Is Aloe Vera Medicinal?

Aloe vera has been used as a folk treatment for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian medical text referred to the thick, short-stemmed succulent as the plant of immortality. Today, it is a common ingredient in different types of food, food supplements, cosmetics and skincare products, and herbal remedies.

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant, and the claims about its potential benefits are endless. Some of these claims are backed by scientific evidence, but others are not. While most experts agree that aloe vera is a safe remedy — especially for minor skin problems — very little is known about its potential side effects.

Can aloe vera be safely used for therapeutic purposes? To answer this question, we’ve compiled a list of the plant’s potential medicinal benefits that are backed by rigorous scientific studies.

#1 It Helps Fight Cavities

According to a study published by the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth gels that contain aloe vera are just as effective as toothpaste in helping people fight cavities and can also be used as a mouth rinse. Results showed that aloe vera is comparable to chlorhexidine when it comes to reducing dental plaque.

Aloe vera is also less harsh on the teeth since it doesn’t contain the abrasive elements present in most commercial toothpaste. This quality makes it a good alternative for those who have sensitive gums or teeth.

#2 It Helps Heal Burns

Aloe vera has long been used as a traditional treatment for burns. Its soothing properties have been confirmed by a 2013 study, which showed that the burn victims who used aloe vera gel showed better results than those who used silver sulfadiazine cream. The former also manifested signs of healing and pain relief faster than the latter group.

It is important to note that aloe vera is beneficial only if you’re suffering from sunburn or a mild burn. If you have a severe fire-related injury, it’s best to seek medical assistance first before applying any type of treatment.

#3 It Helps Lower Blood Sugar

A study published in the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacy showed that taking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice daily can help those with type 2 diabetes reduce their blood sugar levels. These results were replicated in another study that used pulp extract instead of aloe juice.

People with diabetes, however, should be cautious when taking aloe vera along with their medication. It is possible for the combination to significantly reduce their glucose count to alarming levels.

#4 It Helps Provide Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation

In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, scientists from Kyung Hee University Global Campus in South Korea found that baby aloe shoot extract may provide better sun protection than adult aloe shoot extract. The study focused on UVB-induced skin photoaging — that is, baby aloe shoot extracts protect the skin against aging due to sun exposure.

Another study conducted in Italy showed that aloe vera might also help protect the skin from radiation therapy damage. Participants who applied hydrating creams containing aloe vera reported fewer skin side effects after getting treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer.

#5 It Helps Provide Relief from Heartburn

A 2010 review recommended ingesting one to three ounces of aloe gel during mealtimes to reduce the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). More commonly known as acid reflux, GERD occurs when stomach acid, food, or fluids often flow back into the esophagus. This digestive disorder often leads to heartburn.

Purified and decolorized aloe vera juice may be more effective than traditional medication in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. Thanks to its low toxicity, aloe vera gel may also help ease other digestion-relation issues.

Looking for High-Quality Aloe Vera Products?

Aloe vera is safe for most people to use and is scientifically proven to help treat various medical conditions. If you’re looking for high-quality aloe vera products, Aloe Labs is a trusted source with 30 years of experience in the industry.

Aloe Laboratories has multiple certifications from reputable industry organizations, confirming its status as a validated manufacturer of organic aloe vera products. The company has always adhered to strict quality and food safety standards.

Let Aloe Labs be your partner in producing top-tier aloe products without breaking the bank. Contact us now to see how we can help.