It has been known for millennia. The queens of Egypt benefited from its beneficial effects on the skin. It was placed in the tombs with the mummies of the pharaohs to serve them in life after life. Alexander the Great used his beneficent power to heal the wounds of his tireless soldiers who conquered with him almost half of the ancient world. The ancient Greeks referred to it as a panacea for everything. Our grandmothers treated skin ailments with it.
Today, thanks to specialized scientific research, we discover even more of its secrets.
200 biologically active ingredients of aloe were isolated. This is much more than any other plant has. It is also much more bio stimulants than the human body needs to function properly.
Aloe includes, among others:
1. Vitamins: A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants, as well as B12, folic acid, and choline.
2. Enzymes: 8 enzymes, including bradykinase, which helps to reduce inflammation, while other enzymes in aloe help break down sugars and fats.
3. Minerals: calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc.
4. Sugars: monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans / polymannose), acemannan with immune-boosting properties. Recently, antiallergic glycoprotein (called alprogen) and a new compound with anti-inflammatory action (C-glucosyl chromone) have been isolated from Aloe Vera gel.
5. Anthraquinones, including aloin and emodin which act as analgesic, antibacterial and antiviral agents; they also have a purgative effect.
6. Fatty acids: all of them have anti-inflammatory properties, and one of them, lupeol, also has antiseptic and analgesic properties.
7. Hormones: auxins and gibberellins, which aid in wound healing and are anti-inflammatory.
8. Amino acids.
9. Salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Thanks to such a wealth of ingredients, aloe vera can help in the treatment of many diseases and ailments, as well as prevent them.
1. Digestive system.
“The most important factor ensuring the proper functioning of the digestive tract is the acid-alcaic balance. The proteins and minerals present in the aloe vera pulp prevent acidity due to its buffering properties. Contrary to the pharmaceuticals recommended for excess acidity, quite the oppositive, aloe vera pulp does not bind hydrochloric acid and does not inhibit digestive processes.” [2]. Aloe vera will therefore support the treatment of erosions and stomach ulcers. Drinking the pulp will also relieve the symptoms of acid reflux disease.
The enzymes in aloe support the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, thus supporting a healthy metabolism. Aloe vera itself, rich in many minerals, amino acids and vitamins, will provide the body with many substances needed for appropriate functioning.
Compounds contained in aloe vera soothe intestinal inflammation, supporting the treatment of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative enteritis. Studies have also shown that the antibacterial effect of aloe is effective in the fight against bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella or Escherichia coli.
On the other hand, the ingredients contained in aloe are a good culture medium for the so-called "good" bacteria of the digestive system, supporting their multiplication and strengthening the intestinal walls. In this case, it is best to drink aloe vera on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before breakfast.
Aloe also supports the work of the liver, making the body better clean of toxins. In this case, it is recommended to drink aloe vera at the end of the day, before going to sleep, as the liver cleans itself during the night.
I suffer from Crohn's disease and a gastroesophageal hernia. I have been drinking aloe vera for 3 years and I have noticed that the symptoms are not so bothersome. Also, the test results do not show inflammation in the body (for more information, see the article: “A good life with Crohn’s disease”). The beneficial effects of drinking aloe vera on reflux symptoms are also confirmed by my friends. Even small doses of pure aloe vera flesh alleviate the annoying symptoms. I was also reported that aloe reduced the discomfort of the digestive system devastated by pharmacological treatment of the cancer.
2. Diabetes.
“The fact that sugar’s level in a blood can be regulated with aloe vera was confirmed in clinical trials in India. 5,000 patients (including 2/3 diabetics) suffering from ischemic heart disease were examined. Every day all patients ate 100g of fresh aloe pulp and 20g of the classic anti-constipation used in Indian medicine. After 2 months, blood sugar level (fasting and fed) did not return to norm in only 177 patients. Aloe pulp regulates sugar metabolism in the human body thanks to the content of calcium, chromium and a set of B vitamins." [2]. You may learn more about immunity in the article „Diabetes: how to protect yourself from it and support its treatment”.
An insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patient was recommended by a doctor drinking 30 ml of aloe vera pulp 3 times a day. Aloe, supported by other supplements (including propolis), meant that after a week the insulin dose could be reduced by half. Previously, even following a diabetic diet did not bring such good results.
3. The circulatory system.
Compounds contained in aloe vera have a positive effect on strengthening and regenerating the walls of blood vessels. They also improve blood flow by cleaning the veins and arteries of small clots, dissolve atherosclerotic blockages and lower blood pressure.
