Aloe Vera is a plant species that has loads of health benefits. The plant is used for medicinal purposes starting from the first century. Along with medicinal values, this wonderful plant species also has cosmetic values as well. Even though there are many positive evidences proving that Aloe Vera is truly medicinal, some people claim that the plant does not provide any purposes but causes a lot of side effects. Every medicine has its own benefits and drawbacks and Aloe Vera is no exception. There are side effects associated with this medicinal plant but when it is used with proper guidance, it does not cause any negative impacts in the body, rather help in rejuvenating and healing mind and body. As the plant offers huge benefits, it is being cultivated in many parts of the world. People also cultivate this plant in their homes for ornamental purposes as well. Well, if you are confused on whether to use this plant for medicinal reasons, go ahead and read the below lines for a clear understanding on how to get benefited with Aloe Vera and how not to use them.
Aloe Vera Juice & Gel Health Benefits
Aloe Vera is a combination of two substances namely ‘gel’ and ‘juice’ or latex that has individual benefits apart from providing additional benefits when used together. The gel present in the inner part of the leaf is a jelly like substance while the aloe vera juice is present in the external part of leaf just beneath its skin. The two substances can be used separately some health products use crushed leaf which contains both gel and juice. There are various health benefits of Aloe Vera. They are useful for almost all functionalities of the body starting from digestion to enhancing immune system.
Works as detoxifier and digestion supplement:
Aloe Vera acts as a perfect detoxifier and helps rejuvenate both your mind and soul from daily tensions. It contains necessary vitamins and minerals that are needed to cleanse the internal functioning of the body system. The plant also has the ability to enhance protein absorption by the body that is required for absorbing all the nutrients present in food items, thereby helping in easier digestion and proper bowel movement. When digestion takes place with ease, there is reduced formation of yeast and bacteria in the gut, resulting in good health. It can also reduce problems such as heart burn.
Keeping skin healthy:
The plant also has anti-inflammation substances that support the body in getting cured from various problems such as joint pain, swollen bones etc. Every individual would want their skin to be healthy and soft for a long period of time. Usually, a skin would refresh itself every 28 days but when Aloe Vera is used, it rejuvenates itself every day. The nutrients present in the medicinal plant fights aging and give you refreshing look time and again. Aloe Vera is also said to sooth skin irritations caused by burns and cuts.
Keeping you healthy and fit:
Since Aloe Vera helps in easy absorption of nutrients present in the food, you will feel comfortable eating any type of food. The effect of Aloe Vera in easy digestion keeps you fit and regular for a longer period of time. This ensures that you are maintaining proper body weight and energy level that is required to keep you fit and healthy. Your body also needs certain amount of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals for its proper functioning. Aloe Vera juice contains almost all the vitamins and minerals that would prevent shortage. Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C etc and many other minerals such as folic acid are present in Aloe Vera that will give you all possible health benefits. Moreover Aloe Vera can treat hair loss: source.
Dental benefits:
The Aloe Vera does wonders inside your mouth as well. It keeps your teeth and gums strong and prevents your mouth from any bacterial or microbial infection. As said above, there are many vitamins and minerals that will promote cell growth. It is also the reason for the effective healing power of this plant. This is the reason why many tooth gels that are used to cure mouth ulcers have Aloe Vera as the primary ingredient. Bleeding gums can also be cured using this medicinal plant.
Healing you from heart diseases:
Oxygen transportation plays a major role in keeping your heart young and fit for ages. Aloe Vera plays a major role in assisting oxygen reach various parts of the body, thereby reducing the pressure of heart in supplying blood to the body parts. Aloe Vera also assists in easily diffusing red blood cells which will help regulate oxidation and blood pressure. The other benefit of effective oxygen transportation is the reduced cholesterol level in the blood. More importantly, Aloe Vera is an alkaline food that provides more immunity to the body, thereby reducing the number of diseases. Almost all the diseases are caused when the body is acidic and not alkaline. Most of the food items that people intake are acidic in nature. But Aloe Vera is purely alkaline that provides alkalinity to the body and prevents diseases from occurring.
Aloe Vera side effects
Even though Aloe Vera has many health benefits, it is unsafe at some point of time for the human body. Intake of Aloe Vera juice causes stomach pain along with cramps. Every medicine has its side effects when taken in large quantities for a longer period of time. Same is the case with Aloe Vera as it causes adverse effects such as kidney problems, diarrhea, weakness of muscles and bones, weight loss, heart problems and so on.
It is highly recommended that women, who are pregnant or breast feeding, should avoid oral intake of aloe gel or juice, as it causes problems to the newborn child. Aloe Vera is also not recommended for children below 12 years of age as oral intake of gel and juice causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. Aloe latex also causes bowel irritation when taken in large quantities. Hence people suffering from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should be cautious in intake of juice or Aloe leaves. Since Aloe Vera affects the blood sugar level, it is advisable to stop the intake of Aloe for at least a fortnight before the surgery.
Recommended dosage:
Even though there are no scientific or medical evidences to suggest recommended usage, the following dosage has been in practice for a longer period of time that causes no health issues. Taking 100 mg to 200 mg of Aloe Vera for a couple of days in the evening will reduce problems caused by constipation. When applying Aloe over the skin for the prevention of psoriasis, 0.5% of extract is recommended for a period of 3 days.