Aloe vera is a miraculous healing plant with thick, fleshy green leaves. Aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice are widely used as remedies for various diseases and conditions since ancient times. Having this plant at home is a health bonus for the family on account of a long list of health benefits for digestion, diabetes, high cholesterol, rheumatism, skin and hair health.
The aloe vera plant is considered to be a miracle plant because of its numerous curative and healing benefits. Aloe vera leaves are filled with a gel containing vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E, and folic acid.
Minerals found in aloe vera juice are copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. All these nutrients have tremendous health benefits.
Health experts regard aloe vera as nature’s most impressive and versatile herb. This herb is safe to use externally and internally. People across the globe use this herb for treating various health conditions from minor burns to cancer.
Growing an Aloe vera plant
Belonging to the succulent plant family, aloe vera plants are sturdy in nature, not requiring much watering and are seldom attacked by pests. You can use seeds, stem or leaf cutting from another plant to grow a new one in a terra-cotta pot. The plant needs to be watered in moderation, once every 4-5 days and must get proper sunlight but too much sunlight can be harmful.
Aloe vera plant needs to be brought indoors in winters as it cannot withstand frost. Also, it does not require much watering in the winter season.
Medicinal value of Aloe vera plant
Aloe vera plant has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothing, moisturizing and healing properties, which make it a useful ingredient in skin creams, moisturizers, herbal medicines and cosmetics. Aloe vera gel is an immunity booster and is considered beneficial for digestive health.
Aloe vera is a rich source of several minerals and vitamins like sodium, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, vitamin A, B, C, E, niacin and folic acid. It also provides essential amino acids as well as numerous digestive enzymes.
The aloe leaf has a mucilaginous (sticky) fluid inside, called aloe vera gel, which is mainly used as a topical ointment. Aloe vera juice is derived from the outer part of the leaf and is consumed as a health tonic. You can simply extract juice and gel from the leaves by breaking them open.
Uses of Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known as the “miracle healer” and finds place in a number of home remedies:
1. Wounds and burns:
Topical application of aloe vera gel is used as a home remedy for wounds, minor burns and skin irritation. For major burns, aloe gel mixed with vitamin E oil is an excellent remedy. A mixture of 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of aloe gel can also be used for burns and wounds.
2 .Skin rejuvenation:
Aloe vera gel is considered to be a home remedy for skin troubles like itching, eczema and psoriasis. Mixed with lemon juice, it can be used to treat acne, open pores and skin ageing. The inner side of aloe leaf is a natural scrub, which helps in exfoliation of dead skin. Aloe gel can also help in lightening stretch marks and acts as a general skin moisturizer.
3. Laxative:
Aloe juice is a natural remedy for constipation. 2 tablespoons of aloe gel mixed with a glass of apple juice can provide relief from chronic constipation.
4. Asthma:
A home remedy for asthma is inhalation of vapors of aloe leaves boiled in water. Taking aloe juice internally also helps. It can also provide relief from chest congestion and sinus problems.
5.Digestive health:
Aloe vera juice is known to provide relief from various digestive problems like bloating, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn and peptic ulcers. Aloe vera gel or juice taken first thing in the morning or at bedtime is helpful for this purpose. 3-4 teaspoons of aloe vera gel mixed with a pinch of black pepper powder, black salt and some lemon juice consumed daily strengthens the digestive system.
6.Blood sugar:
Aloe vera juice has been known to lower blood sugar level in type2 diabetics. It is to be consumed regularly for at least 3 months to attain maximum benefit. A consultation with your physician is recommended before trying any home remedy for the first time.
7.Cholesterol:
Oral consumption of aloe vera juice has been shown to cause a noticeable reduction in total cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. It is also associated with reduction of blood clots and fat deposits in the arteries of the heart.
8.Rheumatism / Arthritis:
Aloe vera juice consumed daily is helpful for patients of rheumatim and arthritis on account of anti-inflammatory properties. Massage with aloe vera gel provides relief from joint pains.
9.Regulates weight and energy levels:
Aloe vera juice facilitates natural cleansing and detoxification of the digestive system, resulting in increase of enegy levels as well as maintenance of healthy weight.