4. Immunity.
70% of the immunity is in the intestines. The beneficial effect of aloe supports the body's defense system by the strengthening the intestinal walls and the development of its own bacterial flora. The substances contained in this plant have a positive effect on the development of B and T lymphocytes fighting for our health, as well as macrophages, i.e. those soldiers who absorb intruders. As a result, we get sick less often, don’t catch infections, and when a runny nose occurs, we are quickly able to deal with it without the use of pharmacological drugs. However, you need to be aware that in order to achieve this, it is not enough to drink one bottle of aloe. You have to introduce it into your life permanently. We build immunity for about half a year by drinking aloe vera every day. The body needs time to cleanse itself of toxins, rebuild the intestinal bacterial flora and restore balance, especially since we bombard it with food full of chemical additives and stress on a daily basis. You may learn more about immunity in the article “Immunity of the body”.
With my illness, catching a cold is very risky. For a few years I have been drinking one dose of aloe prophylactically every day, and during periods of intensity of viral attacks (i.e. in autumn and early spring) - twice a day. I don't catch colds, viruses, and maybe I catch them, but I'm not even aware of it, because my immune system deals with them unnoticeably.
5. Natural antibiotic.
Aloe has strong antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In a way that does not harm the body, it will help in the treatment of viral infections (where pharmacological antibiotics are not applicable) and bacterial infections (where pharmacological antibiotics work to a more and more limited extent). When we have a cold or other infection, despite the fact that we drink aloe, it is worth increasing its dose. You can add it to lemon and honey water and drink it throughout the day. We can treat it as a gargle or cough syrup. It is also worth enriching it with a drop of lemon, lemongrass, orange or grapefruit oil.
6. Inflammation in the body.
Aloe works similar to steroids (such as cortisone) but without the side effects. Aloe also helps to digest proteins, which are the main cause of inflammation in the body. These in turn are at the root of chronic diseases - autoimmune. Poor protein metabolism, a disturbed immune system due to food debris penetrating through the leaky intestinal walls, lead to allergies.
“Allergies have taken the proportions of a global epidemic. According to the World Allergy Organization - the World Allergy Organization, at least one allergic disease occurs in 30-40 percent of people world’s population. As estimated by the Polish Society of Allergology, allergies affect half of Polish women and Poles." - PAP, 07/05/2019.
Unfortunately, I belong to this half. I have been suffering from an allergy since I was a child. Spring pollinatingof trees (especially birch), and then grass, made spring and the beginning of summer - instead of enjoying nature, I associated with chronic hay fever and eye lacrimation. Even two years of desensitization to allergens did not help. I admit that the main factor that made me start drinking aloe was its positive influence on the immunity and functioning of the intestines, and the relief of inflammation in the body. I did not focus on allergies, so my surprise was even greater when I noticed lack or little allergic reaction when the concentration of allergens in the air was really high. I received this aloe’s gift as a bonus. I recommend aloe vera as a supplement to all allergy sufferers, pointing out that this treatment takes time (about half a year).
7. Skin.
Aloe vera is mainly associated with its beneficial effects on the skin. It nourishes, protects and ensures proper hydration of all its layers.
“During a study at North Texas Research Laboratories, it was observed that aloe vera flesh penetrated the skin 4 times faster than water, providing nutrients to the dermis and hypodermic connective tissue. It contributed to the improvement of blood microcirculation and at the same time had an astringent effect.” [2].
Aloe is successfully used in cosmetics due to its regeneration and renewal properties. It accelerates the growth of new cells and the elimination of old ones. "It has been proven in clinical trials that the aloe vera pulp accelerates the formation of fibroblasts in human skin 6 to 8 times, also affects the cohesiveness of fibroblasts and, most importantly, accelerates the production of collagen." [2]. It is thanks to these properties that aloe-based cosmetics increase the elasticity of the skin, inhibiting the aging effect. They make it look healthier and visibly smoother.
Our grandmothers used aloe as an antidote to skin ailments. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will prove useful in the treatment of skin injuries, and soothing in the case of burns (including sunburn) or frostbite. Rashes, bite marks, wounds, scars and bruises will heal faster. The itching and burning sensation will also be reduced. You can rub aloe vera jelly on irritated skin or apply aloe vera leaf compresses.
Aloe also has pain soothing properties. It is more effective than analgesic ointments because it penetrates deeply into parts of the skin.
Its antiviral properties will help you fight herpes, and its antifungal properties will help you fight skin mycosis.
Aloe also has astringent properties that will help in the treatment of acne and antiseborrheic properties that help with dandruff problems.
It also works as an antiperspirant that regulates the skin microflora without disturbing the biological balance of the skin and not inhibiting the natural secretion of sweat. It is antiseptic, has a soothing effect (in case of irritation caused by shaving the armpits). It does not block skin pores like other antiperspirants and additionally removes toxins from the body.
Its properties may also be helpful in such skin diseases as: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or leukoderma.
However, it should be remembered that changes would not be expected after a single use of aloe. The skin regeneration process takes about a month. You can use masks, creams, shower gels or shampoos with aloe vera. Nevertheless, the greater benefit will be obtained by using aloe vera both externally and internally. In order to look and function well, the skin, like the rest of the body, needs to be cleansed of toxins. In skin diseases (such as atopic dermatitis), it is important to alleviate the inflammation in the body, the consequence of which are skin problems. Rubbing with lotions or aloe ointments may provide temporary relief, but will not remove the cause of the disease itself. Means applied externally should be supported with a proper diet and regular drinking of aloe over a longer period of time.
