Aloe plants have been cultivated and prized for their healing properties over a long period of time, even though different civilizations considered the natural plant to be rather practical for combating certain diseases. One of the species that is at present most popular, and rightfully so, is the Aloe vera plant, which is the most commonly known for its therapeutic properties in correspondent internal and topical applications.
However, their questions like which aloe vera plants are medicinal, are often asked because not all the varieties of aloe plants are suitable for medical use. Aloe barbadensis miller is the aloe vera most typically utilized for its health benefits, especially for the skin and internal use.
In this article, we will discuss these different aloe varieties, taking a close look at their features, medical application, and all the overall health benefits needed to establish which aloe plant is medicinal and how they can help you.
About Aloe Plants and Their Medicinal Qualities
The Asphodelaceae family comprises around 500 species of Aloe vera plants. Originally found in arid areas of the globe, most of these plants are well-known for their ability to hold water in their fleshy leaves. Aloe has been recognized to have medicinal qualities since ancient times; certain ailments are treated using the gel extracted from the leaves.
Which Aloe Vera Plant is Medicinal?
As for which aloe vera plant is medicinal, Aloe barbadensis miller is the kind that comes to my mind. Endemic to some parts of the world and commonly cultivated and gathered for its medicinal properties, this species.
Characteristics of Aloe barbadensis miller
Also commonly referred to or simply known as Aloe vera, it is scientifically known as Aloe barbadensis miller. Its foliage characteristics are thick, fleshy texture and large leaves, which make this plant a member of the perennial succulents category. When planted in warm temperatures, the plant can grow up to thirty inches tall. Fluorescent to greyish green is most frequent; some species have a crimson hue under direct sunlight.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe barbadensis Miller
Renowned for its many medical purposes, especially in skincare and digestive health, aloe vera, often known as Aloe barbadensis miller, are a few of its most noteworthy applications:
- Aloe vera gel is most commonly applied transdermally to cure burns, wounds, and dermatitis. This salve has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to cool a sore area, help in the healing process, and reduce pain. Since aloe vera treats dry skin, it can also be found in moisturizers.
- Aloe vera juice is famous for its properties regarding gastrointestinal complaints such as IBS, constipation, and acid reflux. The plant compounds are believed to support normal bowel function since they decrease inflammation and improve digestion.
- It was found that aloe vera has molecules that reduce inflammation and exercise antioxidant properties. This assists in reducing the inflammation of the body’s cells and protects the cells from destructive oxidative stress.
Top Medicinal Aloe Vera Species
Aloe ferox
Aloe arborescent and Aloe ferox. The latter is indigenous to the southern region of Africa and is commonly called Cape Aloe. It is often used in herbal medicine because it has many healing applications.
Aloe ferox medicinal applications
- Laxative Properties: The derived latex in Aloe ferox is employed to manage constipation since it possesses overwhelming laxative effects. However, it should be taken in moderation since excessive use could lead to low electrolyte levels and dehydration.
- Skin Care: Aloe ferox gel is applied as a topical for skin diseases such as burns, injuries, and sunburns in a similar manner to Aloe vera gel. It has marked facilitative anti-inflammatory and hygroscopic properties, which are comprehensively recognized.
Aloe arborescens
Initially grown in parts of Southern Africa, the aloe plant, commonly known as Aloe arborescens, is One of the plant’s significant uses of health for boosting the immune system and has been known to the traditional medicine system for a long.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe arborescens
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- Aloe arborescens is one of the best-known remedies for enhancing the immune system. They are believed to have some non-specific health-beneficial effects and act against infections.
- Aloe arborescens gel is mainly used to treat skin injuries, ulcers, burns, and other skin irritations like other Aloe species.
Aloe Perryi
Endemic to the Socotra Islands in the Arabian Sea, Aloe perryi is commonly known as the Socotrine aloe. Unlike Aloe vera, it has limited application, yet it has vast medicinal value.
Aloe perryi’s medicinal purposes
- Wound Healing: Open sores, wounds, and burns are dressed with Aloe perryi gel. Its antibacterial properties help recovery be faster and prevent infections.
- Digestive Health: Like Aloe vera, Aloe perryi is also known to assist with treating constipation, thus promoting gut health by reducing inflammation.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Health and Wellness
As for general health promoting properties, aloe vera has several benefits; some apply to the plant only. Aloe vera has the following other advantages:
- Hydration: Aloe vera is very useful for the body and skin due to its excellent properties as a moisturizer. When taken as juice, it retains skin dampness and is generally applicable to preventing the body from getting dehydrated.
- Weight Loss: Aloe vera juice is sometimes incorporated into detox diets and weight loss crusades. Its cleaning properties help purge out impurities, facilitate digestion, and promote bowel movement, which may help you care for your weight.
- Management of Diabetes: Aloe vera has some data to help those with type 2 diabetes maintain a low blood sugar level. Aloin and Aloe vera also have potential in diabetes treatment owing to their ability to reduce blood glucose levels and stimulate insulin action in animals.
- Cancer Prevention: While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that aloe vera, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, can help prevent some types of cancer.
How to Use Aloe Vera Medicinally
It can take many forms depending on how the aloe vera is needed. Aloe vera may be used generally in the following therapeutic applications:
- Topical Use: To treat burns, cuts, and other skin diseases, you can directly apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area. Alternatively, you may apply creams or gels with ordinary aloe vera gel found in a local store.
- Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice is prepared by blending the gel isolated from the leaves with water. It can increase the body’s immunity, help eliminate toxins, and aid digestion.
- Supplements: Aloe vera is also available in pills and capsules. It can be consumed to boost the immune system, make skin healthy, or help with digestion.
Conclusion
Last but not least is the medical issue about the aloe vera plant that leads to the Aloe barbadensis miller, the most utilized species for many health benefits, particularly in digestion and skincare. Other breeds of aloe, too, such as Aloeferox, Aloe arborescens, and Aloe perryi, have medical values that are useful in various illnesses.
Even today, natural and nature-based medicine continues to incorporate aloe plants, particularly aloe vera, for therapeutic purposes. Aloe vera is taken as tablets, consumed to help the digestive system, or used externally as a gel for wounds; this is a very versatile plant with noticeable medical properties.
