Aloe vera is a versatile plant that offers numerous health benefits. It has been traditionally used to treat various medical conditions. In fact, ancient Egyptians referred to aloe vera as the plant of immortality. Today, aloe vera gel is a common ingredient in cosmetic products and dietary supplements.
However, although the succulent has been around for thousands of years, there are still many misconceptions surrounding its use. Some people may have overestimated its curative properties, while others may believe it’s only useful for healing sunburns.
5 Biggest Aloe Vera Myths
#1 Aloe Is Only Good for Skincare
Aloe offers many potential benefits apart from making your skin feel healthy and moisturized.
For instance, aloe vera has been traditionally used to help soothe and heal mouth ulcers. Studies show that aloe vera, whether applied topically or consumed as a juice, can help relieve the pain from cold sores and canker sores while also helping the affected area heal faster.
Here are some of the other potential benefits and uses for aloe vera gel:
- It has a soothing and healing effect on burns, sunburns, and eczema.
- It may aid in treating skin irritation due to poison ivy, poison oak, and genital herpes.
- It may help treat radiation-induced dermatitis, which is a common side-effect of cancer radiation therapy.
- Taken orally, it may help improve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, a digestive disorder that typically causes rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and pain.
- It may help control glucose or blood sugar in people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
#2 Fresh Aloe Gel Is Better than Processed Ones
Generally, it is true that using gel from a fresh cutting is the best way to consume aloe vera. However, aloe vera gel tends to go bad very quickly. Most cosmetic products that use aloe vera as an ingredient are processed so they can last longer.
As long as aloe gel is processed properly into powder, juice, and other forms, it should still be able to retain the same benefits as one that’s freshly harvested.
#3 Aloe Vera Is Better With the Rind
Aloe rind contains a compound called aloin, which has natural laxative properties. Aloin forms part of the aloe vera plant’s latex layer. The latex layer is the yellowish juice found just below the rind or the plant’s outer skin.
Some people consume aloe vera with the latex layer and the rind to induce bowel movement or treat constipation. However, aloin’s negative side-effects far outweigh its benefits.
Aloin is not edible and should not be consumed. Even small doses may be unsafe, as concentrations vary throughout the plant. In fact, the FDA ordered the recall of over-the-counter laxatives containing aloe vera. Aloe vera manufacturers that use aloe rind typically have to first get rid of the latex layer by using a charcoal filter.
#4 Aloe Vera Tastes Bad
It is true that aloe vera can be an acquired taste for some people. Pure, natural aloe gel has a rich, earthy taste. Some people describe it as slightly bitter. Others may find it fairly neutral or tolerable.
There are also numerous flavored aloe products on the market. You should be able to quickly find a product that best suits your taste buds. Moreover, once you start consuming aloe vera regularly, you eventually get used to the taste.
#5 All Aloe Plants Are the Same
Some people may believe that there’s only one species of the aloe plant, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many species of aloe around the world, with different varieties within each species.
Some aloe species may not have any healing properties at all. Aloe vera barbadensis Miller is typically recognized as the most beneficial aloe variety.
Interested in Manufacturing Your Own Brand of Aloe Products?
Aloe Laboratories has years of experience in manufacturing high-quality, organic aloe vera products including cosmetics, powders, concentrates, and juices. We adhere to strict food safety standards. We have also been awarded numerous certifications which attest to the quality of the products we produce.
Contact us today to discuss your options. We’ll endeavor to meet your needs and provide you with the most value for your dollar.