Aloe how does it work

When it comes to getting the most pure version of aloe, immediately using the gel after cutting it is the most effective method. Aloe begins to lose some of its potency after a few hours so cutting a fresh leaf will give you the most nutrients. Of course, this makes the most sense for topical use.

Caution: Be careful not to use the yellow juice from the leaf. It has a laxative effect. The other option is aloe vera in a bottle. Defined as aloe vera leaf juice. Commercial aloe juice is made by crushing or grinding entire leaves, including the latex portion.

Because the latex has a bitter flavor and laxative effects, it is removed during processing using a stripping agent. The NIH warns that this method can result in an aloe product with very few active ingredients, such as Acemannan. Although she does caution against using whole-leaf aloe. Although aloe vera is a natural remedy, take precautions before using it. The National Library of Medicine recommends avoiding aloe latex because of serious side effects such as stomach cramping, kidney problems, heart disturbances, muscle weakness and blood in the urine.

Years ago, many companies used aloin the substance that causes the laxative effect in their laxative products, but the FDA stepped in and prohibited the use of the substance. The federal agency was concerned people would begin increasing their aloe latex dosage because the body builds up a tolerance and higher dosages could lead to the aforementioned health problems.

Defined as aloe vera inner leaf juice, or inner fillet. Commercial aloe vera gel is made without the outer rind and aloe latex. Some products use carrageenan, an element in seaweed, as a thickening agent. The problem? Carrageenan has been linked to digestive problems which is a bit ironic since aloe gel is often used to aid in digestion. There is more present in gel. Before aloe gel and juice can hit store shelves, it has to be properly harvested and undergo a highly-sanitized production process.

Aloe farms can be found throughout the world. Africa, Australia, Asia, Central America, South America and the Caribbean are all popular locations for growing aloe for commercial use. Perhaps because aloe has been recognized as big business by many, farms in other countries are cropping up. The International Aloe Science Council states that commercial operations have requested set-up help in Greece, Iran and other countries in the Middle East.

To grow strong aloe plants, farms need good irrigation systems, fertilization and the proper climate. There are no aloe vera seeds, only pups. To grow a new aloe plant, simply cut offshoots of a mature plant roots and all and replant. If cut improperly, aloe loses its potency quickly and becomes susceptible to contamination. Farm employees harvest the largest and most mature leaves which are found at the bottom of the plant.

Some aloe plants yield three leaves at a time, while others can produce six to nine leaves at harvest time. The leaf is pulled away from the stalk and cut at the white base of the plant. Doing this prevents the inner part of the leaf from being exposed to outside elements. Cutting at the base keeps leaves sealed. Upon harvesting, the leaves are gathered and delivered to a highly-regulated and sanitized processing facility. Processing must be done carefully to prevent the outer rind from being punctured which can cause contamination.

The first step in processing is washing the leaves using various machines. Post-wash, the processing steps differ depending on whether the whole leaf or inner leaf will be used.

If only gel is being used, the inner contents need to be separated from the rind and latex. The bottom of the leaf is cut and the yellow latex seeps out. The leaf is then rinsed to ensure no latex is present. The gel is then removed. For the best quality aloe product, cutting and processing must be done within 48 hours.

Aloe goes through a pasteurization process to ensure the product is safe. Manufacturers heat the aloe at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Aloe vera gel and orange juice have something in common. When juice is made the traditional way—fruits and vegetables are torn and shredded by blades—some heating occurs. This reduces the amount of nutrients in the juice, much like cooking can decrease the nutritional value of food.

Exposure to air causes the same effect. Cold-pressing involves, well, pressing the juice out of vegetables and fruits, but no heat is present in this process. The result is a thicker product with more vitamins and minerals. With aloe vera, the cold-pressing occurs after the inner leaf gel has been removed. Unlike other many other plants, aloe vera is resistant to most pests due to its thick outer later.

The International Aloe Science Council states that in just about all cases, aloe vera is grown organically. The organization discourages commercial growers from using pesticides, germicides and herbicides. To be certified by the National Organic Program USDA Organic , growers and handlers must provide a large portfolio of information including the history of the substances used on the land in the last three years.