8. Oral hygiene.
Studies have shown that aloe vera helps to eliminate bleeding gums, gum inflammation, and is also good for caries prevention. Since I have started using toothpaste with aloe vera and propolis, problems with bleeding gums appear sporadically. Dental plaque has also stopped building up as much as before.
Which aloe vera to choose to get the most benefits.
If we want to invest in health, it is worth that the preparation we choose should help us, not harm us. Therefore, before we decide to "treat" with aloe, we should pay attention to a number of factors. There are many (about 200) types of aloe. Aloe barbadensis has the most nutritional and therapeutic value. It is also worth being interested in what conditions this plant is grown in. I have heard about cases of growing aloe vera in cellars under artificial light, which will not only negatively affect its nutritional value but may also contain carcinogenic substances.
If we want aloe to have a therapeutic effect, it is not enough to drink "some" aloe drink because there is little aloe in it. In this case, a concentrate that you may possibly dilute will be better. Another point to note is how aloe is processed. Aloe flesh oxidizes quickly and should not be exposed to high temperatures, which negatively affects its therapeutic properties. Processing of aloe vera should be carried out in suitably adapted laboratories. It should be noted whether the aloe drink is obtained from pure aloe pulp, i.e., without the addition of leaf skin and juice, which contain aloin and emodin - substances with an irritating and laxative effect. Drinking aloe from the whole leaf on a regular basis over an extended period of time can lead to severe intestinal irritation.
You will say - why buy an aloe vera drink, if I have a handsome specimen in my pot. You can mince such a leaf and prepare a juice yourself. Yes, you can, but it is important that this "juice" does not contain the skin and yellowish liquid, only pure pulp. The pulp should be sourced in such a way as not to disturb its cellular structure and, of course, we also remember about the susceptibility to oxidation. To sum up, this aloe vera from our pot is better to use for wraps and masks, not in the kitchen. If we want to use something internally, it is more beneficial to use professional products with appropriate certificates.
I use Aloe Vera gel from Forever Living Products. The company has its own ecological aloe plantations. It also controls the whole production process. The drink it offers is a 99,7% pure pulp concentrate, without the addition of heavy metals or pesticides, and also without chemical preservatives. The drink is certified by the International Scientific Council for Aloe. Such aloe may be also drunk, and even should be, by children with immunosuppression or allergies. I know from my friends that they have a problem because their kids don’t want to drink aloe. In fact, pure Aloe Vera, without any flavor-enhancing additives, is just plain bland. That is why Forever Living offers children a combination of aloe vera pulp with mango or peach juice. They are sweet and, in my opinion, tasty, but if your child is allergic or suffers from some chronic disease, it is worth persuading it to try pure pulp. By adding other ingredients, we lose the proportion of aloe to the benefit of other fruits (in the case of aloe-peach pulp, the aloe content is 84,5%). Aloe may be diluted with plenty of water with addition lemon, honey or mixed with juice. You might give it to your child like a syrup on a spoon. Each parent has some patents to convince their child to eat something less tasty, but very healthy. I, for example, dilute aloe vera in water and add a drop of citrus essential oil.
Aloe Vera is a strong concentrate. When used for the first time, it may result in slight diarrhea, so it is worth getting your body used to it first, using small doses for the first days (up to 30 ml, even lower for children). Aloe vera, rich in active compounds, may react with pharmacological drugs, e.g. hormones. In the case of taking them, drink aloe vera at the earliest 3 hours after the medicines, when they are already absorbed. Aloe vera will help in the rebuilding of the weakened and debilitated organism after serious diseases, including cancer. However, it should not be consumed during the treatment of cancer (chemotherapy, radiation), as it can neutralize the effects of drugs (cancer treatment is highly toxic to the body, and aloe has a cleansing effect). “Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometime causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.” [1].
I also use other Forever Living products containing aloe, such as: propolis toothpaste, propolis cream, lipstick, antiperspirant. I am very pleased with all of them.
The text is based on the following source materials:
[1] Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani, and D G Saple “Aloe Vera: a short review”, Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2008 (own translation).
[2] Prof. dr hab. Grażyna Cichosz „"The Phenomenon of Forever Aloe Vera Aloe Flesh" (oryginal title: „Fenomen miąższu aloesowego Forever Aloe Vera”), Faculty of Food Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 2009.
[3] „What is Aloe Vera and health benefits..... Forever Lining Aloe Vera Natural Products“,
[4] Maharjan H. RadhaNampoothiri, P. Laxmipriya „Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2015.
[5] Davis RH, Leitner MG, Russo JM, Byrne ME “Wound Healing, Oral & Topical Activity of Aloe Vera”, J Am Podiatr Med Assoc Vol 79, Number 11, 1989.
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