What is Aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a plant native to subtropical areas around the world like New Mexico, California, Texas and Arizona (Aloe Vera, n.d.) It is a “cactus like” plant that grows in climates that are hot and dry. (Aloe Vera, n.d.). This popular plant has many uses and health benefits and it’s a favorite among beauty enthusiasts.
What Makes Aloe Vera Special?
Aloe Vera plant consists of fruits that contain seeds and yellow tubular flowers. It has fleshy leaves that look triangular with serrated edges. The aloe vera leaf has a three layer structure:
- The first layer, a clear gel substance made of 99% water and amino acids, lipins, vitamins, sterols, and glucomannans.
- The second layer is the middle part of the leaf which is a yellow sap that contains glycosides and anthraquinones.
- The third layer is the rind, a thick outer layer. This layer protects the middle and inner layer and synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins (Surjushe et al., 2008).
Benefits of Aloe vera
Scientists proved aloe vera’s many benefits, the most popular being topical and oral. Other benefits include:
- Improving skin conditions from
- Psoriasis
- Burns and wounds
- Acne
- Radiation
- Reduce heartburn
- Relieves constipation
- Maintain eye health
- Boost digestion
- Remove toxins from body
Potential Risks
There are potential risk to using aloe vera, some of these include:
- Allergic reactions
- Redness, burning, or stinging sensation for sensitive skin
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
It’s Fetch is a community that provides a safe space for members to discuss health and wellness topics. Additionally, the content on this website, regardless of date is not to be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a medical professional or other qualified clinician.
-Written by Karen Manalac
Sources:
Aloe. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-aloe/art-20362267
Aloe vera. (n.d.). NCCIH. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
Why you should drink aloe vera juice. (2022, April 6). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-aloe-vera-drink/
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