What Are The Potential Health Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a popular plant used in natural medicine and skincare. Many people use its gel for skin issues, digestion, and even oral health. While some studies support its benefits, others are based only on personal reports or small trials.

In this article, we look at the possible health benefits of Aloe vera and what science says about them.

What Are The Potential Health Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera?

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a green, cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. Its leaves contain a thick, clear gel that is used in many products.

Today, Aloe vera is commonly found in:

• Skin and beauty products

• Herbal medicines

• Dietary supplements

The gel is the part most often used for health purposes.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Many people believe Aloe vera can help with skin issues, wounds, digestive problems, and more. 

While some research supports these uses, more high-quality studies are needed. 

Always speak to a doctor before using Aloe vera as a treatment.

1. Dental Health

Some studies suggest Aloe vera may help with mouth wounds and gum disease.

• A 2016 study found that Aloe vera mouthwash helped reduce pain and swelling after wisdom tooth surgery.

• A 2018 study showed that Aloe vera gel, combined with metformin, improved symptoms of chronic gum disease.

• A 2020 review found Aloe vera may help with gum health, but noted that many studies were small or low quality.

2. Wound Healing

Aloe vera gel is often used for minor burns, cuts, and ulcers.

• A 2024 study found that Aloe vera may safely help heal diabetic foot ulcers, although more research is needed.

• A 2022 review reported that Aloe vera helped second-degree burns heal faster.

3. Skin Conditions

Aloe vera is found in many skincare products for acne, psoriasis, and other skin problems.

• A 2021 study supported using Aloe vera gel as an extra treatment for acne.

• Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce redness, scaling, and skin discoloration in psoriasis.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Conditions

Some people use Aloe vera to help with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the evidence is limited.

• A 2023 animal study found Aloe vera may reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

• A 2018 review suggested Aloe vera might ease some IBS symptoms, but more research in humans is needed.

Conclusion

Aloe vera is used around the world for both skin and digestive health. 

Some studies show it may help with wound healing, oral health, and inflammatory conditions. 

However, many claims are not fully backed by strong scientific evidence.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before using Aloe vera as a treatment.

Medical Sources

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Aloe Vera

• Cleveland Clinic – Aloe Vera: What It Is, Uses, and Side Effects

• Sahu PK et al. (2013). Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Aloe vera: a review. Pharmacology & Pharmacy.

• Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. (2008). Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol.