12 Proven Aloe Vera Benefits (Plus Uses & Precautions)

You probably know aloe vera as the plant to turn to for burns, rashes, scrapes, and skin care.

What you may not know about this cactus-like succulent plant is that it is rich in life-giving compounds for internal health as well. Read on to learn how aloe vera’s more than 75 immune-boosting components can benefit your health, and easy ways to use it daily.

In this article:

• The History Behind Aloe Vera Use
• Today's Medicinal Uses for Aloe Vera
  • Immunity
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Cholesterol & Blood Pressure
  • Constipation
  • Blood Sugar
  • Digestion
  • Source of B12
  • Psoriasis
  • Wounds & Sunburns
  • Genital Herpes
  • Hair & Scalp Health
• Where to Find Aloe Vera
• Adding Aloe to Your Smoothie
• Aloe Vera Precautions

The History Behind Aloe Vera Use

Aloe vera is one of the oldest medicinal plants in use. From ayurvedic medicine to homeopathy, aloe vera has held a place on apothecaries’ shelves for 6,000 years. In Egypt, it was known as the plant of immortality, and the Greeks thought of aloe as a universal cure for all diseases.¹

Fun fact: The aloe vera plant can survive for more than 7 years without water.

Today’s Medicinal Uses for Aloe Vera

Aloe vera really didn’t gain widespread use in America until the mid-1900s. And, even then, it was mostly for skin care and not for internal use. Its rise to a superfood has been a long time coming, but we’re much better versed now in aloe vera’s many health benefits, both inside and outside the body.

Aloe Vera’s Top Uses And Scientifically-Proven Health Benefits

1.   Stimulates the immune system.

Aloe vera contains a powerful immune-boosting polysaccharide known as acemannan. This compound fights bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells by injecting itself into cell membranes. This action increases the permeability of the membrane, allowing toxins to flow out of the cell and nutrients to enter.

This long-chain sugar also stimulates the synthesis and release of interleukin-1, a compound made by our white blood cells that attacks cancer cells and fights infections.²

[Related: 7 Natural Immune Boosters]

2.   Reduces inflammation and soothes arthritis pain.

While aloe vera has been used topically for many years to ease the pain of arthritis, it also reduces inflammation within the body when taken orally.

Inflammation has been linked to virtually all diseases, which include cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, a causative factor in both heart disease and strokes.

Aloe vera contains fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory as well as some analgesic properties, including campesterol, beta-sisosterol, and lupeol.

The plant is also rich in powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and reduce free radical damage. These antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E, and B12, as well as folic acid and choline. Studies have shown an inverse relationship between dietary antioxidant intake and the development of cardiovascular diseases.³

The International Journal of Inflammation reported that aloe emodin, a compound found in aloe vera, significantly improves both arthritis and inflammation.⁴

Another remarkable study revealed that aloe vera actually stimulates the production of fibroblasts, which both repair and stimulate growth of the synovial sac, the layer that provides a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles.⁵

[Related: How To Reduce Inflammation And Pain Naturally]

3.   Reduces the symptoms of asthma.

Currently, more than 26 million Americans are affected by asthma -- and inflammation, once again, is at the root of this disease.⁶ During an asthma attack, the air passages known as bronchial tubes become inflamed, narrowing the passageways through which oxygen flows. This constriction results in shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

While past medical treatments focused on reducing the contraction of the bronchial muscles, today’s knowledgeable practitioners focus on reducing the chronic inflammation on an ongoing basis, not just when symptoms arise.

Because of its anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties, studies show that aloe vera reduces the inflammation and mucous associated with asthma.⁷

4.   Reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure.

High cholesterol and high blood pressure are two of the most common risk factors associated with heart disease and strokes. The compounds in aloe vera have been shown to reduce both of these silent but deadly conditions.

This response is due in part to aloe’s high levels of vitamin C, which increases circulation and strengthens the arteries and veins. Polymers found within the plant’s stalks help improve blood flow, increasing the cell’s oxygen supply and circulation.

Marina Kameneva, a bioengineer at the University of Pittsburgh’s McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, published several studies after discovering these polymers that she believes will eventually be used to treat heart attacks, stroke, and other circulation problems.⁸

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology showed that the liver produced 30 percent less cholesterol when subjects received aloe vera in their drinking water. The researchers concluded that “life-long dietary aloe supplementation suppresses free radical-induced oxidative damage and age-related increases in hepatic cholesterol.”⁹

5.   Relieves constipation.

The anthraquinones in aloe vera act as laxatives. They stimulate the colon, increase water and ease bowel movements.¹⁰

Of course, if your diet is predominantly plant-based whole foods, you will not likely have the need for a laxative! But if you’ve indulged in animal products and processed foods, your body may need some help regaining its balance.

The quickest way to use aloe vera as a laxative is to put it into your smoothie. Use a small piece (half an inch or so) of the plant that includes the outside of the leaf, not just the gel inside.

6.   Stabilizes blood sugar.

Due to processed diets and inactive lifestyles, diabetes has become a global epidemic. It affects 371 million people, over half of whom are unaware that they have the disease.¹¹

Clinical studies of diabetic patients have demonstrated that aloe vera stimulates the production of insulin while reducing blood sugar levels and cholesterol when taken orally.^{3, 12}

7.   Relieves the symptoms and can help heal digestive disorders like heartburn, ulcers, IBS, Crohn’s disease, and esophageal reflux.

The same compounds in aloe vera that mitigate constipation, known as anthraquinones, also support healing and protection of the intestinal wall.

Because of its gel-like nature, aloe vera coats and protects the tissues of the esophagus and stomach and prevents prolonged exposure of stomach acids to the delicate tissues of the esophagus; this exposure is the cause of that burning sensation erroneously called “heartburn.”

Aloe also promotes the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria, while inhibiting the overgrowth of Candida albicans (yeast).

When researchers in the U.K. gave participants with active ulcerative colitis a drink consisting of water and aloe vera gel twice a day for four weeks, their symptoms improved.¹³

A controlled trial gave participants who suffered from gastroesophageal reflux (also known as GERD) aloe vera twice a day for 4 weeks and found that the aloe reduced the frequency of all the associated symptoms, including heartburn, food regurgitation, flatulence, belching, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, and acid regurgitation.¹⁴

8.  Provides one of the best plant sources of vitamin B12.

Vegetarians and vegans can find it's difficult for a plant-based diet to supply enough vitamin B12, an important nutrient that helps keep our nerves and blood cells healthy, in addition to playing a part in the creation of our DNA. Aloe vera is one of the only plant-based sources of this important vitamin.

9.   Eases the symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin. These cells become thick, scaly patches that can cause intense itching and a burning pain. Many topical and oral medications produce little comfort for those experiencing this disease.

The polysaccharides in aloe help the healing gel to penetrate the skin four times faster than water, and to accelerate healing. With its other anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, aloe becomes a strong contender when looking to heal not just psoriasis, but many inflammatory skin conditions.

A systemic review looked at all dermatology-oriented trials on aloe vera preparations and concluded that topical application can be effective for psoriasis as well as genital herpes, wound healing, burns, and inflammation. Even when taken internally, it was shown to effectively heal wounds.¹⁵

The glucomannan encourages collagen production, which helps to reduce the scaly patches associated with psoriasis.

A study conducted in 2012 showed aloe vera to be effective over 80% of the time in the treatment of psoriasis.¹⁶

10. Heals wounds and sunburns.

While nothing feels much better than applying cool aloe vera gel to a sunburn, its effects are more than temporary relief.

Applying aloe vera topically to wounds and sunburns speeds up your skin's recovery process. This quick healing is due, in part, to the polysaccharides acemannan and glucomannan, which encourage new cell growth and tissue regeneration. The two hormones found within its stems, auxins and gibberellins, also help heal wounds and reduce inflammation.

