Aloe Vera: The Benefits and Harms of a Houseplant

Growing any type of aloe on a windowsill is easy, as the plant is low-maintenance. Aloe vera is a houseplant renowned for its high organic content, which can be both beneficial and beneficial to human health. Aloe is a perennial plant from the Asphodelaceae family, native to Africa and the surrounding islands.

The flower's main advantage is its resilience to adverse conditions: it can withstand not only drought and heat but can also survive for several months if uprooted from the soil. Aloe's drought resistance is due to its leaves, which contain large reserves of water and other organic matter.

Description and chemical composition of aloe vera

The aloe root system is unbranched and sparse, the stem is small, and most of the space is taken up by leaves. The leaves are fleshy and dense, light green in color, and often covered with white spots. Each leaf has spines on its margin.

The plant reaches half a meter in height, producing a single flower stalk up to a meter tall during its life. Tubular flowers appear on the stalk. They are yellow, red, or orange in color and are gathered into an inflorescence. Each flower is no more than 5 cm in diameter. They open gradually, from the bottom up. Flowering of aloe indoors is quite rare. The plant blooms profusely when grown outdoors.

Aloe has long been used to treat illnesses, as evidenced by references to the plant dating back to the 4th century BC. Scientists claim the plant contains over 200 beneficial substances.

Amino acids are considered the flower's main constituents. They influence all metabolic reactions in the human body, as they serve as the substrate for protein synthesis. Essential amino acids, which are not synthesized by the human body but are essential, are also found in the flower.

The plant contains acemannan, which stimulates the immune system. This substance significantly enhances the body's defenses. Aloe is considered a storehouse of beta-carotene. It contains resins and tannins, which improve the functioning of the digestive system.

Furthermore, the flower contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, trace and macronutrients, saccharides, esters, and organic acids. It also contains phytoncides, enzymes, polysaccharides, and sterols. Experts emphasize that all of the above substances are found not only in fresh but also in dried aloe.

The benefits and medicinal properties of aloe vera

The plant is recommended for colds and purulent exudate accumulation in the maxillary sinus. The pulp is very effective for the rapid healing of wounds, bruises, and hematomas. Aloe can also help remove a splinter in just a few days.

The flower accelerates microcirculation and improves overall blood flow. The high acemannan content helps boost immunity and is also an excellent tumor preventative. Barbaloin, a component of the plant, has antibiotic properties.

Aloe stimulates collagen production in the deep layers of facial skin, improving skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles. The plant quickly moisturizes, reduces puffiness, and refreshes the skin. Aloe stops hair loss and improves the condition and appearance of hair. Its antibacterial properties help combat acne. The flower is also used to treat eczema and ringworm.

Aloe has long been used to improve appetite, relieve dyspepsia, and treat diarrhea and heartburn, as well as gastritis, stomach ulcers, and intestinal ulcers by neutralizing bacterial flora. Drinks containing the pulp can help with excess weight and boost metabolism. This flower was previously known as the plant of longevity.

In dentistry, aloe is used to reduce inflammation associated with gum and dental diseases. It is also prescribed for colds accompanied by cough and fever. Gynecologists prescribe aloe preparations for vulvitis, cervical dysplasia, cervical erosion, and colpitis.

Possible harm and contraindications

Aloe vera can be beneficial, but it can also have negative effects on the human body if used improperly. An example is the presence of aloin, which in high concentrations is a carcinogen and can cause toxicity. Allergies are the main contraindication for treatment with this plant.

Experts do not prescribe the plant to pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with acute gastrointestinal diseases, heart and vascular pathologies, exacerbations of urinary tract diseases, and bleeding, including menstrual bleeding. It is prohibited to use aloe in the treatment of children under 3 years of age, and for children under 12 years of age, it is carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

For diabetics, a doctor should prescribe the dosage, as excessive consumption of the flower can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels. Treatment should not exceed several weeks, as the biologically active ingredients in the composition can disrupt the body's water-salt balance. Taking the remedy in the afternoon may cause insomnia, as it tones the nervous system.

