HWN Suggests

The Facts Behind the Aloe Mystique

Since the time of the pharaohs, the gel from the spiny gray-green leaves of the aloe vera plant has been doctoring sunburns, skin irritations, insect bites, psoriasis, dry skin, ulcers, baldness, headaches and even runny noses. Part of Cleopatra's cache of beauty secrets, the fleshy succulent is also said to have been the ''gift of Venus,'' responsible for the luxuriantly silky hair and velvety skin of young maidens of ancient times. In the past few years, interest in the aloe mystique has been rekindled. In a myriad assortment of sepia bo ttles, pastel tubes, flower-frocked palm-frond baskets and other p ackages, the ancient ''miracle gel'' has found its way into shampo os, hair conditioners,…

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Featured

 Is Aloe a Sham?

Some evidence suggests it might help soothe a sunburn, but the research is thin, and there’s not always a guarantee that what you’re buying is real.

Articles of Interest

I Drink Aloe Vera Juice Every Morning—Here Are All The Benefits

If a plant could be called “iconic,” aloe vera would warrant the description. With its spiky, tentacle-like leaves and gooey insides, everyone wants an aloe vera plant on their window. But she’s not merely ornamental. Aloe vera—which grows in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates, as well as in your living room—has been used for centuries for its beautifying and medicinal benefits (there’s a reason it’s in all your most calming skincare products). From its anti-inflammatory effects to antimicrobial properties, the aloe vera plant really is that girl.

Aloe Vera Might Be the Next Big Thing

Here’s why it’s turning up in your salads and smoothies—and how you can reap the benefits.

Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects

The Aloe plant is employed as a dietary supplement in a variety of foods and as an ingredient in cosmetic products. The widespread human exposure and its potential toxic and carcinogenic activities raise safety concerns. Chemical analysis reveals that the Aloe plant contains various polysaccharides and phenolic chemicals, notably anthraquinones. Ingestion of Aloe preparations is associated with diarrhea, hypokalemia, pseudomelanosis coli, kidney failure, as well as phototoxicity and hypersensitive reactions.

Aloe Water

Cut a 2-inch piece off the aloe leaf. Scoop out the gel and place the gel in a blender with 8-16 ounces of water. Blend on high for 10-20 seconds. Pour in glass and drink immediately on an empty stomach for optimal benefits. Tip: wrap remaining aloe leaf in kitchen towel or plastic wrap and store in fridge, will stay good for 1-2 weeks in fridge and can be used as needed.

Are Aloe Vera Juice Benefits for Real?

The benefits of drinking aloe vera juice or aloe water are still up in the air, so consider the below potential perks, not promises... You may have come across lots of info about the health benefits of aloe vera juice, but what about aloe water? There's really not much difference, says Janet Brill, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D.N., a nutrition expert and consultant. Both start with a base of aloe vera gel (the topical stuff you're familiar with as a top ingredient in sunburn care products), which is derived from the central part of the aloe plant, she explains. What the gel is blended with next is what determines what kind of product you see on store shelves. "Aloe juice is basically the gel blended with a citrus juice, like orange juice. Aloe water is simply water blended with the gel," explains Brill.

Houseplant of the week: aloe vera

It looks good, does wonders for your skin – and even tastes great in a smoothie.

How To Use Aloe Vera For Clear, Acne-Free Skin

You’re probably familiar with the skin-soothing properties of aloe vera—especially when it comes to lessening the discomfort of a sunburn. But did you know that aloe vera can also be used for all sorts of skin issues, from psoriasis to dry scalp? In fact, some doctors recommend aloe vera for the treatment of acne and to prevent acne scarring, too.

I Drink Aloe Vera Juice Every Morning on an Empty Stomach—and the Benefits Are Noticeable

If there’s one natural elixir that has conquered my morning routine, it’s aloe vera juice. Drinking it on an empty stomach has become my best-kept secret. And no, it’s not just another wellness fad; it’s a practice backed by centuries of use and modern science. I was looking for something to boost my sense of well-being and decided to give it a try. Of course—it must be said—the benefits I noticed are anecdotal and specific to me, so do your own research. But I will say I notice some improvement in energy levels, my skin, and my digestion. For how I felt, keep reading.

Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents

Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries (burns, cuts, insect bites, and eczemas) and digestive problems because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. Research on this medicinal plant has been aimed at validating traditional uses and deepening the mechanism of action, identifying the compounds responsible for these activities.

Why Every Blogger Is Obsessed With Aloe

We love the way that a $10 tub of amazing-smelling, long-lasting coconut oil can improve our lives in countless ways, from defrizzing our hair to helping us decide what to make for dinner. But our favorite in-the-know bloggers are raving about another all-natural problem-solver that may be just as versatile and looks more chic on a shelf: aloe vera. Turns out that the clear gel from the fronds of the aloe plant can do much more than soothe a sunburn.

Resources

5 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

Today, many people drink aloe vera juice to aid digestion, regulate blood sugar, improve oral health, and more. However, research supporting these benefits is limited, and ingesting aloe vera may have some potential side effects.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

A small amount of research suggests that aloe taken orally may reduce blood sugar and HbA1c in people with diabetes. A small study showed that a specific aloe gel product taken orally for 8 weeks modestly reduced weight and fat mass in adults with obesity or overweight who had diabetes or prediabetes. There is interest in using aloe for many other conditions, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful for those conditions, which include eczema, diabetic foot ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.