Aloe Vera offers a wide selection of medicinal active ingredients in their organic form and contains within it the elements that help absorption of all of its beneficial substances.
“If everyone knew the benefits of aloe vera, there would be a little aloe garden in every home.”
Aloe Vera, or aloe, is one of the major gifts from the plant kingdom. If everyone knew the important nutritional and medicinal benefits that this plant houses within its leaves, there would probably be a little Aloe Garden in each residence. And definitely pharmacies would sell fewer drugs.
For a fraction of the price of any synthetic drug, Aloe Vera offers a wide selection of medicinal active ingredients in their organic form and it contains within it the elements that help the absorption and usage of these substances. Its widely documented benefits explain why this plant is revered in paintings from ancient Egypt, and in many cultures throughout history.
Although most only have knowledge of the external application of Aloe Vera, either in its cosmetic or healing of burned skin applications, the plant has much more to offer. When applied internally (ingested), its benefits are of as great, if not greater, significance.
Searching through the available scientific literature, it is clear that aloe stands out as a unique plant, with an amazing array of health benefits. In a single plant, we can find the following benefits or support that it offers the body, with the purpose of:
• Stop the growth of cancerous tumors
• Reduce bad cholesterol levels
• Dissolve kidney sones and protect against crystallization of oxalates in coffee and some teas
• Alkalinize the blood, which is especially useful in a world where we consume so much sugar and flour (acidifying substances)
• Treat ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and other digestive disorders
• Reduce high-blood pressure by treating the cause, not just the symptoms
• Accelerate the healing of physical and radiation burns
• Replace dozens of first aid products, making obsolete the use of bandages and antibacterial sprays
• Help stop colon cancer, treating the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract as a balm
• Correct constipation
• Stabilize sugar levels in the blood
• Prevent and treat infections caused by the Candida bacteria
• Protect the liver against various diseases
• Act as a natural isotonic for the balance of electrolytes, making artificial sports drinks also obsolete
• Increase cardiovascular performance and endurance
• Moisturize the skin and accelerate its regeneration in case of cuts or wounds of any kind
• Thin dense or sticky blood facilitating the circulatory movement
• Increase blood oxygenation
• Reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis pain
• Protect the body against oxidative stress
Worldwide, Brazil was the pioneer in banning the use of any supplements containing this plant. This demonstrates that our government must progress further in understanding and knowledge.
Fortunately, it is STILL possible to extract the benefits from the use of the plant itself, extracting the gel inside the leaf and preparing it in juices or shakes. The process is quick and easy, requiring only some carefulness and attention. At the end of this article you can watch a video for homemade gel extraction.
You can easily find aloe leaves in farmers’ markets and specialty stores. Or you can buy an entire Aloe Vera plant for your home or garden. For your home plant, use wide not deep pots.
THE DESERT LILY: ALOE VERA IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND
Scholars point out that Aloe Vera originates from Africa, but currently it is easily found anywhere on our planet. Today there are countless products, whether medicinal or cosmetics, that use aloe in their composition.
The Aloe Vera, also known as the “plant of immortality” and “Desert Lily”, has been widely used by ancient civilizations. It was carried by Alexander the Great’s army soldiers to be used as a first-aid medicine. Applied to wounds in battle, the aloe gel quickened the healing process. There are also records of aloe being used as medicine in Christopher Columbus’ fleet and in other Great Navigations. Aloe Vera is regarded by historians as the great beauty secret of Cleopatra, the legendary muse of ancient Egypt that charmed everyone with the radiance of her beautiful skin.
Aloe Vera, as well as other plants belonging to the succulent family, can survive in arid and desert climates due to having developed an ingenious water-storage technique. It acts as a living reservoir of the precious liquid. However, the liquid stored by these plants is more than just water; it is, rather, a composite gel of long-chain glycol nutrients, called polysaccharides.
This gel is the treasure of aloe. In it are countless medicinal properties. The gel has in its composition certain compounds that provide the plant with quick healing and regeneration abilities; when any of its leaves break, the gel seals the cut almost instantly to prevent its internal moisture from evaporating and dehydrating the whole plant. This same healing and accelerated regeneration attribute is transmitted to those who make use of the gel, both internally or topically, in the treatment of ulcers or cuts of all types.
