This popular plant is good for more than just sunburns.
Though you are probably familiar with aloe, this potted plant is more than meets the eye.
Aloe vera is a specific species of succulent from theAloegenus that is most popular as a houseplant.
Getty Images / Albina Yalunina
Aloe isn’t just pretty, though; it may be good for you too.
We dove into the research to find out more about the health benefits of aloe.
Is Aloe Vera Edible?
In fact, it has along history of popular and traditional usein countries including India, Mexico and China.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe has a variety of health benefits from topical and oral use.
Here are the highlights.
Soothes Skin
Aloe can help soothe burns when applied topically to your skin.
Who else remembers the tube of bright green aloe that was inevitable after a long day at the beach?
Beyond simple sunburns, aloe can have some powerful effects on skin injury, burns and rashes.
Somestudieshave found that it might even help with acne with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Relieves Constipation
Your poop can actually tell you a lotabout your health.
It could be from a variety of factors, includingstress and your diet.
Aloe may be able to help with that.
There is a latex component of aloe vera gel that is commonly used to help treat constipation.
Research attributes its laxative effect to theanthraquinone glycosidesfound in the aloe vera latex.
If you’re considering drinking aloe for digestive symptoms, talk to your doctor first.
