Aloe Vera is a popular go-to option in Indian households to treat any minor wound or for any skincare or hair care treatment. The main reason behind this is the vast array of benefits of Aloe Vera. The use of Aloe Vera in olden days medicine extends back many years, curing digestive problems, increasing one's immune system, and moisturising them.

So, if you too are keen on knowing them, keep scrolling to find out the different ways of using Aloe Vera benefits and side effects of its overuse.

The benefits of aloe vera are as follows:

1. Accelerates healing of wounds

Aloe vera is popularly applied to wounds due to its anti-bacterial properties. It contains several polyphenols, which is the main reason behind restricting the growth of bacteria. Additionally, it produces a cooling sensation, and hence it is extensively used to heal sunburn.

2. Treats canker sores

Canker sores underneath the lip on the inner surface of the mouth are very common in people. Although they require little time to heal, you can accelerate the healing process by using aloe vera gel.

3. Treats acne

People dealing with acne problems, irrespective of their gender, can use aloe vera gel to cure them. You can also prepare different face masks using aloe vera gel and other readily available ingredients to get effective results instantly and, at the same time, enjoy glowing skin.

4. Solves digestive problems

Aloe vera juice acts as a laxative and effectively treats constipation. It contains compounds such as aloin or barbaloin, which are extremely effective in treating this digestive problem. Nonetheless, it is essential to keep a check on its consumption to avoid its side effects.

5. Lowers blood sugar levela

Aloe vera juice is highly effective in controlling blood sugar levels. So, if you are suffering from the same, you can opt for Aloe vera juice. However, it is a must to consult a doctor before proceeding with this treatment.

6. Aids in weight loss

One of the advantages of aloe vera is that it has shown a prominent effect on an individual’s weight management. Its action against pancreatic enzyme is effective in absorbing fats resulting in weight loss.

7. Relieves heartburn

There are several digestive issues that can lead to heartburn. To reduce its severity, you can take 1 to 3 ounces of aloe vera gel during meals.

8. Soothes razor burn

If you encounter a razor cut while shaving, then you can apply aloe vera gel on it. It soothes the burn by producing a cooling sensation.

9. Treats dental plaque

You can use aloe vera juice as an effective mouthwash. It kills bacteria such as Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. This has proven to be extremely effective in reducing dental plaque considerably, thus aiding you in preserving your oral health.

10. Boosts Immune System

Aloe Vera has antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help in making the immune system stronger to promote good health and prevent infections.

11. Hydrates and Nourishes Skin

The rich combination of enzymes, vitamins, and high water content in Aloe Vera is essential for moisturising the skin by reducing dryness and irritations.

12. Reduces Inflammation

Through calming inflamed tissues, Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory nature can relieve symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, or joint discomfort in the body.

13. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Consuming Aloe Vera juice regularly may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus supporting your heart and preventing cardiac diseases.

14. Detoxifies the Body

In aiding with cleansing the liver, kidney, bloodstream, etc., it is an inherent substance for detoxification purposes, thereby improving one’s general health.

15. Relieves Asthma Symptoms

The use of inhaling Aloe Vera extract fumes could work towards relieving airway inflammation plus mucus production while relieving asthma symptoms.

Individuals enjoy the flexibility to use aloe vera in several ways to get its effect. These ways include:

Aloe vera in pure form

You can use the gel from the Aloe vera plant directly on your skin to treat pimples and acne. Additionally, you can also apply aloe vera gel on your hair and skin. Its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties prevent acne from reappearing. You can apply it on the affected area at night before sleeping. Next morning wash off the gel with cold water.

Aloe vera with cinnamon and honey

You can prepare a face mask using aloe vera with honey or cinnamon, as both of them have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To make the mask, you need to mix 1 tbsp of Aloe vera gel, 2 tbsp of honey and 1/4th tbsp of cinnamon in a bowl. Apply this mixture to your face and leave that for 10 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water.

Aloe vera gel with lemon juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which provides relief to skin irritations. You can prepare this mixture by adding lemon juice with aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture to the affected regions and after 10 minutes, wash your face off to remove the mask completely.

Aloe vera gel in spray form

Spraying aloe vera in diluted form on your face is beneficial as it will prevent your face from getting dehydrated. At the same time, preparing the solution is extremely easy. You only need to mix water with aloe vera gel. This mixture will not produce any excess oil on your face.

