• Aloe vera is a succulent plant with over 4,000 years of recorded history, dating back to ancient Egypt.
• Aloe vera benefits go beyond the topical treatment of burns and scars, as it can be consumed for medicinal purposes.
• Aloe vera juice drinks are an effective way to harness the power of this healing plant, as it can be a bit bitter in taste but easily masked when mixed with other superfoods.
• Medical literature for the past 50 years shows that aloe vera benefits people promoting healthy gut function, digestion, lowering cholesterol, treating arthritis symptoms, reducing inflammation, alleviating skin conditions, and more.

You’ve probably heard of aloe vera as a powerful substance to relieve sunburn and small injuries, but aloe vera benefits go beyond sunburns and nice garden decorations. It’s a superfood that holds potent health benefits for the entire body from the digestive tract to oral health.

In this article, you will learn what it is, why and how to use it and the benefits of drinking aloe vera for your gut and brain with delicious recipes anyone can try.

 

What Is Aloe Vera?

 

The Discovery of Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe vera is a succulent plant dating back to Ancient Egypt. It is native to North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands, but today it is grown in tropical climates and used as a houseplant worldwide.

The first record of Aloe as a medicinal plant is believed to be a Mesopotamian clay tablet dating to ~2100 BC. However, the first detailed description of aloe vera benefits can be found in the “Papyrus Ebers,” an Egyptian document dated 1550 BC, which depicts various aloe vera preparations and aloe vera juice drinks for the treatment of both external and internal illnesses.

In Ayurveda, it is called kathalai, and it was heavily guarded as a precious plant to balance energy and heal digestion, while Egyptians and Chinese medicine held it in high regard for its blood purification and rejuvenating properties.

Aloe vera benefits have been recorded for over 3,500 years and used all over the world for longer.

The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

The aloe vera benefits keep growing the more we research the plant, recent studies show that ingesting or injecting aloe vera juice (or extract) supports:

#1 May Provide Heartburn relief:

According to a 2010study, 1-3 ounces of aloe vera juice drink taken before a meal can reduce heartburn and GERD symptoms.

#2 May Regulate Blood Sugar:

According to several studies, aloe vera benefits people with diabetes or metabolic disorders because it can lower blood sugar levels.

#3 Could Improve Digestion:

Research has shown that aloe vera is a natural laxative that’s great to prevent and help remedy constipation.

#4 Might Help with IBS Symptoms:

Some studies show that one of the benefits of drinking aloe vera is reducing abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

#5 May Fight Cancer:

A 2013 study showed aloe vera benefits may fight breast cancer by slowing tumor growth.

#6 Could be an Alternative Antibiotic:

Research found that the aloe vera benefits included antibacterial ones with equal effects as antibiotics against Enterobacteriaceae.

Used topically, aloe vera benefits:

#7 May Alleviate Skin Conditions:

Research has shown that aloe vera can effectively relieve sunburn. It can also remedy burns, wounds, acne, and psoriasis.

#8 Gums and Oral Health:

Research has shown that aloe vera benefits gum health, and it is an excellent alternative to mouthwash that may help with swollen or bleeding gums.

WHY SHOULD I USE ALOE VERA?

Aloe vera is a natural and straightforward way to support your health, particularly digestion, blood sugar levels, and skin. Among superfoods, it’s one of the easiest to find and use; it’s a readily available plant that you can keep in your house both for decoration and medicinal purposes.

You can also find aloe vera leaves sold individually at grocery stores, ethnic supermarkets, and health food stores. They are affordable, and a large blade can go a long way.

How Should I Use Aloe Vera?

There are many ways to use aloe vera gel, but one of the best ways to get all those good aloe vera benefits is to get it in your system through an aloe vera juice drink. Here are some ideas to both eat and drink it:

Use Aloe Vera in Your Diet

Aloe vera is a colorless gel inside the plant leaves. When cut it has a strong smell and it can be an acquired taste.

