Aloe’s reputation for healing wounds starts as far back as 1935 when it was documented that the whole-leaf extract promoted complete regeneration of the skin. Aloe Vera contains over 200 biologically active naturally occurring constituents which include polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids & minerals that promote nutrient absorption.
Minerals: Aloe Vera has loads of minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, Selenium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper & Manganese. These minerals work together to boost metabolic pathways.
ENZYMES: It contains important enzymes like amylase & lipase which can aid in digestion by breaking down fat & sugar molecules. One molecule, in particular, Bradykinase helps to reduce inflammation.
VITAMINS: It contains Vitamin B 12, required for the production of red blood cells. Also, it can assist with the bio-availability of vitamin B 12, meaning the body can more easily absorb & utilize it which can prevent deficiency. It is also a source of vitamin A, C, E, Folic Acid, Choline, B1, B2, B3 (Niacin) & B6.
AMINO ACIDS: It contains 20 of 22 essential amino acids that are required by the human body. It also contains Salicylic acid, which fights inflammation & bacteria.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera is an excellent body cleanser, removing toxic matters from the stomach, kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver & colon.
- Aloe can also offer effective relief from immediate ailments such as indigestion, upset stomach, ulcers & inflammation in the gut.
- Aloe also strengthens the digestive tract & alleviates joint inflammation, making it a great option for arthritis sufferers.
- Aloe vera juice, when taken the same way as a mouthwash, was just as effective at removing plaque as the common mouthwash & its active ingredients, chlorhexidine. This is a much better alternative because it is all-natural, unlike the typical chemical-laden options.
- Aloe Vera effectively heals mouth ulcers.
40 Ways To Use Aloe Vera
Topical Aloe Uses Include;
1. Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.
2. Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils.
3. For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a homemade burn healer.
4. Banish black and blue bruises by swapping on the good goo.
5. Soothe and heal sunburns the feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties similar to menthol.
6. Take the sting or itch out of insect bites.
7. Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.
8. Alleviate mysterious rashes.
9. Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of cornmeal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.
10. Help heal herpes outbreaks.
11. Fight the Athlete's Foot.
12. Swab over blisters for quick relief.
13. Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.
14. Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
15. Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.
16. Soothe Psoriasis.
17. Prevent scarring and stretch marks.
18. Help rid of Rosacea.
19. Shrink warts.
20. Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles. Cleopatra did!
21. Help eliminate Eczema.
22. Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.
23. Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar, and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.
24. For rougher patches mix together an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil, and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.
25. Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.
26. Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse.
27. Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier, smoother hair.
28. Remove eye makeup.
29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
30. Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.
31. Sip it to aid in elimination. Many times, it's recommended for its laxative effects.
32. Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.
33. Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.
34. Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.
35. Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.
36. Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe vera ingredients.
37. Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, and prostate problems.
38. Take orally to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart.
39. Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.
40. Toast to its general detoxifier and health-boosting qualities!
Aloe Vera Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and Contraindications
Caution should be taken when ingesting aloe vera as there can be potential side effects. The aloe latex—the yellow juice near the rind—is where most of the danger lies. However, ingredients in the more commonly used gel itself can also be harmful to some people. Always test a small amount to ensure you aren’t allergic to the plant.
- Here is a list of potential side effects. When in doubt, always check with your doctor.
- Regular use of the entire leaf—which includes the latex—can deplete potassium in the body. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac problems. According to the NIH, ingesting one gram of aloe latex for multiple days can be fatal.
- If aloe latex is used while taking other medications, the laxative effect can impact the amount of medicine the body is able to absorb.
- Products containing the latex will exacerbate intestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels when using aloe.
- Ingesting any form of aloe is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions or miscarriage. Aloe should also be avoided during breastfeeding.
- Excessive use of aloe latex may cause kidney failure and shouldn’t be used by people with kidney problems.