Aloe vera is a medical miracle, full of nutritional benefits.
Known as a healing plant, aloe vera is one of over 400 species of aloe. Native to northern Africa, aloe vera's first documented use can be found in Egyptian records dating back to 1550BC. It was used for many years as an internal and topical cure for a number of ailments among the Egyptians. Later records show that the Greeks used the plant to heal wounds and treat hair loss. Now, this succulent plant is used cultivated and used throughout the world.
Aloe vera plants grow wild throughout the southwest United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and Southeast Asia. However, it is easy to grow and maintain the plants just about anywhere.
Succulent plants absorb water quickly, and store it for an extended period of time. Like other succulents, aloe vera is uniquely self-healing; if it's gel-bearing leaves are damaged, it quickly repairs itself and continues to grow. The plant prefers sandy soil and warm climates, but can survive in cold temperatures as long as there is no frost.
Though aloe vera does not grow naturally where I live, I was able to find a good selection at Home Depot, and purchased a relatively mature plant for only $9.99. My plant grows happily near a windowsill, where it enjoys afternoon light and is watered when the soil is dry. Aloe vera plants wilt if their pots do not drain, and their leaves can be scorched by strong, continuous sunlight. My children chose to name our aloe vera "Cuddles," despite its prickly sides.
What's Inside?
Let's take a look:
Vitamin A: Supports strong immune system and bone growth.
Vitamin C: Supports strong immune system; protects against cancer and cardiovascular problems.
Vitamin E: Supports strong immune system and prevents against heart disease.
B1 (Thiamine): Aids in digestion; supports immune and nervous system.
B2 (Riboflavin): Antioxidant; creates fuel from food; promotes strong nervous system.
B3 (Niacin): Used to treat high cholesterol, migraines, and diabetes; supports digestive system and rids the body of toxins.
B6: Supports immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. Plays an important role in dopamine and serotonin process.
B12: Ensures healthy blood cells and helps to create DNA.
Calcium: Vital to cardiovascular and nervous systems; supports bone health.
Sodium: Essential to nerves, blood pressure, and muscles.
Iron: Creates blood cells and proteins; provides energy.
Magnesium: Supports immune system and regulates blood glucose.
Potassium: Protects blood vessels and lowers the risk of heart disease.
Copper: Supports growth and general health; maintains healthy heart function; prevents osteoporosis.
Anthraquinones: 12 organic compounds.
Aloin: Has a laxative effect.
Emodin: Provides pain relief and works as antibacterial/antiviral.
Polysaccharides: Contains Acemannan, which is a unique sugar that has antiviral properties, eases gastrointestinal problems, and stimulates the nervous system.
Fatty Acids: Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.
Aloe vera contains 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. It also includes wound healing hormones and enzymes. All of these nutrients work wonders for the body.
Aloe Vera's Detailed Health Benefits
Let's explore the main benefits of aloe vera use and consumption:
Digestive Health: The antioxidants in aloe vera promote a strong immune system and the polysaccharides are anti-inflamatory, making it an ideal natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. Consumption detoxifies the intestinal tract, and may provide relief for symptoms of gastroesophogeal reflux disease.
Immune System: Aloe vera's detoxifying nature helps the body fight illness and infection. The antioxidants ward off free radicals, and consumption helps the vitamins and nutrients quickly enter the blood stream.
Lowers Cholesterol: Daily intake of 10 to 20ml of aloe vera can reduce bad cholesterol and total cholesterol.
Is a Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral: Aloe vera contains sulphur, lupeol, slicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen, and phenol; all of which prevent the growth of microorgansims.
Alkalizes the Body: Aloe vera is an alkaline forming food; it balances acidic dietary habits. Disease cannot exist in an alkaline environment.
Aids in Weight Loss: Digestive improvements can rid your bowels of excess waste in a healthy way.
Pain Relief: Aloe vera is known as a soothing gel. The anti-inflammatory qualities can relieve muscle and tendon pain.
Diabetes Treatment: Aloe vera consumption can lower blood glucose levels and lower excessive amounts of fat in blood. Since it helps heal wounds, people with diabetes who suffer from wounds on their legs and feet may benefit from its topical use.
Relieves Arthritis Pain: The enzymes and amino acids in aloe vera are anti-inflammatory and can ease the pain of arthritis if consumed.
Skin Care: Aloe vera should be used for cold sores, psoriasis, rashes, and sunburn. It has a cooling effect and can help to promote faster healing after radiation therapy. Aloe vera is also an astringent, with over 99% water content, which helps to moisturize the skin and increase elasticity, soften the skin, and increase the synthesis of skin tissue by supplying oxygen to skin cells.
Potential Cancer Treatment: The plant's ability to strengthen the immune system helps the body fight cancer cells and fight infection.
Risks of Use
There are some potential side effects to be aware of when ingesting aloe vera. Aloe latex is a yellow juice near the rind that seeps out when cut and acts as a laxative. It can be harmful if ingested in large quantities, possibly causing electrolyte imbalances and depleting potassium. It may also affect the way that the body absorbs prescription medications. Excessive use of aloe latex can lead to kidney failure, so it should not be used by people with kidney problems.
Due to the plant's ability to lower blood glucose, it is important that people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels.
Additionally, ingestion of aloe vera is not recommended among women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Finally, spot test aloe vera topically to determine whether an allergy exists. If you experience an abnormal reaction such as rash or burning, do not use or ingest it.
How to Use It
There are aloe vera supplements, but nothing beats having a plant in your kitchen, or near a window in your home. Fresh plants range in price, starting at $3.99 for a small, immature plant. You can also purchase aloe vera seeds and grow your own. Some companies sell aloe vera juice, which is made by grinding up the entire leaf. However, if the aloe latex is not removed prior to the juicing process, these juices can be harmful to your help. In addition, purchasing aloe juice means that you are running the risk of ingesting many unneeded and unhealthy additives.
Like all things, moderation is key. Aloe vera isn't something that you should ingest on a daily basis for an extended period of time. As with all natural remedies, you should listen to your body, determine whether it needs healing respond accordingly. If you begin to experience strange reactions after extended use, take a break and use only when needed.
Aloe vera gel is located within the tough, spiny exterior leaves. Watch this video to learn how to extract the gel for use:
After extracting the gel, you can ingest it in a few ways:
- Eat it plain (it may have a strong, bitter taste)
- Add it to water or juice to mask the taste
- Mix it in a smoothie
- Soak it in purified water for 10 minutes prior to eating
You can also use the aloe vera topically, in a variety of ways:
- To condition hair
- To treat dry lips
- As an eye mask
- As a toothpaste or mouthwash
- As shaving gel
- Freeze in ice cube trays and use for sunburns
- Within homemade hand sanitizers
- Combine with oatmeal for an exfoliating face scrub
- Mix with raw coconut oil; heat for 10 minutes; use as oil for post-shower moisturization
Now that you know how fantastic this natural superfood/superplant is, go forth and be healthy!
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