10.Oral health:
Sprinkle some aloe vera powder on your toothbrush and use it for brushing your teeth to get rid of teeth and gum diseases. It can also be used as a gargle to treat mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.
11.Hair problems:
Aloe vera juice mixed with coconut milk and wheat germ oil massaged on the scalp is an effective remedy for dandruff. Application of aloe vera gel on the scalp promotes hair growth and acts as a hair conditioner.
Health benefits of aloe vera:
1. Immune Booster
Aloe vera is full of antioxidants, which are natural immune enhancers that help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable compounds that are bad for your health and contribute to the aging process.
Drinking aloe vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of antioxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system.
2. Enhances Skin Health
Aloe vera is one of the natural herbs commonly used in skin care products. It soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. By applying fresh aloe vera gel on your face, you can enjoy well moisturized, glowing and flawless skin.
In addition, aloe vera can be used to treat sunburned skin, blisters, insect bites, allergic reactions, minor burns, inflammations and more. Even people who have sensitive skin can use aloe vera without any problem.
3. Regulates Weight and Energy Level
Drinking aloe vera juice aids in natural cleansing of the digestive system. There are many food substances that can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which you can combat by drinking aloe vera juice.
When consumed regularly, aloe vera juice will also help increase your energy level and help you maintain a healthy body weight.
4. Cures Gum Disease
Aloe vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums due to its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It also contains vitamins and minerals that promote cell growth and healing of bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.
When suffering from gum disease, just massage your gums with fresh aloe vera gel. You can also sprinkle some aloe vera powder on your toothbrush before brushing and within a few minutes your mouth will feel much better. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly also helps promote strong and healthy teeth.
5. Ends Constipation
Aloe vera juice has natural fiber that aids digestion and improves bowel movements. Being a natural laxative, aloe vera juice can also be used to treat constipation.
When constipated, drink two ounces of aloe vera juice daily. Remember that after taking aloe vera, it takes about 10 hours to get positive results.
6. Halts Inflammation
Aloe vera can be used externally to ease inflammation of joints and reduce arthritis pain. You can also drink aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation throughout the body. People who drink aloe vera juice for two weeks typically begin to experience a significant reduction of inflammation and pain symptoms.
Aloe vera is also considered an excellent home remedy for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Treats Acne
Aloe vera gel is used in a number of different skin care products to treat a wide variety of skin problems including acne.
Acne is a very common problem in which the sebaceous glands become more active and produce more oil. The oil combines with dead skin, dirt and bacteria to block the skin pores, causing inflammation and leading to acne.
The anti-inflammatory properties present in aloe vera help get rid of acne and pimples when the gel is applied on the affected skin twice daily. You can also use aloe vera skin care products to treat the scars and redness associated with acne.
8. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level
Aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar level and reducing triglycerides. For best results, drink aloe vera juice regularly for three months to see a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels.
Also, aloe vera supplements can help treat peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet going numb) associated with diabetes.
9. Reduces Heart Attacks
Aloe vera stops blood cells from clumping together, which is one of the main causes of strokes. Proper blood flow also ensures oxygen and nutrients can reach every organ and cell in your body. Adequate oxygen throughout the body also helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.
10. Lowers High Cholesterol
reduces cholesterol
Some studies suggest that aloe vera gel can lower high cholesterol levels. When taken internally, the gel improves the quality of the blood and also lowers high cholesterol.
A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that regular intake of this magic potion can help lower liver production of cholesterol by about 30 percent. Consult your doctor for the proper dosage of aloe vera supplements to take for your specific cholesterol condition.
To conclude, due to the medicinal potential of aloe vera, it is essential to have this herb in your kitchen garden. This wonderful herb will help you solve many health problems at home without the need to go to the doctor’s office.
Precautions:
In some cases, aloe vera juice can cause adverse reactions like diarrhea accompanied by pain, stomach cramps and dehydration. It might cause interactions with certain medications. It is advisable to consult a doctor before consumption of aloe vera juice. Children, pregnant women and lactating mothers need to avoid consuming aloe vera juice.
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