Aloe vera is an evergreen perennial succulent plant species of the genus Aloe, it originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. Is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60–100 cm tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. Aloe is used in medicine and the perfume industry, as well as in the production of organic cosmetics. The plant is actively used in folk medicine around the world for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
Aloe Vera contains vitamins like A, C and E, 18 amino acids. Has anti-oxidants, enzymes and minerals. The plan has Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral and antitumor proprieties. Is a natural moisturizer and antiseptic. Has laxative effects.
Uses:
- Relieves pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves cardiovascular function
- Beneficial for Immune disorders
- Regulates blood sugar
- Reduces cholesterol
- Provides relief in oral ailments: gum diseases, dental health
- Helps treat minor cuts and rashes on the skin
- Improves digestion
- Constipation
- Is a natural moisturizer for skin and hair
- Reduces dandruff
- Helps treating sunburns
- Promotes hair growth
- Treatment for insect bites
- Helps in getting rid of the blemishes
- Lightening stretch marks
- Hair conditioning
- Maintains pH balance of your scalp
- Aloe Vera gel can also treat a number of skin diseases like: Eczema, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Acne..
Aloe vera is used as: body scrub (leaves), moisturizer (gel), hair conditioner, makeup remover, juice for the gastrointestinal tract, shaving gel, lightening skin scrub, face wash, foot scrub, hair gel.
Side effects: Aloe vera, like any medicine, if ingested without proper regulation, might cause an overdose and result in a negative impact. Just like that, aloe vera too can have negative effects on our body if not ingested in a regulated manner.
Some of the most common side-effects that are associated with aloe vera are:
- Lowering blood sugar level: As one of the many benefits of aloe vera include its ability to maintain our body’s sugar level, a prolonged intake of aloe vera can further decrease the level of sugar, which might negatively affect our body.
- Indigestion: A heavy consumption of Aloe Vera juice can cause problems related to our digestive system. While aloe vera does help relieve constipation, but if consumed in large quantity, it can cause irritation in our stomach along with indigestion.
- Toxic liver: Aloe vera, which consists of bio-active compounds, can cause liver toxicity if ingested in large quantity. However, the bio-active compounds don’t directly attack the liver; they limit the liver’s detoxification process. Thus, a higher volume of intake can further increase the rate of liver toxicity.
Attention: Compared to the number of benefits associated with aloe vera, its side-effects are few. However, one should always keep in mind both the benefits of Aloe Vera and its disadvantages. If consumed in a regulated manner, aloe vera would prove to be a very efficient remedy.