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History indicates that aloe is one of the most ancient plants used by mankind for medicinal purposes. The ancient Chinese and Egyptians knew it as a remedy for burns, wounds, and fever. If you believe the legend, then Alexander the Great captured the island of Socotra, only for the sake of aloe, which his wounded soldiers needed. It is said that Cleopatra used the juice of this plant daily for skin care. And in 1944, the Japanese, exposed to atomic effects, used the gel from it for the treatment and faster healing of wounds.
Biological characteristics
Biologists are aware of the existence of at least 400 types of aloe, but the most popular and with many useful properties is Aloe Barbadensis Miller, also known as Aloe Vera or real aloe. But the variety that many grow as a houseplant is Aloe arborescens, which almost does not differ in its chemical composition from Barbadensis Miller.
Aloe is a perennial succulent plant native to East Africa (presumably from Sudan, from where it spread to other warm regions, including other parts of Africa, Asia, India, Europe, America). Aloe, as a rule, has no stem or it is very short. In its natural environment, the plant can reach 80-100 cm in height. It grows quite quickly, releasing new shoots from the roots. The lanceolate leaves are thick, fleshy, green or grey-green in color with serrated edges. At the base, some leaves can reach 7-10 cm wide and weigh up to 2 kg.
By the way, the leaves of plants of the Aloe genus consist of 4 parts: peel (is the outer protective layer), juice (a bitter liquid that protects the plant from animals), plant mucus and gel-like pulp (used to make various products based on aloe).
The leaves of the plant are bitter in taste (hence the name: “aloe” is translated as “bitter”). Speaking about the components that make up the structure of the leaves of this succulent, it is important to say the following. Many people use the terms “aloe gel” and “aloe juice” interchangeably. But it is desirable to understand the difference between these substances. The term “gel” is used only to refer to the substance obtained from the inside of the leaf, while “juice” is the yellowish milky liquid (latex) contained just under the skin of the leaf.
Some researchers categorically argue that only aloe gel has beneficial properties.
Grown at home, this plant very rarely produces flowers, but in the natural environment, hanging tubular flowers regularly appear on a 90-centimeter peduncle. Due to the fact that the warm African lands are the birthplace of Barbadensis Miller, and its thorny leaves somewhat resemble cacti, some mistakenly “attribute” this plant to cacti. In fact, aloe is a member of the lily family. And a unique ability allows it to survive in an arid climate: to prevent moisture loss, the plant closes the pores on its leaves.
Chemical composition and role for the body
Aloe vera contains more than 200 biologically active natural ingredients, including polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins, organic acids, phytoncides, esters, phenols, resins, minerals and other elements that promote the absorption of nutrients, improve the functioning of the digestive system , strengthen the immune system, and also cleanse the body of toxins.
It contains 20 amino acids, including essential ones for humans. Aloe gel is a storehouse of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins. Eight extremely important enzymes for humans were also found in this plant. The mineral complex in aloe is represented by calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc. The chemical composition of this succulent also includes 12 anthraquinones, which act on the human body as a laxative. And alonin and emodin give the plant the properties of an analgesic, as well as an antibacterial and antiviral drug. The leaves of this succulent contain fatty acids and carbohydrates, represented by both mono- and polysaccharides. Another interesting group of aloe components are hormones. These are auxins and gibberellins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to accelerate wound healing.
And it is clear that a plant with such a unique and rich chemical composition has a huge number of useful properties. The role of this plant for human health is very high. Aloe vera is necessary, if only because the gel from it:
- improves the functioning of the digestive organs;
- moisturizes the skin;
- supports the health of the immune system;
- cleanses the body of toxins;
- improves absorption of nutrients;
- has a high antioxidant capacity;
- maintains the natural acidity of the body;
- beneficial effect on the health of muscles and joints;
- prevents cardiovascular diseases;
- has disinfectant, antifungal, antibiotic, bactericidal, antiviral properties;
- improves blood oxygenation;
- slows the aging process;
- reduces cholesterol and glucose in the blood.
Benefits of Using Aloe
Aloe gel can be used topically (as a remedy for burns, skin diseases, frostbite, psoriasis, herpes) and orally (for many diseases, including osteoarthritis, bowel disease, fever). At different times, the most amazing properties were attributed to this plant. But still, what does science say about the value of aloe? It’s time to find out what this amazing lily from the hot desert is really useful for.
