7 Amazing Healing Powers of Aloe Vera · Mind and Body Solutions

7 Amazing Healing Powers of Aloe Vera

1. Skin Aging

Aloe is an established topical remedy for skin. But a 2009 study found that taking aloe orally reduces facial wrinkles. In the study, 30 healthy women aged 45 or older received aloe vera gel as a supplement. One group took a low dose (1,200 mg/day) and the second group took a high-dose (3,600 mg/day).

The researchers measured signs of skin aging at the beginning and end of the study. After just 90 days, the researchers found that facial wrinkles improved significantly in both groups. However, in the lower-dose group, facial elasticity also improved.

How does it work? The researchers found that aloe increased collagen production, resulting in improved skin structure and fewer wrinkles. They also found that aloe decreased gene activity that causes collagen damage.

2. Psoriasis

Swedish researchers found that a cream containing aloe vera is effective in treating psoriasis. They conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 patients with psoriasis. Patients were given either an aloe vera extract (0.5%) cream or a placebo cream to apply three times a day for five consecutive days per week. The study lasted 16 weeks, with only four weeks of active treatment and 12 months of follow-up. By the end of the study, the aloe vera cream cured 25 of 30 psoriasis patients, or 83.3%. Only 2 of 30 patients in the placebo group were cured (6.6%).

3. Cancer

Consistent with its other skin benefits, aloe vera may also prevent and treat skin cancer. A study from the University of Belgrade School of Medicine found that aloe vera and its constituents inhibit skin cell proliferation associated with skin cancer. The researchers irradiated human skin cells to simulate sun damage and trigger the process of proliferation that leads to skin tumors. They found that treating cells with aloe-emodin, a constituent of aloe, significantly inhibited proliferation. This confirmed aloe's benefit in halting tumor progression following sun exposure.

But its cancer effects aren't limited to skin. Studies also show that aloe vera may help prevent cervical cancer. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found that a cream containing aloe vera, curcumin, reetha, and amla (brand name “Basant”) is an effective and safe therapy for the clearance of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Researchers studied a group of women with HPV that had not yet progressed to high-grade cervical neoplasias (i.e., cervical pre-cancer). Of the women who used the Basant vaginal cream for 30 consecutive days, 87.7% cleared the HPV infection compared to 73.3% of the placebo group.

In addition, aloe improves treatment outcomes for cancer patients. In one study, 240 patients with metastatic tumors were randomized to receive chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy accompanied by 10 ml of aloe given orally three times a day. The aloe group had significantly better tumor regression and 3-year survival rates.

4. Periodontal Disease

Aloe vera has been shown to be effective when added to toothpaste and mouthwash. In one study, 15 patients with periodontitis (an infectious, inflammatory disease of the gums) received aloe vera gel injections in the periodontal tissues around selected teeth. All patients showed improvements in plaque accumulation and periodontal condition.

Using aloe vera juice as a mouthwash also reduces plaque buildup on the teeth. In a study of 300 people in India, researchers compared 100% aloe vera juice with a placebo and the chemical mouthwash chlorhexidine. Chemical mouthwashes cannot be used long-term because of side effects such as altered taste sensation, tongue staining, hypersensitivity reactions, and toxicity. For four days, the 300 subjects were randomly assigned to use either the chlorhexidine, aloe vera, or placebo mouthwash. At the end of the study, aloe vera juice was as effective as the chemical mouthwash in reducing plaque buildup, with no side effects. It also worked significantly better than the placebo. Aloe vera juice is also effective for a range of other dental problems, including gingivitis, mouth sores from radiation therapy, and oral lichen planus (OLP). OLP is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes inside your mouth. It shows up as white, lacy patches, red, swollen tissues, or open sores that can cause burning and pain.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 54 patients with OFP in Thailand, participants were assigned to receive either aloe vera gel or a placebo. After eight weeks, 81% of the aloe group showed a good response, compared with only 4% of the placebo group. 7% of the aloe group achieved complete clinical remission, and 33% achieved complete resolution of burning pain.

Topical aloe vera also improves the quality of life for patients with OLP. In a Spanish study, 64 patients with OLP were randomized in a double-blind study to either aloe vera or a placebo. The aloe vera group received a topical application of 0.4 mL (70% concentration) three times daily. In the aloe group, 31.2% of patients achieved complete pain remission after 6 weeks, compared with 17.2% in the placebo group.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Taking oral aloe vera gel improves irritable bowel symptoms in just four weeks. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 44 patients with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis were assigned to receive 100 mL of aloe vera gel or a placebo twice daily. Various disease measures improved by 30-47% with aloe vera, compared with only 7-14% with the placebo.

6. Diabetes

Aloe vera helps lower blood glucose levels. In one study of five patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes, participants received half a teaspoon of aloe sap (Aloe vera) per day for 4 to 14 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels fell by an average of 122 points in each patient, with no change in body weight. The researchers concluded that aloes contain a hypoglycemic agent that lowers blood glucose.

7. Wound Healing

Dressing cesarean section incisions with aloe very increased healing withing 24h. of surgery, according to one study of 90 women in Iran. A preliminary study of 30 patients in Nigeria found that aloe vera gel was as effective as benzyl benzoate lotion for treating scabies. Aloe vera gel has also been found to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with vulval lichen planus.

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