Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that people have used for thousands of years. Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves. It is best known for treating skin injuries, but it also has several other uses that could potentially benefit health. It also covers some of the risks associated with use.
It contains healthful plant compounds:
The cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries use aloe vera extensively, and the plant has an estimated annual market value of $13 billionTrusted Source globally. Aloe vera is known for its thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves, which may grow to about 12–19 inches (30–50 centimeters) in length. Each leaf contains a slimy tissue that stores water, and this makes the leaves thick. This water filled tissue is the “gel” that people associate with aloe vera products. The gel contains most of the beneficial bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties
Antioxidants are important for health. Aloe vera gel contains Trusted Source powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols.
These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
Aloe vera is known forTrusted Source its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems
It accelerates wound healing:
People most often use aloe vera as a topical medication, rubbing it onto the skin rather than consuming it. In fact, it has a long history of use in treating sores, and particularly burns, including sunburn. The United States Pharmacopeia describe aloe vera preparations as a skin protectant as early as 1810–1820. Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first and second degree burns. For example, a review Trusted Source of experimental studies found that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared with conventional medication. It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections. The evidence for aloe vera helping heal other types of wound is inconclusive, but the research is promising.
It reduces dental plaque:
Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems. One of the best ways to prevent these conditions is to reduce the buildup of plaque, or bacterial biofilms, on the teeth. In a mouth rinse studyTrusted Source of 300 healthy people, researchers compared 100% pure aloe vera juice with the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine.
After 4 days of use, the aloe vera mouth rinse appeared to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. Another study Trusted Source found similar benefits of aloe vera mouth rinse over a 15- to 30-day period.
Aloe vera is effective in killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.
It helps treat canker sores:
Many people experience mouth ulcers, or [canker sores, at some point in their lives. These usually form underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about a week Trusted Source
Studies have shown that aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.
For example, in a 7-day studyTrusted Source of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, applying an aloe vera patch to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers.
However, it did not outperform the conventional ulcer treatment: corticosteroids.
In another study Trusted Source, aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them.
It reduces constipation:
Aloe vera may also help treat constipation. This time it is the latex, not the gel, that provides the benefits. The latex is a sticky yellow residue present just under the skin of the leaf. The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established Trusted Source laxative effects.
However, people have raised concerns about safety with frequent use. For this reason, aloe latex has not been available in the U.S. as an over-the-counter medication since 2002Trusted Source. Contrary to popular belief, aloe vera does not appear to be effective against other digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
It may improve skin and prevent wrinkles:
There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin. In a 2009 study Trusted Source of 30 females over the age of 45, taking ■■■■ aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over a 90-day period. Reviews Trusted Source also suggest that aloe vera could help the skin retain moisture and improve skin integrity, which could benefit dry skin conditions.
It lowers blood sugar levels:
People sometimes use aloe vera as a remedy for diabetes. This is because it may enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.
For example, a review Trusted Source of eight studies found that aloe vera could have benefits for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes due to its effects on glycemic control. However, the quality of the existing studies is not ideal, so scientists do not currently recommend using aloe vera for this purpose.
Risks:
Aloe vera is a safe remedy with few known side effects. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)say that topical use is likely safe.
Summary:
Aloe vera has a range of therapeutic properties, especially as an ointment for the skin and gums. People can use bottled aloe vera gel or take it directly from the leaf of an aloe plant. Aloe vera juice has different uses to aloe vera gel. ■■■■ options should contain decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera to minimize risk. A person should always speak to a doctor before using aloe products to treat a condition.
Home remedies for acid reflux:
Acid reflux is a common condition that people often refer to as heartburn. Natural remedies offer an easy and inexpensive way to treat the symptoms at home. The symptoms of acid reflux typically include heartburn, hiccups, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Acid reflux is common, accounting for about 8.9 million clinical visits annually in the United States. Anyone who experiences persistent or frequently recurring acid reflux should seek medical help. Other people may find that home remedies are sufficient for reducing acid reflux and relieving the symptoms.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when acid flows from the stomach up into the food pipe (esophagus).
Certain diets can trigger acid reflux, and it is also more likely to affect pregnant people and those with asthma or excess body weight.
If acid reflux occurs frequently, a person may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause complications in the long term. Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms should speak with a doctor.
