Aloe Vera: God's Wonder Plant
- Isabella Boston
- May 27, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 15
The Many Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis, is a popular medicinal plant that stores water in its leaves. Known for its powerful ability to treat skin injuries, aloe vera contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties, and has many other uses that are beneficial to your health.
The aloe vera plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, but it also grows in other places throughout the world. People have utilized its healing properties for thousands of years for a range of purposes, including softening the skin, treating skin disorders, relieving constipation, and alleviating heartburn.
Here are just six health benefits of Aloe vera:
1. Contains healthful plant compounds – Aloe vera has thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves that can grow to about 12 – 19 inches in length. Each leaf contains a gooey tissue that holds water, which makes the leaves thick. This tissue is the “gel” that is highly associated with aloe vera products. It contains most of the beneficial bioactive compounds in the plant, including antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
2. It contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties – Aloe vera contains powerful antioxidants that are important for your health. These antioxidants are a part of a larger family of substances known as polyphenols. When combined with other compounds in aloe vera, these polyphenols can help to stop the growth of certain infection-causing bacteria. Aloe vera is well-respected for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, which is why it is used to treat skin problems and heal wounds.
3. Speeds up wound healing – Studies have shown that aloe vera is an effective topical treatment for sores, sunburn, and first- and second-degree burns. A review of experimental studies concluded that aloe vera reduced the healing time of burns by 9 days compared to conventional medication. In addition, it helped prevent itching, redness, and infections.
4. Relieves heartburn - A review in 2015 showed that consuming one to three ounces of aloe gel with a meal reduced the severity of heartburn. It can also ease other digestion-related issues. Aloe vera’s low toxicity makes it gentle and safe to treat heartburn.
5. Lowers blood sugar – According to a study in Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacy, consuming just two tablespoons of aloe vera juice a day could lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Future diabetes treatment using aloe vera looks very promising. These results were also confirmed by another study published by Phytotherapy Research that used pulp extract.
6. Gives you clear skin – Aloe vera’s water-dense leaves, along with its special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates makes it an effective face moisturizer, leaving you with clear and well-hydrated skin! It has also been used to treat acne, get rid of stretch marks, and fade dark spots. In a 2009 study, 30 females over the age of 45, who consumed oral aloe vera gel, increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over 90 days.
Risks
It should be noted that there are some risks when ingesting aloe vera. Oral use may cause stomach cramps and diarrhea due to its laxative effects, and in some cases, there have been reports of liver damage with long-term aloe vera supplement use. However, topical use is likely safe.
Author’s Bio
Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.
She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.
Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book lover, a language enthusiast, and, most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.
"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."
Sources
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Hekmatpou, D., Mehrabi, F., Rahzani, K., & Aminiyan, A. (2019, January). The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A systematic review. Iranian journal of medical sciences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/
O;, Y. S. V. N. (n.d.). Antidiabetic activity of Aloe Vera L. Juice. I. Clinical Trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23195077/
Cho, S., Lee, S., Lee, M.-J., Lee, D. H., Won, C.-H., Kim, S. M., & Chung, J. H. (2009, February). Dietary aloe vera supplementation improves facial wrinkles and elasticity, and it increases the type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo. Annals of Dermatology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2883372/
professional, C. C. medical. (2025, December 22). Collagen: What it is, types, function & benefits. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
Yang, H. N., Kim, D. J., Kim, Y. M., Kim, B. H., Sohn, K. M., Choi, M. J., & Choi, Y. H. (2010, March). Aloe-induced toxic hepatitis. Journal of Korean Medical Science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2826749/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aloe Vera: Usefulness and safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