Aloe vera gel with tea tree oil

Research suggests that tea tree oil is highly beneficial in treating acne. You can mix aloe vera gel with water and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and apply it to the affected area to get the best results. Do not use excess amounts; only apply the required quantity.

Aloe vera gel creams

You can use creams infused with aloe vera to get rid of acne and pimples and enjoy beautiful glowing skin. Gently cleanse the skin pores with the cream using a circular motion. Rinse it after a few minutes with cool water and gently pat it dry.

Aloe vera scrub with sugar and coconut oil

You can prepare a scrub using aloe vera gel, sugar and coconut oil to get rid of dead skin cells and enjoy glowing acne-free skin. Mix aloe gel, coconut oil and sugar to make a scrub to remove dead skin cells and enjoy glowing skin.

Although there are several medicinal benefits of aloe vera, consuming it in excess and that too for a long time can cause severe side effects.

To acquire the best health benefits of Aloe Vera, one must also know the nutrients it contains. Below is a table which shows the nutritional values of Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is useful for our health but also has other effects on our bodies. The side effects of excess Aloe Vera consumption are as follows:

Drop in Blood Sugar Level

You can face an alarming drop in blood sugar levels if you do not check your aloe intake. In this case, dizziness, confusion, and even faintness can be some of the symptoms caused by the hypoglycemic effect.

Chances of Diarrhoea

Due to the laxative property of Aloe Vera, you can end up suffering from diarrhoea. The condition causes discomfort and interferes with normal digestion, thereby leading to poor nutrient absorption.

Chances of Dehydration

Aloe Vera causes a significant change in the electrolyte balance of the body, resulting in severe dehydration. For instance, losing fluids and electrolytes would be an issue among the elderly or those grappling with particular health conditions.

Possibility of Fatigue

You can also experience sudden fatigue due to a drop in potassium levels in the body. This could also be due to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, impairing muscle function and overall energy levels.

Muscle Cramps and Abnormal Heartbeat

You can experience muscle cramps and abnormal heartbeat on excess consumption. A significant amount of potassium is lost while taking Aloe Vera as a laxative, which results in muscle cramps or irregular heartbeats in severe cases.

Risk of Cancer

It increases the chances of colorectal cancer if you consume it for a longer time. This is thought to be caused by their anthraquinone constituents, which can become carcinogenic when given in large doses over an extended period.

Hepatitis and Red Urine

You can experience hepatitis and red urine on increasing Aloe Vera consumption. Among such symptoms, there are instances where an individual experiences constant fatigue and jaundice while having abdominal pain, too.

While consuming Aloe Vera, you must keep in mind some precautions to stay safe from its side effects.

The Aloe Vera plant is frequently employed for its possible wellness advantages, but care should be taken when using it. The precautions for using Aloe Vera are as follows:

Although Aloe Vera has various health benefits, some people must avoid it. People who must avoid consuming Aloe Vera are as follows:

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should avoid using Aloe Vera products since they can stimulate the uterus to contract and lead to early birth or miscarriage. It is worth mentioning that Aloe Vera latex has potent laxative properties, which makes it unsafe.

Nursing Mothers

Nursing mothers are advised not to consume Aloe Vera because it can go into breast milk and cause diarrhoea in infants. Moreover, Very few studies have been done on the safety of this herb in lactating women. Therefore, consult a doctor first.

People Allergic to Liliaceae Family Plants

Sufferers of the Liliaceae family plant allergies like garlic, onions, or tulips must avoid Aloe Vera because it can cross-react. Symptoms of allergies include skin rash and itching up to more serious ones such as difficulty breathing.

Children Below 12 Years of Age

Children aged below twelve years should not take Aloe Vera, especially Aloe latex, due to its potent laxative effect. This leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance as well since it causes abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhoea in young children.

Kidney Patients

In particular, Aloe Vera has some chemicals which can make kidney issues worse, especially in persons who already have kidney disease. The availability of anthraquinones as a laxative also interferes with the electrolyte balance, further complicating the kidneys' functioning.

Patients on Medications

Some medications might not work or produce unwanted side effects, such as diarrhoea, when taken with Aloe Vera. For this reason, patients currently under medication should consult their doctor before using Aloe Vera to avoid harmful interactions.

Now that you are aware of the health benefits of Aloe Vera make sure that you do not end up consuming excess and encounter its side effects. There are numerous ways to consume Aloe Vera and acquire its health benefits. So you can add it to your diet or skincare routine.

Additionally, if you notice any side effects, immediately consult a doctor to prevent their severity.