Natural remedies for acid reflux:
A person can try several home remedies to treat or lessen the symptoms of acid reflux.
Quit smoking:
A significant body of research has confirmed that smoking is bad for health Trusted Source, but people may be unaware that smoke, even secondhand smoke, can increase acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. The LES stops stomach acid from flowing back up into the food pipe. According to a 2015 review of studies Trusted Source smoking reduces the pressure on the LES, making acid reflux possible. Quitting smoking should normalize this pressure, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
Calming techniques:
Focusing on the discomfort that acid reflux causes can lead to anxiety and worsen how a person feels. Someone experiencing anxiety can try box breathing techniques to manage the rapid breathing and dizziness that can occur with anxiety.
Although staying calm will not stop acid reflux, it can help someone avoid experiencing worse symptoms.
A 2013 article in the journal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Trusted Source suggests that applied relaxation techniques are among the most effective ways of combating anxiety.
Avoid trigger ingredients:
Research Trusted Source shows that certain foods reduce the tone of the LES and can cause irritation.
A person can try eliminating trigger foods from their diet to see whether this reduces the symptoms of acid reflux:
Common trigger foods include:
- coffee
- alcohol
- mint
- tomato
- fatty foods
- spicy foods
Incorporate ginger into the diet:
Some research suggests Trusted Source that ginger may be beneficial for nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms, although the limited quality of included evidence means that more research is necessary to confirm these benefits.
Based on the existing evidence, researchers suggest a daily dose of 1,500 milligrams Trusted Source. It is possible that a higher intake could have adverse effects.
Ginger is an easy ingredient to incorporate into the diet. People can try: - adding it to hot water to make ginger tea
- including it in a stir-fry
- boiling it in a soup
- grating it raw onto salads or cereals
People who dislike the taste of ginger can mask it by including it in recipes with other strong flavors.
. Eat earlier:
A 2013 study found that participants who went to sleep within 3 hours of eating had a higher risk of GERD recurrence.
Leaving a longer gap between dinner and going to bed gives the body more time to digest the food. Sitting up also helps the body digest food properly.
The proper digestion of food can decrease the likelihood of acid reflux.
. Maintain a moderate weight:
Eating a balanced diet) is key for a person’s general health, and it can also help them manage their weight. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans state that 74% of all adults in the U.S. are overweight or have obesity.
The Obesity Action Coalition says that acid reflux occurs more frequently among adults who have a high body mass index (BMI) or obesity. The reason for the link seems to be that excess fat around the abdominal area puts pressure on the stomach, making the body work ■■■■■■ to keep acid down. People with a high BMI may find that reaching and maintaining a moderate weight helps them reduce the frequency of acid reflux.
It is important that people focus on safe ways to lose weight, as losing too much weight too quickly may also cause health problems.
Chew sugar-free gum after meals:
An older study from 2005Trusted Source has shown that chewing gum can increase swallowing frequency, improving the clearance rate of reflux in the esophagus.
Chewing also boosts saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.
However, it is important to avoid chewing gums containing sugar, which may make the symptoms worse or cause dental erosion.
People should also avoid mint flavored gum, as mint can worsen
The symptoms of acid reflux:
Wear less restrictive clothing:
Tight clothing, such as belts, jeans, or other ■■■■■■ garments around the stomach and waist, can put pressure on the abdomen. This pressure, known as intragastric pressure, may trigger acid reflux. A person can try wearing loose clothing to relieve the pressure on their abdominal region.
Try herbal tea
Some drinks, including coffee and alcohol, may increase the symptoms of acid reflux. Replacing these beverages with decaffeinated herbal teas may help reduce the likelihood of acid reflux.
Herbal teas can also help improve digestion and ease symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.
Popular herbal teas include: - chamomile tea
- licorice tea
- green tea
- fennel tea
- fruit teas
It is best to avoid mint teas, which may trigger Trusted Source acid reflux.
Introduce high fiber food into the diet:
Fiber is an important part of every healthy diet. It can help a person feel full and aid digestion, easing the symptoms of acid reflux.
Fiber-rich foods that a person can start introducing to their diet include: - whole wheat breakfast cereals
- porridge oats
- granary bread
- whole wheat pasta
- bulgur wheat
- brown rice
- potato skin (for example, on baked potatoes)
- beans
- lentils
- chickpeas
- broccoli