Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe vera or medicinal aloe is a succulent plant, i.e. it can store water in the leaves, stems and the roots. This accounts for the swollen and fleshy appearance of the aloe vera plant, that mainly thrives in the arid climates. It is believed to be a native of the Northern Africa, Arabian peninsula and Madagascar, but today it can be found in India and other arid areas as well. It is a member of the genus aloe, which includes about 400 species of succulent flowering plants. The aloe vera plant has been an integral part of traditional or herbal treatment for a number of conditions. The benefits of this plant are mainly attributed to its high nutrient content and presence of certain chemicals like mannans, anthraquinones and lectins, which make it ideal for treating skin and hair problems, along with some common health conditions.

Aloe Vera Use for Skin
Aloe vera gel, the transparent gel that can be derived from the fleshy leaves of the plant has been used for thousands of years for its healing and soothing properties. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used this 'magic herb' for treating wounds, burnsand skin infections. Even today, its benefits for face is widely recognized throughout the world, and this is the reason why, it is an ingredient in a range of cosmetic products used for aging, wrinkles, acne and skin rash. It can soothe and moisturize dry skin and skin rash, and facilitate the healing of wounds, insect bites, acne and burns. It can also prove immensely helpful for treating sunburn, eczema and psoriasis, and reduce dark pots and pigmentation, besides exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal a glowing and radiant skin.

Aloe Vera Use for Hair
Hair loss is one of the most common problems of a great majority of the population, owning to poor nutrition, high level of pollution and exposure to harsh hair styling products. It can help to reduce hair fall, as it can it can stimulate hair growth. The enzymes present in this herb can stimulate new hair production and at the same time, moisturize the hair strands. It is an excellent hair conditioner, that smooth out unmanageable frizzy hair. Apart from these, it can prove effective for the condition seborrhea, which can be an important cause of hair loss in some individuals. Seborrhea is the condition where the oil or sebaceous glands produce too much of sebum or oil. If this sebum accumulates on the scalp, it can damage the hair follicles to cause excessive hair fall.

Aloe Vera and its Health Benefits
It is especially beneficial for the digestive system, as it can soothe the digestive tract. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antibacterial properties. Basically, it contains a number of nutrients including, polysaccharides, amino acids, enzymes, vitamin A, C, E and B12, calcium, magnesium, sodium, germanium and zinc.

• It is an amazing natural cleaner, as it has detoxifying properties. It can cleanse the digestive and the circulatory system and also the kidney, liver, bladder and the colon.
• It can provide relief in indigestion and heartburn, and promote the healing of stomach ulcers.
• Its juice can facilitate the proper functioning of the digestive system and help to ease conditions like, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties, for which it may provide relief in joint pain and stiffness, associated with arthritis.
• When taken internally, it can act as a laxative to promote bowel movements and thereby, relieve constipation.
• It can also benefit the diabetic patients. These benefits can be attributed to its ability to lower blood sugar.
• It can strengthen the immune system, and destroy the disease-causing bacteria and other pathogens.
• It can increase the rate of metabolism, which in turn, can help to burn more calories. This is the reason why, aloe vera juice has been claimed to be helpful in maintaining an ideal body weight.
• Apart from these, it can help to regulate blood pressure, and lower the level of triglycerides and blood fat lipid level.

It has been able to earn the title of 'miracle plant.' But this herb can cause certain side effects too, especially in the case of overuse. Prolonged and overuse of aloe vera internally can lower the level of potassium in the body, and cause fluid imbalance. Some of the possible side effects of using aloe vera excessively, or for an extended period of time, are diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. However, topical application has not been found to cause any side effect, unless an individual is allergic to it. It is advisable to use this herb only in moderation, and that too under the direction of a herbalist or health care provider.