The History and Benefits of Aloe Vera
Dr. Sheryene Tejeda is a reproductive endocrinologist with a subspecialty in biomedicine. Currently her practice is operating out of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. & King of Prussia PA. Dr. Tejeda specializes in collaborative medicine, reproductive health, particularly the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth.... more
History and Benefits of Aloe Vera
The qualities of Aloe vera, including those associated with health, beauty, medicine, have been recognized and utilized for many centuries. The Arabic phrase "alloeh" signifies "shining sour substance," while the Latin term "vera" signifies "true." Together, these words form the name "Aloe vera." Around the year 2000 B.C., Greek scientists believed Aloe vera to be the cure-all remedy for all diseases. Aloe vera was referred to by the Egyptians as "the plant of immortality." In modern dermatology, the plant known as Aloe vera has long been utilized for a variety of different applications.
History of Aloe vera
The plant’s scientific name is Aloe barbadensis miller, but generally people call it Aloe vera. It is a shrubby and arborescent plant that is enduring, xerophytic, succulent in nature, pea-green in color, and belonging to the family Asphodelaceae, which is also known as the Lilyaceae. The hot, dry areas of Asia, Africa, Europe, and America are the primary locations for its growth.
Since ancient times, people in many different cultures—including Greece, India, Egypt, Mexico, China, and Japan—have relied on the medical properties of Aloe vera. The Egyptian monarchs, Nefertiti and Cleopatra, were known to incorporate its use into their daily beauty routines. Both Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus are credited as having used them to cure wounded soldiers. The medical treatise "De Materia Medica" written by Dioscorides was translated into English by John Goodyew in the calendar year 1655 and included the first reference of Aloe vera in the language. In the early 1800s, people in the United States began using Aloe vera as a laxative. However, in the middle of the 1930s, it was effectively used for the treatment of persistent and severe irradiation dermatitis, which was a significant development.
Benefits of Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an internationally well-known medical plant that has qualities that identify it as both antibacterial and antioxidant. The reduction of dental plaque, the acceleration of wound healing, the prevention of wrinkles, and the management of blood sugar levels are some of the potential benefits of this.
- Antioxidant and antibacterial properties:
Antioxidants are essential to maintaining good health. The gel extracted from Aloe vera plants is known to be efficacious due to its high concentration of strong antioxidants that are members of a vast chemical family called polyphenols (Nejatzadeh-Barandozi, 2013). Together with several other substances found in Aloe vera plants, these polyphenols perform an essential role in the plant's ability to prevent the spread of potentially harmful microorganisms that can cause illness in humans. It is widely recognized that Aloe vera has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This means it has the potential to aid in the treatment of wounds and other skin disorders.
- Helps in relieving constipation:
Latex, rather than gel, is a useful ingredient this time. You can find latex, a yellow, sticky material, beneath r the leaf’s outer skin. Aloin, also known as barbaloin, is the active chemical responsible for this effect; it is known to have laxative properties (Salehi, Albayrak, Antolak, 2018).
- Improves skin health
Aloe vera gel contains 96% water, which deems it an excellent natural choice for maintaining the moisture balance of your skin. It can be soothing to dry skin and can help make the skin supple. The phenomenal property of Aloe vera to reduce inflammation is one of the plant's primary therapeutic advantages. The physical appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and acne can all be improved as a result of doing this. The cooling effect of Aloe vera on sunburned skin is another benefit of this plant.
- Controls blood sugar levels
Aloe vera is utilized by some professionals as a treatment option for diabetes. This is due to the fact that some studies show improved insulin sensitivity and assist in better control of blood sugar levels. For example, Aloe vera was found to have potential health advantages for persons with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes due to its impact on glycemic management. However, the standard of some of the research that has been done in the past is not great, and as a result, scientists do not recommend utilizing Aloe vera as a treatment option alternative.
- Helps treat canker sores
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are common occurrences for individuals and appear below the upper lip, and within the mouth. These sores remain for about a week, according to a reliable source.
It has been demonstrated through research that treatment with Aloe vera helps hasten the recovery process of mouth ulcers. For instance, in a trial that lasted for seven days and involved 180 participants who suffered from recurrent mouth ulcers, researchers found that The ulcers were less severe after an Aloe vera patch was applied to the skin (Bhalang, Thunyakitpisal, 2013). Nevertheless, it did not function better than the traditional treatment for ulcers, which is corticosteroids. Another study discovered that applying Aloe vera gel to mouth ulcers not only sped up the healing process but also significantly reduced the amount of pain linked to the condition (Babaee, Zabihi, 2012).
- Accelerates Wound Healing:
Aloe vera is applied topically to the skin as a kind of treatment, as opposed to being taken inside, the vast majority of the time. In fact, the substance represents s a lengthy history of application in the treatment of wounds, and in particular, burns, which includes sunburn.
As early as 1810–1820, the United States Pharmacopeia described Aloe vera formulations as a skin protectant.
According to the findings of certain studies, it can be a useful topical treatment for burns of both the first and second degrees. For instance, the healing period for burns treated with Aloe vera was shown to be around 9 days shorter when compared to the healing time for burns treated with conventional therapy. Additionally, it helps reduce redness, irritation, and infections by keeping the skin healthy.
- Aloe vera as a lubricant:
Extremely mild, Aloe vera gel is typically thicker and is more viscous than regular lubricants. The neutral pH of Aloe vera makes it an excellent natural lubricant. The experience is facilitated, pain is mitigated, and penetration is facilitated more easily. Lemon, if added to the Aloe vera, acts as a natural spermicidal agent, and can be used as an all-natural and organic contraceptive agent.
