What is the Benefits of Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant and family of the cactus that has long triangular leaves with jagged spikes all over it. Beneath their spiky exterior is where you will find the layers of aloe latex and aloe gel. This cactus-like plant looks somewhat daunting, but it is the aloe latex and gel that is bountiful in vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds that makes the perfect all-natural remedy for many ailments.
- The Aloe Vera succulent is often seen as a decorative plant as the leaves nearly always stay green irrelevant of its environment, requires extraordinarily little attention or care, and has truly little water requirements. Many would believe that this is where the story ends for this beautiful plant, however it is packed with more natural health benefits than many other plants combined.
- So, what is the benefits of aloe Vera? From gut health to skin and hair, this “miracle plant” has long been recognized and used for its amazing medicinal qualities.
Aloe Vera contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It contains 20 of the 22 amino acids required by humans and 8 of the 9 essential amino acids. Aloe Vera contains vitamins A, E, C, B12, and, Folic acid. It contains 8 enzymes and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc. These are but a few of the nutrients found in the aloe Vera plant, which proves that it is one of the most powerful natural remedies found all over the world. While there is a long list of amazing benefits that accompany these nutrients, we have compiled our top 10 benefits. Some of these are well-known benefits, while others may come as an absolute surprise.
Soothes Burns:
Aloe Vera is known for being the “burn plant”. Its cooling effect on sunburn skin really works wonders after you have over-indulged sunbathing and are also effective in treating other types of burns. It contains an anti-inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl, together with lupeol (found in the gel of the aloe Vera) it helps to speed up the process of healing burns, and wounds. Studies have shown that aloe Vera is effective in healing both first- and second-degree burns because it has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes circulation. It offers protection against radiation damage and helps skin to heal at a much faster rate than if you had to let it heal on its own. The cool, sticky gel provides relief to the burn which makes healing more comfortable and tolerable. To soothe a burn, I apply a layer of pure Aloe Vera gel, taken from the leaf of an Aloe Vera plant, directly to the affected area.
Moisturizing for Hair and Scalp:
The active proteolytic enzymes help repair dead skin cells on the scalp, if you suffer from dry or itchy scalp, then Aloe Vera should be your first line of defense. Its nourishing properties contains all the vitamins and minerals that your hair and scalp need to keep healthy and itch-free. It not only helps rid your scalp of dandruff and dead skin cells, but it also promotes the regeneration of new skin cells around hair follicles. It has a similar chemical make-up to the primary protein found in hair, keratin, this gives it the benefit of hair rejuvenation and prevents breakage. Because Aloe Vera is all-natural, you can treat your dry hair and scalp and keep bacteria at bay without worrying about skin reactions or chemical treatments that often cause more harm than good.
Soothes Skin Irritations and Rashes:
Studies over the years have shown that Aloe Vera can successfully treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, inflammation, and frostbite. It can also be used as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which treats a wide variety of other skin conditions like genital herpes, acne, and small growths on the skin. Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides that help stimulate the growth of new skin cells. When the aloe Vera gel is applied topically to skin irritation, it increases collagen and accelerates healing. Correct oral dosing can also help speed up the skin’s healing process and assist with the regeneration of new skin cells. You will typically find Aloe Vera as an ingredient in most natural topical healing creams, balms, or lotions.
Helps Heal Cold Sores:
I suffer from cold sores; they are painful, embarrassing to look at and particularly annoying. My saving grace to help improve the healing time is to apply Aloe Vera gel. It is the perfect natural remedy to not only treat the pain but rapidly heal the skin. It is safe to apply several times throughout the day and will provide great relief to the area. Because Aloe Vera has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, it heals any cold sores, as well as mouth ulcers because it is safe to ingest. B vitamins, amino acids, and vitamin C can be found in Aloe Vera: together they create antibodies in our immune system which is beneficial to our overall health.
Treats Constipation & Assist Digestion:
The Aloe latex that is found just beneath the spiky skin of the Aloe Vera plant is a well-researched laxative. Aloe latex helps to stimulate mucus secretion and increases the water content in the intestine which is necessary for relief. Aloe Vera juice is a food product that is consumed to help relieve constipation. It is extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. In the past, Aloe juice used to be sold as an over-the-counter constipation drug. Aloe juice contains the latex of the Aloe Vera plant, this latex contains active anthraquinones which help relieve constipation. Anthraquinones act as a natural laxative.
The Aloe Vera gel is made up of complex carbohydrates, called mucilage, that trap water and help produce a soothing effect on the lining of the body’s digestive tract. Daily consumption of aloe Vera juice helps fight and alleviate several other digestive disorders including, poor or sluggish digestion, acidity, and gas. Aloe Vera juice assists in flushing out toxins from your digestive tract, supporting the alleviation of bacteria build up.
Provides Antioxidants:
I want to look younger for as long as I possibly can, don’t you? To achieve this my body needs antioxidants to help prevent or slow down the damage to my cells caused by free radicals. Antioxidants help you stay healthy and younger-looking for longer. Vitamin A, C, and E are all powerful antioxidants that are found in Aloe Vera and can help prevent premature aging. Aloe Vera helps to prevent and reverse aging effects on the skin as it stimulates collagen production in the skin, this helps to reduce wrinkles and will offer more radiant and youthful-looking skin. Aloe Vera gel applied topically can prevent the body’s existing collagen from breaking down because of its fast regeneration of fibroblast cells. Aloe Vera gel will also improve your skin’s elasticity, thus slowing down the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.
Boosts the Immune System:
The high amount of natural zinc found in Aloe Vera is one of the essential building blocks of a healthy immune system. Aloe Vera has been proven to be an antiseptic, anti fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory which is everything you need to keep your body healthy and to maintain a strong immune system.
Diabetes Treatment:
Recent research has shown that Aloe Vera can treat diabetes by treating glucose levels and alleviating hyperglycemia. Supplementing orally with aloe Vera regularly stimulates insulin secretion: this is particularly beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. While this is not a go-to medication given to patients, it is worth a try since it has little side effects and is a proven natural remedy.
Promotes Detoxification:
We live in a world filled with toxins and our body needs to have some form of detox. Aloe Vera juice is water-dense and keeps you hydrated while supplying your body with much-needed vitamins and minerals. By increasing your water intake, you naturally flush out toxins which can help boost the health of your kidneys, liver, blood, and skin. Due to its high volume of nutrients that optimize your body’s organ output, it promotes the natural detoxification for the body.
Consume with Caution – On a Final Note:
Although Aloe Vera is safe to consume, you should not ingest it in high quantities. This is because oral Aloe Vera has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea, cramping, and other digestive issues. Drinking roughly 200ml per day should be safe for most people, but if you experience irritations you may want to reduce the amount. Stick to drinking natural Aloe Vera juice and avoid aloe drinks with additives. If you are on any sort of medication, always speak to your doctor first. It is not recommended for pregnant women or children to ingest aloe juice, but it is safe to use topically for anyone of all ages.
Aloe Vera is truly a miracle plant which should be an essential in your natural first aid kit. If you would like to grow your own aloe Vera be sure to look for the Aloe barbadensis miller species, which is the Aloe Vera plant used for the benefits in this article. Not all aloe plants contain all these benefits and are safe for consumption, be sure you are using the correct one. If you cannot have one in your backyard, you can plant it in a pot indoors, or find a great variety of natural aloe products available at health stores. Be sure to always look for untreated products or supplements that are pure and natural.
