and beauty benefits. For external use, aloe vera is generally safe. However, still be aware of the risk of allergies and make sure the product you are using has received BPOM approval.
You also have to be careful if you want to use aloe vera as an alternative or additional treatment in addition to doctor's medication. If you have certain medical conditions, consult with your doctor before using herbal products or medicines that contain aloe vera.