The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
[Photo: MidgleyDJ]
What is Aloe Vera?
An introduction to the amazing aloe vera plant
It is the gel from the leaves that provides the health benefits. This gel can be used fresh just as it is, or combined with other herbs to make simple aloe vera remedies (many people keep their own aloe vera plants for this purpose). Alternatively, you can purchase the pure gel as well as products derived from it such as toiletries, aloe vera juice and aloe vera capsules.
Aloe Vera's History
A brief history of aloe vera's medicinal usage
Today aloe vera is often known as the 'First Aid Plant', and has been the subject of scientific studies and clinical trials. Although some of the studies have shown contradictory results, and science has yet to conclusively prove (or disprove) many of the claims made for aloe vera, there is no need to wait for it to catch up in order for you to follow in the footsteps of people throughout history, and experience the health benefits of aloe vera for yourself today!
Aloe Vera's Active Ingredients and their Healing Properties
Some of the major constitutents of aloe vera, and their effects
Aloe vera's powerful components include:
- 75+ nutrients, especially B-group vitamins
- 19 of 20 necessary amino acids
- Minerals, including significant amounts of calcium, magnesium and sodium
- Enzymes
- Glyconutrients, including polysaccharides which are thought to be the most active ingredients, particularly mannans (mannose polymers)
- Plant sterols
- Saponins
- Lignin
- Anthraquinones
- Salicyclic acid
- Phytonutrients
The claimed healing effects provided by these substances include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Removal of dead skin cells
- Helps desirable substances to penetrate the skin
- Lower cholesterol and maintain good triglyceride levels
- Maintain blood sugar levels
- Emollient (soothing)
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-fungal
- Quickens the healing process, especially of burns, and after dermabrasion
Aloe Vera Health Benefits from External Use
How aloe vera can help when applied to the surface of the body
- Acne and pimples
- Itching
- Sores
- Burns
- Sunburn
- Pigmentation
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Warts
- Wrinkles and other signs of aging
- Minor wounds, scratches and cuts
- Itching
- Swelling
- Hives and other skin problems caused by allergies
- Insect bites
- Foot fungal infections
- Boils
- Bruises
- Bedsores
- Corns
- Excess oil and dryness (acts as a general moisturiser)
- Hair problems
- Pain relief
- Cataracts
- Sties
- Conjunctivitis
- Kills harmful bacteria and fungi on the body surface
Aloe Vera Health Benefits from Internal use
How aloe vera may help when used internally
- High cholesterol
- Heartburn
- Ulcers
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders
- Constipation (it has a laxative effect caused by anthraglycosides, which are found in cells underneath leaf skin, and not normally in the gel)
- Diarrhea
- Kills bacteria and parasites
- Settles nausea
- Strengthens the immune system
- Controls fluid accumulation
- Dental problems such as bleeding gums. Also good for the relief of lesions and post-surgical use, controls fungi and bacteria that can cause problems for denture users
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Menopausal symptoms
- Asthma
- Cystitis
- Headaches and migraines
- Heart problems
- Colds and flu
Aloe Vera's Preventative Health Benefits
Aloe vera may help to keep you healthy too
Aloe Vera Health Benefits for Animals
Aloe vera is good for pets too
Does Aloe Vera Really Work?
Is there truth beyond the hype?
On the other hand, no substance - natural or pharmaceutical - works for everyone all the time. Aloe vera cannot be guaranteed to work in any individual case, but given the low cost, ease of use, and minimal risk associated with its use (especially in comparison to the often high cost and strong side effects associated with conventional treatments), it is usually worth trying. Experiencing the results firsthand is always more rewarding than just reading about the experiences of others.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Maximum Health Benefits
Which aloe vera products should you choose?
Overwhelmed by the choices? There are many, and unfortunately many of them are of poor quality and do not live up to the claims made for them. In future lenses I'll explore all of these aloe vera product types in more detail, to help you to determine which are worth your time and money. In the meantime, there are two easy and effective options: making your own simple aloe vera home remedies, and taking the world's only pharmaceutical-grade all-natural aloe vera capsules, which are recommended by many doctors and health care professionals.
Aloe Vera Cautions
Things to be aware of before trying aloe vera
The other consideration to bear in mind is product quality. In order to experience aloe vera's health benefits for yourself, you must use a good quality product that actually 'does what it says on the tin'. Be aware that aloe vera is a multi-million dollar industry, and although there are many excellent products available, there are also a few unscrupulous (or just ignorant) companies that place profits above effectiveness. The result is that many aloe vera products are heavily adulterated, and many juices, cosmetics etc. contain less than the stated amount of aloe vera gel or active extracts, or are made with substandard aloe vera, and may contain other - possibly harmful - fillers and preservatives etc.
Finding the Most Effective Aloe Vera Products
Top quality aloe vera products give the best health benefits
The solution is to buy the best quality, most rigorously tested and standardised pre-prepared aloe vera product (Aloeride®), or make your own.
Make your own aloe vera remedies
Aloe vera plants are cheap to buy and easy to look after, so many people like to grow their own and harvest the gel to use directly. This way, you know exactly how fresh your preparation is, and what it contains. Making your own remedies can be a very simple process too - find out how to make over 150 easy aloe vera remedies and beauty treatments at home.
Easy Aloe Vera Recipes
Find out how to make over 150 simple aloe vera recipes for health and beauty
If you don't fancy making your own aloe vera treatments, or you're travelling and need something that's more portable, look for products made with food grade, organic aloe vera, and minimal additives. One of the easiest ways to benefit from aloe vera is to take it in the form of aloe vera capsules or tablets. Unfortunately, products like this vary a lot in terms of quality, but Aloeride® is one that consistently provides excellent quality and value. It is a purely natural product made from top quality plants, and is the only aloe vera capsule that is made to pharmaceutical standards, ensuring that there is enough of the active ingredients present to produce the desired benefits. Find out more about Aloeride® here.
Disclaimer - Please note that none of the information provided here is intended as medical advice, and it is recommended that you obtain professional guidance if you are ill.
Pure Aloe Vera Capsules
Top Aloe Vera Lenses
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Aloe Vera Acne Remedies
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Aloe vera acne remedies can be very effective in eliminating or greatly reducing this distressing condition. Whether used directly on the skin, or taken internally (or both), aloe vera provides a simple natural solution that has helped many people to...
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Aloe Vera Skin Care
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Many people use aloe vera skin care products and pure aloe gel with great results. Aloe vera has been found to help with many diverse skin complaints and other illnesses, and this lens takes a look at some of its skin-related uses.
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Aloe Vera Capsules
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Aloe vera capsules provide a convenient way to get the health benefits of aloe vera with minimum fuss. This lens provides further information about aloe vera, and about choosing and using aloe vera capsules.
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Aloe Vera for Sunburn Relief
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Aloe vera sunburn remedies can help to quickly relieve the pain of sunburn, and to aid in the skin's healing process. This lens provides a guide to using aloe vera for the treatment of sunburned skin.
Making Your Own Aloe Vera Remedies
A preview of the excellent book 'Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor'
Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor: Home Remedies
curated content from YouTube
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