Aloe: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

Aloe is called "the queen of therapeutic plants", a real panacea for the entire organism, thanks to its 200 active compounds and 75 nutrients. It includes 500 species of plants, including aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), the most used for its characteristics and the benefits it guarantees. Soothing, refreshing, healing, anti-inflammatory, Aloe strengthens the immune system, regulates the intestine and aids digestion, and on the skin it can also be useful for acne or in the case of mild mycosis.

Index of topics

Origins

Aloe is a plant that has been known for at least 6 years. The Egyptians called it “the "plant of immortality" and they used it in funeral rituals, to embalm bodies, and in skin care cosmetics. In India, since ancient times and still today, aloe is known by the name of kumari, and it came used to purify the body, treat digestive problems, and improve skin and hair health. The same is true in China. Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates and Dioscorides, praised its use for heal wounds, burns and internal disorders.

Properties and benefits

Aloe is known for being a veritable cocktail of vitamins and minerals essential for health and well-being, a plant capable of combating cellular aging and a true elixir of youth. Here are its most important properties:

Antiseptics. It inhibits and controls pain, eliminates infections thanks to the natural antiseptic agents it contains: sulfur, phenols, salicylic acid and cinnamic acid.
Healing. The leaves of the aloe plant contain an important gel that promotes wound healing. Recent research has identified some healing benefits of aloe even in the case of Psoriasis.
Antioxidants. Vitamins, mineral salts, and an amino acid called proline, which constitutes collagen, are able to regenerate cells from oxidative stress and have an anti-aging effect.
Purifying. The effectiveness of aloe gel in cleansing the gastrointestinal tract is due to its healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to coat and protect the stomach walls.
Anti-inflammatories. Aloe is particularly appreciated as a calming agent for inflammatory activities: it is able to soothe and calm the altered states of inflamed cells.
Laxatives. The part that works best in this regard is aloe juice, which acts as a natural purgative. Recent research has identified some healing benefits of aloe even in the case of psoriasis.
Antibacterial and antiviral. For these functions, aloe juice is recommended.
Antineoplastics. These properties still need to be proven, so don't fall into easy and unfounded judgments. Studies are focused on the possible preventive effects of aloe with respect to breast and cervical cancer. lungsThere are no clinical studies confirming these properties, and certainly the research done so far concerns the plant, not the aloe gel or juice.

Aloe vera against tropical diseases

The latest frontier in the medical uses of aloe vera concerns its effectiveness against some neglected, chronic tropical diseases among African populations. According to one study published in the journal Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, Aloe vera oil kills the parasites responsible for these diseases 30 percent more effectively than the current drug diminazene acetate. This is excellent news for African populations, as it would give them the opportunity to seek treatment, where necessary, without resorting to expensive medications that are often unavailable in these countries.

Aloe juice

One of the most effective and complete ways to consume aloe is through its juice. It is extracted from the leaves (especially the outermost part) of the plant and condensed with heat until it reaches shades ranging from yellow-green to red-black. Aloe juice is recommended for cleansing the body, aiding digestion, combating constipation, and strengthening the immune system. immunitary defense, especially during seasonal changes. The suggested dose is no more than 30-50 ml per day, which can also be diluted in fruit juice.

Aloe gel

To enjoy the benefits of aloe vera on the skin, we recommend the gel, which contains substances that speed up wound healing. The gel has a natural healing effect, and also improves blood circulation and prevents cell death. The pure gel can be used as a mask to hydrate and purify the skin; it helps against acne. dandruff, dryness or irritation of the scalp; has a calming effect on red or irritated skin.

The precaution to take concerns the perishability of aloe gel: it is a natural product, highly sensitive to light and high temperatures. This is why it should be stored in opaque or dark containers and in a cool place, where the temperature is between 4 and 20 degrees Celsius.

How to grow aloe

The aloe plant grows well in warm-temperate climates, tolerates very high temperatures, and tolerates very cold temperatures. Growing an aloe plant is very simple: just take a cutting, pot it, and water it a couple of times a week. It requires no other care or pruning. Naturally, it should be kept indoors in the winter. Remember that aloe is a plant of African origin, and therefore, even indoors, it requires a dry, warm climate. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius, while in winter the plant should be kept well-sheltered to avoid premature death from the cold. On the other hand, aloe leaves are also very ornamental.

Controindicazioni

The use of any aloe-based product is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The aloe molecule, in fact, acts on smooth muscles and may cause muscle contractions. Aloe-based products are not recommended for people suffering from: hemorrhoids, to those who have kidney problems and take diuretic drugs, to those who have to deal with diabetes.