To consume aloe vera, it is better to separate the clear crystal inside from the thick green leaf and clear some of the latex (yellow liquid between the gel and the leaf) around it as the bitterness comes from this liquid.  The latex can be a powerful laxative but if it’s your first time leave it behind by washing the gel cubes.

Raw aloe vera feels watery and tastes a bit bitter with a sweet tinge at the end.

How to Eat Aloe Vera:

• Add it to Green Juices: just pop ¼ to ½ a cup of cubes to your regular green juice and enjoy the aloe vera benefits without the bitter taste.
  
  
• Aloe Smoothies: mix it with fruits like banana, pineapple, and coconut for a refreshing and highly hydrating mix.
  
  
• Aloe Vera Salads: add gel slices to a spring mix like this one with tomatoes and mint leaves.
  
  
• Aloe Dressing: you can also use it with lime, and herbs to prepare your own dip or salad dressing.
  
  
• On Produce: putting aloe vera on fruits and vegetables can keep bacteria away and keep them fresh longer.
  
  
• As a Supplement: If you’re not feeling the peeling, cutting, and washing off the sticky leave you can try our superfood blend Pure, which has aloe vera in it along with other plant-power ingredients designed to improve the brain-gut connection, mental focus, and digestion.
  

For us, the benefits of drinking aloe vera outweigh eating it because you get all the healthy aloe vera benefits without the strong bitter taste. Prepare an aloe vera juice drink to heal from the inside with the bonus recipes at the end of this post or trying our Pure supplement.

Treat Skin Conditions with Aloe

The most famous aloe vera benefits are now related to sunburns, scar and wound healing. Here’s what you can use aloe vera topically for:

• Sunburn Relief: aloe vera is deeply hydrating and helps sunburnt skin to heal, hydrate and repair. Use a 90% or more clear gel from your herbal store or the crystal cubes directly on your skin.
  
  
• Heal Fresh Wounds: if you have a fresh cut or burn, the antibacterial and hydrating properties of the plant may speed up the healing process.
  
  
• May Help Fade Scars: consistent application of clear gel or pure crystals may help reduce the appearance of scars. It may take weeks to months depending on the severity of the scar and how long you’ve had it.
  
  
• Dermatitis and Psoriasis: Aloe vera may help alleviate some of the symptoms of these dermatological conditions when applied regularly.
  
  
• Oral Mucositis: use topically in a mouth wash solution form or applied directly to gums.
  

Make Aloe Vera Part of Your Skincare Routine

A great way to get the aloe vera benefits for skin is to add it to your skin care routine; you don’t always need expensive prescription cosmetics (that’s a skincare myth). Here are some ways you can do that:

• Moisturizer: rub a cube on your face after cleansing or squeeze some gel onto your hands and add a thin layer to your face. It absorbs quickly and feels fresh in the summer.

• After-Shave Gel: whether you’re trimming a beard or shaving your legs, aloe vera benefits irritated skin with its antibacterial and hyper hydrating properties. Perfect if you have small cuts to heal.

• Body Lotion: You can use it as a hydrating body lotion after a scrub or a regular shower.

• Hair Mark: use it on your scalp and wash off to stimulate hair growth and use it as a leave-in mask to go into the sun, the sea, or on everyday activities. It’ll add shine, nourish your hair and protect it from the sun. Best part? 100% biodegradable.

• After-Sun Care: just lather up in the clear gel after sun exposure to either reduce sunburns or hydrate and protect.

• Makeup Remover: simply add some aloe vera to a cotton ball and remove the makeup. You can also try a DIY oil mix with aloe like this one.
  
  
• For Puffy Eyes: freeze cotton balls soaked in aloe vera to reduce puffy eyes or under-eye inflammation.
  