Treats skin diseases
The first studies on the beneficial properties of aloe for the skin were carried out back in 1935. Then the scientists were able to confirm that the plant extract quickly relieves itching and burning after irradiation and promotes skin regeneration. During World War II, in connection with the threat of nuclear war, US scientists tested the ability of aloe in the treatment of thermal and radiation burns. So there was an ointment based on aloe vera, used to heal burn wounds.
Then in 1996, researchers from Sweden confirmed the effectiveness of the plant extract in the treatment of chronic psoriasis. The study involved 60 patients, in 83% of whom, after a course of therapy, the skin condition noticeably improved, moreover, no relapses were observed for another 12 months. And in 2009, according to the results of experiments on mice, it became known that oral consumption of aloe vera accelerates wound healing, reduces the number of papillomas, and also reduces the risk of cancer of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. In addition, the effectiveness of the use of aloe in the treatment of genital herpes, psoriasis, dermatitis, frostbite, burns and inflammation has been confirmed. The same agent is useful as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent.
Relieves the condition of herpes
External application of aloe vera relieves discomfort and speeds up the healing process of herpes. The researchers explain the effectiveness of such treatment with the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. The amino acids, vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6 contained in the bitter gel are also incredibly useful, as they contribute to the production of antibodies in the body and strengthen the immune system. And this is the main condition for the effective treatment of herpes.
Improves bowel function
Succulent juice (latex) is useful as a laxative. And this is due to the anthraquinones contained in the plant. This substance increases the water content in the intestines, stimulates the secretion of mucus and increases intestinal peristalsis. A study in 28 healthy adults showed that the laxative properties of aloe even exceeded the effectiveness of the laxative drug phenolphthalein.
Beneficial effect on digestion
Aloe contains components that improve digestion by regulating the balance of acidity, maintaining a healthy microflora in the intestines. Researchers say that drinking 30 ml of aloe vera juice twice a day is enough to reduce the discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome or flatulence. It has also been confirmed that succulent gel reduces excessive secretion of gastric juice, soothes and heals stomach ulcers, restoring damaged mucous membranes.
Strengthens immunity
The enzymes contained in aloe allow every cell in the human body to function properly. In addition, bradykinase contained in the plant stimulates the immune system and kills infections in the body. In addition, zinc is also important in this regard, which helps to strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system helps the body defend itself against disease and maintain the functionality of cell membranes. In addition, zinc is a key element in maintaining hormonal levels, which is also important for immunity and emotional state.
Antioxidant Source
Modern science already knows for sure that the basis of most diseases are inflammatory processes caused by free radicals. Aloe contains a huge amount of minerals and vitamins that prevent and reduce this process. Vitamin A, for example, as an antioxidant plays an important role in maintaining healthy neurological function, vision, and skin condition. The antioxidant vitamin C is also essential for the skin, eyes, internal organs and cardiovascular system. The benefits of vitamin E are slowing down cell aging and preventing oxidative processes in the body. These antioxidants are beneficial for people exposed to cigarette smoke or ultraviolet radiation. They protect the skin from cancer, are useful for the treatment of acne, eczema, inflammation.
Useful in diabetes
Several scientific studies indicate the ability of aloe to relieve chronic hyperglycemia and an elevated lipid profile, which are often observed in people with diabetes. In addition, the plant extract has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, which is also often affected in people with diabetes.
The researchers conducted the experiment with the participation of 72 women with diabetes. For 6 weeks, they consumed 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel daily. At the end of the experiment, it turned out that the level of glucose and triglycerides in their blood decreased significantly.
Promotes weight loss
Recent studies indicate that aloe may be beneficial for weight loss. More precisely, the extract of this plant helps to maximize the result of any weight loss diet. The gel of the plant contains many vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and minerals that promote a healthy metabolism. In addition, aloe is a good source of protein, which promotes muscle development and serves as a source of energy. For weight loss, it is advised to use a gel, which, to improve the taste, can be mixed with fruit or vegetable juices, honey, lemon.
Use in folk medicine
In folk medicine, aloe is most often used, crushed to a gruel state (for this, clean leaves are passed through a meat grinder) or juice (obtained using a juicer).
One of the most popular folk remedies is prepared from 100 g of aloe gel, 300 g of walnuts (chopped), lemons (juice from 3-4 fruits) and a glass of honey. This medicine is taken three times a day for a teaspoon to strengthen immunity. For colds, herbalists advise drinking a tablespoon 3 times a day of a tincture obtained from 250 g of crushed leaves and 100 g of sugar, to which, after 3 days of infusion, a glass of vodka is added and infused for another 3 days. A similar remedy is also used to treat stomach ulcers. But in this case, 100 g of aloe are taken per 150 g of sugar, and dry red wine is used instead of vodka. The course of treatment is at least one and a half months, during which they take a tablespoon of medicine at least twice a day. As a remedy for female infertility, it is advised to take a mixture of crushed plant leaves, goose fat and sea buckthorn oil, which is infused for a week in the dark. Take the medicine three times a day, a tablespoon diluted in a glass of warm milk.