When aloe vera was applied to injuries sustained by patients who had undergone skin grafts, they experienced accelerated healing compared to those who did not receive aloe’s healing properties.¹⁷

11. Relieves the symptoms associated with genital herpes.

Genital herpes is a disease that can lead to painful blisters. Those who suffer from the sporadic flare-ups of this disease often turn to topical drugs to reduce the discomfort associated with this virus.

Fortunately, aloe offers a natural alternative. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and immune-stimulating properties offer relief and have been shown to heal the blisters associated with herpes.

In a controlled trial, 60 patients experiencing their first episode of genital herpes were treated topically with aloe vera extract or a placebo. Those who received aloe showed significant shorter healing times (5 days compared to 12 days for those that received a placebo). In addition, most did not experience a recurrence of genital herpes 15 months after ending their treatment.

12. Strengthens hair and heals the scalp.

Aloe vera offers multiple benefits for hair. As a rich source of vitamins E, C, and A, it strengthens strands and promotes shiny hair. In addition, it significantly reduces the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, what we commonly refer to as dandruff.

This common condition causes an itchy scalp, red patches, and flaky skin. Aloe’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties soothe a distressed scalp and provide moisture to dry skin.

A study reported in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that those patients with seborrheic dermatitis who were treated with aloe vera showed a significant improvement over those that received a placebo treatment.¹⁸

Topically, applying a mixture of equal parts aloe vera gel and extra-virgin coconut oil to hair and scalp provides a deep-conditioning treatment that yields remarkable results.

Where to Find Aloe Vera

As with most plants, I believe consuming aloe in its raw state is ideal. If it’s not raw, it’s processed, which means it has lost some of its nutritional benefits.

To that end, having your own aloe vera plant to harvest from at home will give you fresh, raw, organic aloe anytime you need it. As a member of the cactus family, it grows wild in desert climates, and it’s very easy to grow indoors, as well -- you just need a sunny windowsill. I have a 25-year-old plant in my house that has survived several moves and lots of harvesting.

If you cannot grow your own, a jug of quality, raw, hand-filleted organic aloe vera gel or juice still offers a remarkable supply of nutrients and can easily be added to your morning green smoothie.

Adding Aloe to your Smoothie

If you have access to the whole plant, simply cut off a spear and toss it into your green smoothie. Because of its bowel-stimulating effects, you will want to start with a small amount and increase as your body adjusts.

If you are adding the gel to your daily smoothie, be sure that it is 100 percent pure, raw, aloe vera gel, without any water or other additives. Look for a gel that has been hand-filleted to remove the outer skin that can be a laxative. My favorite organic aloe gel is shipped to my door, frozen.

Aloe Vera Precautions

In addition to adding aloe to your diet, it’s important that you take further steps to reduce environmental and dietary toxins in your life. If you’re eating a pro-inflammatory diet that includes red meat, sugar, white flour, milk and fried foods, using aloe vera won’t be enough, though it may very well slow down the progression of the imbalances and diseases that are taking root.

Adding aloe vera to your diet can help ease constipation and other discomfort you may be feeling while you transition to a healthier lifestyle that includes a plant-based, whole-foods diet and exercise that will, ultimately, eliminate inflammation for good!

Start slowly, with just a small amount of the gel at first, since it is the outer peel of the plant with the compounds that can move your bowels too quickly if you haven’t built up to using it yet. When you do add a piece of plant with the peel, make sure to start with half an inch or less of the whole spear.

Until further studies have found aloe vera to be a safe dietary addition for pregnant women, we recommend pregnant women avoid it.

Top Aloe Vera Benefits Take-Aways

• Aloe vera has been used for 6,000 years to treat disease and reestablish balance.
• There are over 75 active compounds in aloe vera. These include 20 amino acids, 8 enzymes, 9 minerals, vitamins A, B complex, C, and E, plant sterols, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, antioxidants, and glycoproteins.
• These compounds have anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Just a few of the many health benefits include supporting your immune system, healing digestive and intestinal imbalances, balancing blood sugar levels, and healing skin disorders.
• Adding aloe vera to your daily green smoothie is a great way to obtain the many nutrients this superfood provides!

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