Growers and handlers must also demonstrate how they prevent organic aloe from coming into contact with non-organic materials.

The USDA conducts yearly inspections. With so many aloe products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Morrow says to think about these issues:. The main point is to do your research. Morrow suggests checking reviews about supplements at ConsumerLabs. The International Aloe Science Council defines what is considered aloe vera in commercial products:. Aloe vera may turn out to be more than just a superfood and skin and hair treatment. It can be used for other daily tasks, like brushing your teeth and keeping food fresh.

Here are 10 things you can do with aloe vera. Aloe vera gel contains antiseptic properties which can help clean teeth and gums. The NIH also states the ingredient can help reduce inflammation of the gums caused by gingivitis or periodontitis.

Back in , researchers in Spain found that adding an aloe vera coating to fruits and vegetables may help them last longer. In , researchers tested the effectiveness of aloe vera as a coating on tomatoes. The results showed that aloe vera prevented parasitic and fungus growth on the tomatoes. The quality of the fruit was maintained but the aloe coating did delay ripening. It also helps prevent razor burn and soothes cuts.

Mix one part olive oil and three parts pure aloe vera to make your own concoction. Aloe gel has a cooling effect. With a few ingredients, you can make a refreshing spritz for the body and face. Peel and cut the cucumber either dice it or put into a food processor. If using a processor, strain through a cheesecloth to extract the cucumber essence and to keep the mist light.

Include some of the diced pieces in the mix. Pour into a glass spray bottle with the water, aloe vera, witch hazel and shake. There are plenty of reasons aloe vera can fight dandruff. Sure, it moisturizes, but the compounds in the gel also fight bacteria and fungus that cause the flaky stuff. You can find natural aloe vera shampoos that are free of chemicals or you can make your own. Aloe not cooling enough for you? Make ice cubes! You can either cut fresh gel into 2-inch pieces and freeze or place the gel in ice cube trays.

Once frozen, you can use them for sunburns and other topical needs. Homemade hand sanitizer using aloe has become popular among natural health proponents. Some recipes call for rubbing alcohol while others use a mix of essential oils and witch hazel, along with aloe.

Tea tree oil has antibacterial qualities and can work well with the hydrating effects of aloe. Aloe latex might also have the potential to cause cancer. Other side effects include abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Oral use of aloe latex and whole-leaf extract isn't recommended for children younger than age There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If you choose to ingest aloe vera, make sure to wash the gel or skin thoroughly to remove all traces of latex.

The latex has an unpleasant bitter taste and may cause harmful side effects. Sunburns occur when the ultraviolet UV radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, damages the DNA inside skin cells. The cells die in a process known as apoptosis. The rapid cell death activates the immune system to release inflammatory proteins. Blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow in order to carry immune cells to the damaged skin.

This inflammatory process makes the skin turn red, irritated, and painful. Third- and fourth-degree burns are medical emergencies and need to be treated in a hospital.

Do not attempt to treat third- and fourth-degree burns with aloe vera at home. To help heal a sunburn, the first step is to take a cold shower or apply a cool compress to the burned area. For pain, take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or aspirin. If blisters appear, try not to pop them as this can cause an infection.

Shop for pain relievers. You can apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to the burned area to keep the area moisturized and to minimize inflammation as the burn heals.

Make sure to drink plenty of water as sunburns can leave you dehydrated. Applying aloe vera gel on the skin is not likely to cause any harmful side effects, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

If you ingest aloe vera, it could lead to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or worsening of constipation. Aloe vera is known to have a laxative effect when ingested. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Before you cover a large area with aloe vera, do a patch test on a small, area of your skin and wait an hour or two to see if you have a reaction.

If you do have an allergic reaction to the aloe vera, discontinue use right away. Aloe vera may have several other benefits when applied to the skin or ingested. These include:. Even if you use aloe to help with the pain and redness, you should still keep an eye out for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.