In cosmetology, the use of aloe and aloe-based products is prohibited for those prone to rosacea. The plant is incompatible with certain medications, so it should only be used after consulting a doctor.

Uses of aloe vera in folk medicine

In order to extract maximum benefit from the plant, it is necessary to know the rules of preparation and indications for use.

Preparing the medicine

For treatment, use plants aged 3 to 5 years, as this is when the maximum amount of beneficial substances accumulate. Before harvesting the leaves for the medicine, the plant should not be watered for a week.

The cut leaves are wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for a week to stimulate the synthesis of biologically active substances. After a week, the outer skin is removed from each leaf section, and the inner substance is scooped out with a spoon into a bowl. The resulting mixture is placed in an airtight container and used as directed. It is not recommended to store the flower's gel-like substance in the refrigerator for more than three days, as it loses its healing properties.

External use

Aloe is used locally in the following cases:

1. To speed up the healing of wounds, ulcers, or fistulas, use an ointment. To prepare it, mix aloe pulp with honey in any proportions and add half a tablespoon of alcohol, mixing until smooth. Store the ointment in the refrigerator and apply a thin layer to the affected area.
2. To make a hair mask, grind the plant pulp in a blender and add it to your conditioner or hair mask. Use this mask several times a week to strengthen the hair follicle and restore its structure.

   

3. To treat hair loss and dandruff, rub the flower's juice into the hair roots daily. Once the hair's condition returns to normal, it can be applied several times a week. The course of treatment lasts several months and depends on the hair's condition. For oily hair, dilute the juice with a teaspoon of alcohol and rub the liquid into the roots every other day, a few hours before washing.
4. To moisturize the skin, add honey, glycerin, and oatmeal to the plant juice. The ingredients are blended and the resulting mixture is left to steep for half an hour. Afterward, the mask is applied to the face and left on for 30 minutes. It is recommended to use this mask every other day.
5. To eliminate facial wrinkles, add a tablespoon of juice to 2 tablespoons of honey and apply to the face for 20-25 minutes. It is recommended to use the mask every other day.

   

6. To treat acne on the face, finely chop the pulp, add the egg white and a little lemon juice. Blend everything together in a blender and apply several layers to the face. Leave this mask on for half an hour.
7. To relieve facial inflammation, finely chop the pulp, add water, and let steep for half an hour. Boil the plant and water for several minutes and strain. Wipe the face with the resulting liquid daily until all symptoms subside.
8. To treat gynecological diseases, a tampon is soaked in juice and inserted into the vagina for several hours.

Internal reception

The internal use of aloe is indicated in the following situations:

1. To restore the body's energy reserves, improve appetite, and treat dyspeptic disorders, add 250 g of honey and 350 ml of red wine to 150 ml of juice. Mix the ingredients and take a teaspoon before each meal.

   

2. To treat a runny nose, place a few drops of the plant's juice in each nostril. For tuberculosis, a mixture made from 100 g of honey, cocoa powder, ground nuts, a small piece of lard, and 15 ml of the juice is taken daily with warm milk, 4-5 times.
3. For a sore throat, the juice is used as a gargle, and a piece of pulp placed in the mouth can help relieve pain associated with toothache or gum disease. To relieve constipation, add 300 g of warm honey to 150 g of fresh leaves. Let the mixture steep for 24 hours and take a teaspoon in the morning before meals.

   

4. Taking a teaspoon of the juice several times a day can help with digestive ulcers, hepatitis, cystitis, dysentery, asthma and bronchitis, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, and gastritis. The juice can be diluted with honey. Treatment lasts for two weeks, with several-week breaks in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its beneficial properties and used medicinally. Before using aloe vera, consult a doctor, as it can not only heal but also cause harm if used improperly.