Aloe Vera: Healing from the Inside Out

Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for its soothing, cooling, and healing properties. While it’s often thought of as a natural remedy for sunburn, aloe’s benefits go far beyond the skin — supporting digestion, immunity, and whole-body wellness.

Nutritional Profile

The gel and juice from aloe leaves contain:

• Vitamins A, C, E, B12, and folate

• Minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium

• Enzymes that support digestion

• Polysaccharides (like acemannan) that promote healing and immune function [1]

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

1. Skin Healing and Hydration Aloe vera is best known for soothing burns, wounds, and skin irritation. Its gel hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation, and speeds wound healing by stimulating collagen production [2].

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects Aloe contains plant sterols that act as natural anti-inflammatories, reducing swelling both when applied topically and when consumed as juice [3].

3. Digestive Health Drinking aloe vera juice may help soothe the digestive tract, reduce irritation from acid reflux, and support healthy bowel function. Some studies suggest aloe can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [4].

4. Detoxification Support Aloe juice is rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides that support liver health and help the body eliminate toxins more effectively [5].

5. Immune Support The polysaccharide acemannan in aloe vera stimulates macrophages — immune cells that help defend the body against infections [6].

6. Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Preliminary studies show aloe vera supplementation may help lower fasting blood glucose and improve cholesterol profiles, suggesting benefits for metabolic health [7].

7. Oral Health Aloe vera gels and rinses have antimicrobial effects that may help reduce dental plaque and gum inflammation, making them a natural alternative to chemical mouthwashes [8].

Everyday Uses for Aloe Vera

• Apply gel to sunburns, cuts, or minor skin irritations.

• Use aloe-based lotions for skin hydration.

• Drink small amounts of aloe vera juice to support digestion and detoxification (look for purified, decolorized products).

• Use aloe-based mouthwash to reduce gum inflammation.

Healthier Alternatives with Aloe Vera

• Replace store-bought after-sun gels with pure aloe vera gel.

• Swap sugary drinks for diluted aloe juice for hydration and digestion support.

• Use aloe-based mouth rinses instead of alcohol-based products.

✅ Wellness Tips

• Always choose purified aloe juice (aloin-free) to avoid digestive irritation

• Apply aloe gel to skin for hydration and wound care

• Start with small amounts of juice to test tolerance

• Store aloe gel in the fridge for extra cooling relief

The Takeaway

Aloe vera is a versatile plant with benefits that extend from skin healing to digestive support and immune health. Whether applied topically or taken internally, aloe offers a safe, natural way to soothe, restore, and protect your body.

*Always consult a nutrition professional (Chiropractor, Nutritionist, Naturopath, etc.) if you have any health concerns. Aloe Vera may or may not be the right choice for you!

References

1. Hamman JH. Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules. 2008;13(8):1599–1616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13081599

2. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aghamirzaei MR. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1–9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/

3. Habeeb F, Shakir E, Bradbury F, Cameron P, Taravati MR, Drummond AJ. Screening methods used to determine the anti-microbial properties of Aloe vera inner gel. Methods. 2007;42(4):315–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2007.03.004

4. Hutchings HA, Wareham K, Baxter JN, Atherton P, Kingham JG. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Clin Pract. 2011;65(9):919–927. https://doi.org/10.5402/2011/206103

5. Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Pharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents. Phytother Res. 2020;34(9):2083–2107. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324

6. Im SA, Lee YR, Lee YH, et al. In vivo evidence of the immunomodulatory activity of orally administered Aloe vera gel. Arch Pharm Res. 2010;33(3):451–456. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-010-0315-1

7. Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Chokechaijaroenporn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera juice. Phytomedicine. 1996;3(3):241–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(96)80060-2

8. George D, Bhat SS, Antony B. Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of aloe vera tooth gel and two popular commercial toothpastes: an in vitro study. Gen Dent. 2009;57(3):238–241. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5842600