Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Supplements

Aloe vera is a popular botanical ingredient used in many health and beauty products. The gel from the leaves of the aloe plant contains nutrients and compounds that provide several potential health benefits. Our aloe vera capsules and juices harness the power of this plant to support your health.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera, also known as the ‘plant of immortality’ in ancient Egypt, is a succulent plant native to northern Africa. For thousands of years, the gel from aloe leaves has been used topically to soothe skin and internally to promote digestive health. The main active compounds found in aloe gel include:

• Vitamins: A, C, E, B12, choline, folic acid
• Minerals: zinc, selenium, calcium, chromium, magnesium, sodium, iron, potassium, manganese
• Enzymes: oxidase, amylase, catalase, lipase
• Fatty acids: cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, lupeol
• Polysaccharides: glucomannans

These nutrients and compounds are linked to the health benefits of using aloe gel and juice.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Research suggests aloe vera can provide the following benefits:

Supports Digestive Health

The anti-inflammatory polysaccharides in aloe vera, like acemannan, may soothe irritation in the stomach and intestines. Aloe also contains digestive enzymes that help break down sugars and fats. Preliminary studies show aloe juice can help relieve constipation and improve IBS symptoms.

Boosts Immunity

Aloe contains antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E that combat oxidative stress from free radicals. It also supports immune function and contains antimicrobial agents that fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi - both externally and internally.

Eases Inflammation

Enzymes like bradykinase work as anti-inflammatories that reduce swelling, redness, and irritation throughout the body. This can help arthritis, muscle pain, digestive issues, and skin conditions. The minerals in aloe vera also decrease inflammation.

Supports Skin Health

Aloe vera applied topically hydrates and treats skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The skin also absorbs some of the aloe juice compounds when taken orally to provide benefits. This includes the antioxidant beta-carotene and antimicrobial agent sulfur both improving skin immunity and appearance.

Detoxifies Body

Some evidence shows aloe encourages the excretion of toxins out of the body and protects organs like the liver and kidneys. As a result, it aids natural body detoxification which may boost energy levels and general health.

Aloe Vera Supplement Types

There are a few ways to take aloe vera supplements to gain the internal health benefits:

Aloe Vera Gel Capsules

The easiest way to add aloe vera to your routine is to take convenient capsules filled with the nutrient-dense inner aloe vera leaf gel. Our fast-release capsules provide all the benefits of pure aloe in an accurately dosed pill without needing to prepare drinks.

Aloe Vera Juice

Drinking pure aloe vera juice is the most traditional oral supplement. It often has a bitter, vinegary taste on its own so combining it with fruit juices can make it more palatable. Be sure to only buy pure inner fillet aloe drinks without added fillers or sweeteners.

Aloe Vera Powder

Pure freeze-dried aloe vera powder provides another option for getting nutrients from the aloe plant. You can easily mix the powder into smoothies, juices, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, and even bake it into raw slices and treats. It blends smoothly without altering taste or texture too much.

Dried Aloe Vera Leaves

Some people brew dried or fresh aloe leaves into a tea. Simply pour hot (not boiling) water over shreds of the leaf, let it steep 5+ minutes, strain, then drink. You may need to sweeten the potent brew with honey or fruit juice. While traditional, dried whole leaves also contain aloin known to cause cramping.

No matter which aloe vera supplement you choose, be sure it comes from high-quality inner aloe fillet to provide the highest concentration of beneficial compounds without extra processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much aloe vera should I take per day?

Most research uses doses of 100-200mg aloe vera extract daily but amounts up to 300mg appear safe for adults in the short term. Follow supplement label recommendations and start low at 50mg to check tolerance. Speak to your healthcare practitioner before exceeding 200mg daily, especially with other herbs or medications.

When should I take aloe vera - morning or night?

The ideal time depends on why you’re taking it. If treating digestive issues, take aloe vera juice 30 minutes before meals. For skin support, arthritis, or general wellness - take capsules in the morning or split morning and night. Some find aloe vera energising so avoid large doses near bed.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

When ingesting appropriate amounts of inner aloe gel, side effects are rare but can include loose stools, diarrhoea, stomach pain, cramps, nausea, fatigue and changes to electrolyte balances. Due to possible risks depleting potassium, those on heart medication should exercise caution. Check with your doctor about any interactions.

Can I drink aloe vera juice everyday safely?

There is insufficient evidence of long term aloe vera consumption to definitively consider it safe. However, moderate daily doses around 100-200mg appear safe for at least a few months based on studies. As with any supplement, cycling on and off periods is advisable. Monitor for side effects and give your body a break every few months.

Is all aloe vera edible?

No, only the clear inner gel fillet by the rind is considered safe to ingest. The green parts of the leaves contain a compound called aloin that is a harsh laxative. Removing aloin makes products from aloe latex safe but the gel itself has the highest nutrient levels. Ensure any aloe supplement uses verified inner leaf gel, not whole leaf or exterior parts.