Aloe vera dates back over 6,000 years ago to ancient Egypt. Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality” and even offered it up as gifts to deceased pharaohs.
The use of real aloe vera plant has persisted ever since. Traditional Indian medicine found multiple uses for aloe vera, ranging from treating constipation to skin diseases. Chinese medicine makes use of the aloe plant for the treatment of fungal diseases.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a short-stemmed succulent plant that’s perennial. The aloe vera leaf is a vivid green and originates from the Arabian Peninsula.
The plant is grown for both agricultural and medicinal uses. It can thrive in tropical, semi-tropical, and even arid environments, making it one of the easiest plants to raise.
Real Aloe Vera Plant Uses for Health Wellness
The aloe vera plant is world-renowned for its many uses.
Whether it’s used as a topical treatment or ingested, aloe vera can help with a variety of conditions. Let’s take a look at five different ways the plant can improve your overall health and wellbeing.
1. Pain Relief
Odds are you’ve heard that aloe vera gel works miracles on sunburns. You can use pure aloe vera or lotions that include the plant to help soothe burned skin and speed up the process of recovery.
The plant can also be used as a natural pain relief cream. It contains natural anti-inflammatories and pain killers, making it ideal for scratches, scrapes, and sore muscles.
2. Digestive Health
If you’re one of the 25 to 45 million people who are affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), then aloe vera may be able to help you. A 2018 study showed that aloe vera was able to help improve and ease symptoms related to IBS.
3. Clear Acne
Aloe vera is great for your skin. It promotes the production of collagen and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The plant works as a moisturizer, without leaving an oil-like residue.
Some studies show aloe vera can help with treating acne. If you suffer from slight to moderate acne, using acne medication cream that contains aloe vera gel may help to clear it up.
4. Oral Health
If you’re interested in a natural toothpaste without all the added chemicals, then aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash may be for you.
A 2017 study showed that people who used aloe vera toothpaste had considerable improvements in their oral health. As a toothpaste and mouthwash, aloe vera can reduce plaque and gingivitis.
5. Blood Sugar Levels
If you have diabetes, aloe vera may be able to assist in treating it (though not by itself).
The plant may be able to enhance your sensitivity to insulin and also better regulate blood sugar levels. However, studies on this are still few and early. Research this before you decide whether or not to try taking aloe vera supplements.
A Healthy Plant
There are numerous uses for the real aloe vera plant beyond what’s listed here. It’s common to see aloe vera as an additive to things like makeup, sunscreen, and body washes. Do your own research and decide for yourself if you’d like to use aloe vera as a natural means of improving your health.
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