 

ALOE VERA JUICE DRINK RECIPES

Aloe Vera Green Tea Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 8 oz unsweetened green tea (make your own!)
• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel or juice
• 1 handful of kale
• 1 frozen ripe banana
• ½ cup pineapple
• 1 mandarin, peeled in sections
• 1 medjool date
• Optional: 1 packet Organifi Pure

Instructions:

1. Make your tea and let it cool.
2. Once your tea is cool, blend all ingredients together in a blender.
3. Other options: you can use herbal tea or white instead of green tea to get the same aloe vera benefits.

 

Aloe Vera Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 large aloe vera leaf
• 2 meyer lemons (or regular lemon)
• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Slice the skin of the aloe vera leaf. Cut the gel into small pieces.
2. Juice your lemons.
3. Add the water, lemon juice and aloe vera in a blender.
4. Blend well then run the thick liquid through a nut milk blend, strainer or cheesecloth. The Vitamin C is a great addition to the aloe vera benefits.

 

Easy Aloe Vera Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of Organifi Pure
• 1 meyer lemon or lemon
• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Juice your lemon.
2. Mix the lemon juice with the remaining ingredients.

Aloe Vera Kiwi Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 kiwi fruit
• 1 cup of aloe vera juice
• Optional: 1 packet of Organifi Pure

Instructions:

1. Blend your ingredients well.
2. Pour them into popsicle molds.
3. Freeze until solid.
4. Tips: you can use berries, dragonfruit, or pineapple instead of the kiwi as well.

Aloe Vera Green Juice

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• Handful of spinach
• 1 green apple
• 1 lemon
• 1-inch ginger
• 1 tbsp of aloe vera
• 1 packet of Organifi Pure

Instructions:

1. Run all ingredients through your juicer, except for Organifi Pure.

Once juiced, mix in Organifi Pure with a spoon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. WHAT DOES ALOE VERA TASTE LIKE?

It is watery, a bit bitter with a sweet tingle at the end.

Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING ALOE VERA?

Drinking aloe vera has many benefits, including clear skin and healthy digestion.

Q. IS EATING ALOE VERA GOOD FOR YOU?

Yes, it is a superfood! Add it to your juices, smoothies, and dishes or just eat it as it is with a spoon.

Q. CAN I DRINK ALOE VERA ON AN EMPTY STOMACH?

Yes, taking 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach is good for your digestion.

Q. CAN ALOE VERA HURT YOUR KIDNEYS?

Aloe latex can be hard on the kidneys and cause serious kidney damage. If you have liver issues or are concerned, talk to your doctor before taking aloe vera.

Q. CAN I LEAVE ALOE VERA ON MY FACE OVERNIGHT?

Though aloe vera is perfectly safe and great for your skin, it is advised not to leave it on your skin overnight.

Q. DOES ALOE VERA HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?

For some, aloe vera latex can cause stomach issues in the long-term. Take it slow and watch your body. Ask your doctor if you are concerned or experiencing side effects.

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALOE VERA GEL AND POWDER?

Aloe vera gel is the fresh, raw substance in the leaf of aloe vera. Aloe vera gel has to be used quickly after harvesting before it loses medicinal properties. Aloe vera powder, as it can be found in some supplements and superfood powder, can be more concentrated and potent, but most importantly it keeps longer while bringing you the desired benefits.

Q. CAN ALOE VERA BE EATEN RAW?

Though the skin of aloe vera is safe to eat, it is bitter. It is recommended to eat the gel part only after taking off the skin. You can eat the gel raw.

Q. IS ALOE VERA GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Since aloe vera is excellent for your digestion and supports your blood sugar, it may help your weight loss goals as well.

CONCLUSION

Aloe vera is a fantastic superfood that is great for your skin, digestion and blood sugar. The aloe vera benefits for health are greater when consumed either raw in gel cubes, added to aloe vera juice drinks, or in supplement form (like in Organifi’s Pure). You can also add it to your skin care routine, but avoid leaving it overnight.

If you try one of our recipes, add aloe vera to your juices or meals, or try our Pure superfood lemonade tag us on social media - we love to see it!

And remember, we're in this together.