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​Aloe Vera

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Do you feel like you need a little help with an aspect of your health? 

 

Whether you feel tired, anxious, out of shape, overweight, underweight, dehydrated, unable to sleep, or even depressed, there is a natural supplement that could change your life. This may sound like something that is “too good to be true,” but it is supported by thousands of years of documented use. This supplement is not hard to find or expensive to purchase. In fact, it may be growing in your garden right now. It’s aloe vera!

 

Aloe Vera has been used for millenniums in ancient medicine recipes and remedies, down the ages and in different ancient civilizations. Safe, natural, effective, and supported by thousands of years of use and modern studies, aloe vera is one of the most amazing natural remedies available to humankind.

 

The leaves of the aloe plant are made of three parts: An odourless and clear inner gel, a bitter yellowish sap known as latex, and a thick outer layer or rind. The plant contains more than seventy-five biologically active substances that give rise to its healing power. Most of these are associated with the inner gel. This layer is mainly made up of water along with carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and phenolic acids. The latex also has some compounds that can be beneficial, but the outer layer is mainly used for plant protection and survival.

 

The scooped up inner portion of an Aloe Vera leaf may be mildly bitter in taste. That is why it was considered to be on par or better with Neem in its beneficial qualities in ancient Indian, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, and Persian medicine. Its main purpose was to heal, soothe and rejuvenate. 

 

Aloe vera has been used for hundreds of years for the treatment of many conditions, from skin ailments to digestive disorders. Its abundant vitamins and minerals and numerous phytochemicals combine to produce beneficial results in many areas of the body. Aloe vera is one of the few natural methods of healing that can actually improve quality of life, improve a specific system, or reduce the incidence of a specific health condition through either topical or consumed applications.

 

While you can never be completely and absolutely sure of the safety or side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, almost everyone can rely on the natural, safe, and profoundly effective benefits of aloe vera. Aloe vera transforms lives every day by healing wounds, optimizing system functioning, cleansing the blood, improving immunity, and prolonging life through the prevention of illness, disease, and degeneration. Aloe vera can play a major role in the prevention of health issues and the promotion of optimal health, effectively, safely, and naturally.

 

Aloe vera contains antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that aid the immune system in cleansing the body of toxins and invading pathogens. Additionally, aloe vera helps balance the immune system to reduce the effects of seasonal allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory immune disorders, according to the Journal of Environmental Science and Health.

Aloe vera is used in many industries including pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, toiletry, and food. Aloe can be purchased as a whole plant, cut leaf, gel, juice, powder, ointment, or supplement. The healing properties of aloe have found mainstream use, and the reputation of this plant continues to rise as more scientific studies supporting its positive effects on a multitude of health conditions are published.

 

This plant can reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, and destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can help heal wounds, manage diabetes, prevent tumor growth, and improve arthritis. One of the longest standing and highly prized uses of aloe is as a general tonic for gastrointestinal support. Whether it’s constipation, reflux, or ulcers, aloe is the product of choice.

 

Aloe vera contains many vitamins and minerals that are vital for proper growth and function of all body systems. Here’s an easy explanation of aloe vera’s active components:

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• The leaves hold a gooey translucent gel, known all over the world for it's unbelievable healing properties. This translucent gel is made up of mostly water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body.

• Aloe vera contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E — plus vitamin B12, folic acid and choline.

• It contains eight enzymes, including aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.

• The minerals present include calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc.

• It provides 12 anthraquinones — or compounds known as laxatives. Among these are aloin and emodin, which act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.

• Four fatty acids are present, including cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sisosterol and lupeol — all providing anti-inflammatory results.

• The hormones called auxins and gibberellins are present; they help with healing wounds and have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Aloe vera provides sugars, such as monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides.

• One of the most crucial elements found in aloe vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins. Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have all advocated aloe vera as a healer, when applied or consumed orally.

 

Before you buy an aloe, note that you’ll need a location that offers bright, indirect sunlight (or artificial sunlight). Direct sunlight can dry out the plant too much and turn its fleshy leaves brownish or yellowish, so you may need to water more often if your aloe lives in an especially sunny spot.

With 6,000 years of documented use, praise, and science behind it, aloe vera may just be the key to your health and vitality!

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