In addition, it is useful to instill aloe juice into the nose with a runny nose, into the eyes (diluted with water 1:10) – with cataracts, drink fresh juice for tuberculosis, lack of appetite, menstrual irregularities, blood circulation disorders and as a prevention of cancer. Known benefits from the use of aloe for sore throat, stomatitis, pharyngitis, infectious diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, insufficient secretion of bile.
Use in cosmetology
Aloe vera is a great natural remedy for dry hair and itchy scalp. It contains many nutrients that make hair strong and healthy. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, this succulent helps fight dandruff, while the enzymes contained in the gel help regenerate the scalp. The extract of the plant helps to cure itching caused by dandruff or excessive dryness of the skin, irritation and inflammation on the skin.
Homemade aloe products can be used to care for any type of skin, and at any time of the year. Dermatologists advise using aloe-based products for sunburn, stretch marks, and many other problems. For example, half a glass of aloe gel, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a glass of sugar will not only make an effective scrub, but also an excellent skin nourisher. For the treatment of acne, cakes made from aloe gel, ground walnuts and honey are suitable. To nourish sensitive skin, you can use a mixture of crushed plant leaves, cucumber juice, yogurt and rose oil. This tool is used on the principle of a face mask. And to improve the condition of the hair, once a week you can use a mask of aloe gel and coconut oil. This blend makes curls smooth, strong and shiny.
How to prepare
You can collect succulent leaves for the preparation of medicinal or cosmetic products at any time of the year. But in order to increase the concentration of nutrients in the pulp, the plant is not watered for 2 weeks before harvesting. It is also better to collect large fleshy leaves, breaking them at the base. Useful substances in fresh leaves are stored for 4 hours after collection.
Recommended dosage
There can be both benefits and harms from consuming aloe vera. And in order to avoid unnecessary problems, it is important to follow the dosages recommended based on scientific studies.
Here are the most popular ways to use aloe:
- with constipation – 100-200 mg of aloe per day;
- for psoriasis, skin infections, for wound healing – apply a cream with 0,5% aloe extract three times a day;
- with inflammation of the gums, plaque – add a teaspoon of gel to toothpaste;
- with high cholesterol – drink 2 mg of the extract twice a day for 300 months;
- with inflammatory processes in the intestines – drink 100 ml of gel twice a day for a month;
- for burns – apply aloe gel (97,5 percent) daily until healing;
- for dandruff, dry scalp – add a teaspoon of gel to shampoo;
- to protect the skin from bacteria and infections – add a teaspoon of the gel to the skin lotion.
Possible side effects
As a rule, the external use of aloe does not cause side effects, but one must be careful with the intake of the product inside. For example, internal use of aloe latex affects the body as a laxative, can cause abdominal cramps, as well as reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs, provoke kidney problems, blood in the urine, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart problems.
People with diabetes should be aware that aloe can lower blood glucose levels, which can cause hypoglycemia when using insulin. There is an opinion, but not scientifically confirmed, that the abuse of aloe gel can cause liver problems. Pregnant women are also advised to refrain from consuming the drug, as there is evidence that in some cases the plant extract can cause miscarriage or abnormal development of the fetus.
Some interesting facts
The beneficial properties of aloe vera were known to many ancient civilizations. There are records of Egyptians, ancient Greeks and Romans, early Indian and Chinese cultures. Aloe is mentioned in the Bible. The artifacts found indicate that the healing properties of the plant were known and appreciated more than 4000 thousand years ago. The earliest written mention of this succulent is a Sumerian tablet dating back to 2100 BC. e. In ancient Egypt, it was called the plant of immortality and was presented as a funeral gift to the pharaohs, Chinese and Indian healers treated them with the most serious illnesses, and in the Philippines they drank aloe with milk for kidney infections.
Aloe has been a popular remedy for a wide variety of ailments for thousands of years. Today, the extract of this plant is used as medicines, dietary supplements, in cosmetics and even in the food industry. The Japanese, for example, make yoghurts with aloe extract, and in India they often add it to curries. Despite the fact that this plant does not occur naturally in our latitudes, it has never been exotic for us either. Probably, for many who read these lines, a prickly agave plant has been growing on the windowsill for a long time – that very amazing aloe that gives health and beauty.