Aloe vera has been used for centuries and is currently more popular than ever.

 It is cultivated worldwide, primarily as a crop for “Aloe gel,” which comes from the leaf.

 Aloe vera is widely used today in:

•  Food – it is approved by the FDA as a flavoring.
•  Cosmetics.
•  Food supplements.
•  Herbal remedies.

 The medicinal claims made about Aloe vera, as with many herbs and plants, are endless. Some are backed by rigorous scientific studies, while others are not. This article focuses mainly on those that are backed by research.

 1. Teeth and gums

 2. Constipation

 3. Diabetes-induced foot ulcers

 4. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) irradiation

 5. Protection from skin damage after radiation therapy

 6. Depression, learning, and memory – an animal experiment

 7. Wounds from second-degree burns

 8. Irritable bowel syndrome

 A person should use a small amount of aloe vera when they first try it, and then build the quantity up to suit their needs.

 A person can cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant and use the gel inside. Preprepared aloe vera gel is also available for purchase in many pharmacies and health shops.

 Skin

 People can apply aloe vera directly to the skin. They can also use online recipes to create a lotion or cream that uses aloe vera as the main ingredient.

 If a person is unsure whether their skin will react adversely to aloe vera, they can apply a small amount on the inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction.

 The gel-like substance contains chemicals that can soothe and cool the skin, which makes it effective in treating sunburns and some symptoms of other skin conditions.

 There are "many" different methods of applying aloe vera to sunburn. These include:

•  using the gel, or juice, directly from the leaves
•  buying pre-packaged aloe vera gel
•  hydrating after-sun spray mists
•  applying after-sun rescue balms or lotions

 Experts recommend using a gel that contains 100% aloe vera. People should store this in the fridge. However, if pure aloe vera is unavailable, look for products that contain the highest percentage.

 Over-the-counter aloe vera products often contain other sunburn-soothing ingredients, too.

 Aloe vera alone will not provide sufficient sun protection by itself. That herbal formulations that contain aloe vera and an SPF 14–16 are effective in sunscreen creams. However, experts recommend that people use an aloe vera product with an SPF 30 or higher.

 Face

 Using aloe vera on the face is the same as using it on the rest of the body. However, because the skin on the face is more sensitive, using smaller amounts of aloe vera is advisable.

 Hair

 Some people use aloe vera to moisturize the hair and scalp. A person can use raw aloe vera gel and rub it into the hair and scalp, or use hair products with aloe vera as an ingredient.

 How do you apply it to the hair?

 Individuals interested in aloe vera for hair care can choose from a wide variety of ways to apply it, ranging from the homemade to the mass-produced.

 Some people like to apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to their scalps. To do so:

•  cut a leaf from a live aloe vera plant
•  using a spoon, collect the gel (some like to blend it with coconut or olive oil)
•  rub the gel or mixture directly into the scalp and let it sit for an hour
•  use a mild shampoo to wash the hair and scalp
•  repeat this process 2-3 times a week, as needed

 Since some people are sensitive to aloe vera, it is best to proceed cautiously and try rubbing a small amount of the gel onto the wrist first, to see if there is a reaction, before applying it to the scalp.

 Hair masks are also a popular way to use aloe vera for hair care. In this approach, aloe vera is mixed with one of the following:

•  honey
•  jojoba oil
•  egg whites
•  fenugreek

 The mixture is then massaged into the scalp and hair, a shower cap is worn, and the mixture is left on for 15 minutes to 1 hour, after which it is rinsed off with a mild shampoo.

 Oral health

Some types of mouthwash and toothpaste contain aloe vera as an ingredient. However, a person should avoid taking raw aloe vera orally.

 Safety

 The safest way to use raw aloe vera is topically. Ingesting aloe vera for digestive issues may cause:

•  cramps
•  diarrhea
•  less effective absorption of medications

 People living with diabetes should talk to their doctor before taking aloe vera orally because it may cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar levels.

Uses of aloe vera

 Some potential uses of aloe vera include:

 1. Treating canker sores

 2.  Healing wounds

 Aloe vera can help with preventing or treating conditions such as:

•  skin ulcers
•  postoperative wounds
•  genital herpes
•  chronic wounds
•  burn wounds
•  cracked nipples
•  psoriasis

3. Reducing plaque in the mouth

4. Treating acne

5. Controlling blood sugar

 It is likely that not all methods will work for everyone, but aloe vera is very gentle on the skin, so there is little risk in trying it.

 Aloe vera is an alternative treatment, and so there are no approved guidelines about strength or dosage. The following list gives suggestions for possible ways to use aloe vera for acne.

 People should not apply a new substance to their face without consulting a doctor or dermatologist. They can also advise on potential effects that aloe vera might have on any medications people are taking.

 Uses of Aloe vera :

 1. Pure aloe vera

 For instance, aloe vera gel is:

•  an antibacterial
•  an antioxidant
•  an anti-inflammatory

 A person may use pure aloe vera cream instead of a traditional cleanser to prevent acne breakouts. This works because the antibacterial agents in aloe vera remove bacteria from the skin, reducing the risk of spots developing.

 To treat existing acne, some people apply aloe vera to the affected area and leave it on overnight. It is important to wash it off in the morning.

 2. Aloe vera and lemon juice

 A person can make a face mask by mixing aloe vera and lemon juice in an 8 to 1 ratio, spreading this evenly over the face, and leaving it on for about 10 minutes. Importantly, they should avoid the sensitive eye area and wash the mask off thoroughly afterwards.

 3. Cinnamon, honey, and aloe vera

 To make a cinnamon, honey, and aloe vera face mask, a person can mix about 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of honey, 1 tbsp of aloe vera, and ¼ teaspoon (tsp) of cinnamon in a small bowl. This can be applied to the face, left on for 10 minutes, and washed off with warm water.