The polysaccharides found in the gel has strong antiviral, bactericide and fungicide properties that protect the contents of its nourishing and moisturizing thick gel from thirsty desert micro-predators. Polysaccharides, from the Greek poly = many; sacchar = sugar, are complex carbohydrates composed of 10 to up to thousands of monosaccharides arranged in chains.
Besides water and regenerative properties, this gel contains hundreds of phytochemicals which, when ingested, provide remarkable medicinal effects. Many experts say that about 60% of the synthetic active ingredients found in synthetic pharmaceutical drugs are also found in an organic and superior form within the aloe gel. For this reason, many companies around the world are committed to creating products lines like Aloe Vera juice. The effect of the leaf in the prevention and treatment of various symptoms is potent, real, and scientifically proven by hundreds of studies.
What Is In the Gel of Aloe Vera:
Water
20 minerals
12 vitamins
18 amino acids
200 active plant components (nutrients phyto), including:
– enzymes
– Terpenes (a phyto nutrient that reduces blood sugar)
– Glyconutrients and glycoproteins
– Polysaccharides, including:
acemannan,
Mannose-6-phosphate
Polimannans
Phenolics glycosides, such as Dihydrocoumarins
STUDIES AND PROVEN BENEFITS
Currently aloe’s best-known properties are cosmetic, whether on the skin or hair, acting as a bactericide, healing agent, and a high-capacity moisturizer that helps rejuvenate damaged, burned tissue. It also creates a protective film that helps the body retain more water and stay well hydrated, even in the heat of a scorching desert sun. In other words, Aloe Vera is great for applying on the skin before sun exposure, because besides protecting it from dehydration, it also protects the skin from burns without any artificial chemicals.
There are other enormous benefits that are still unknown to the majority of the population. Some are listed below, followed by links of scientific studies as a reference.
Since there is no money or profit in researching Aloe Vera (it is a plant, not a compound that can be patented and marketed), its array of benefits remain hidden from traditional science. Many of herbs’ stunning effects and properties have not been studied, precisely because of this simple reason: there is no profit to justify sponsorship and support these studies. So do not expect scientists to decide to “prove” that Aloe Vera has all of these benefits. Instead, try it for yourself and watch the results.
Aloe is not a “magic” cure nor is its effect instantaneous. Regular use for several weeks or even months may be necessary to reverse symptoms. Many people have reported improvement in symptoms within the period of 3 to 30 days, depending on the condition.
INFLAMMATION REDUCTION IN THE BODY
Topical application of aloe is a well known means to reduce inflammation of the joints and ease arthritis pain. However, aloe may also be used internally to reduce inflammation throughout the body, from the inside out. It is a documented fact that people who drink aloe for at least two consecutive weeks experience a significant reduction in their inflammation symptoms.
If you go to scholar.google.com and search for aloe vera inflammation, you will find an array of articles.
STABILIZATION OF BLOOD GLUCOSE IN DIABETES
Diabetic patients who consumed Aloe Vera for three months showed a significant drop in high-blood sugar peaks. They also exhibited reduction of cholesterol levels and significant improvement in the total cholesterol. Several published clinical studies have demonstrated the various aloe properties that help the diabetics.
Diabetics can benefit greatly from blood-quality improvement provided by aloe. Since aloe makes the blood thinner, and improves circulation to the body’s extremities, diabetics suffering from peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet that necrose due to lack of circulation) can greatly benefit from this aloe effect.
If you go to scholar.google.com and search for aloe vera diabetes, you will find an array of articles.
CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDES BALANCE
When used internally, aloe’s gel not only improves the blood quality but it also helps rebalance its biochemistry so that high bad cholesterol content and triglyceride levels are reduced. Aloe (in generous doses), in conjunction with other foods and natural herbs, are a much safer and economical alternative than the use of statin drugs, which have shown many harmful side effects, such as reducing the CoQ10 enzyme reserves in the body.
If you go to scholar.google.com and search for aloe vera and cholesterol, you will find an array of articles.
TREATMENT OF ULCERS, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, CHRON AND CELIAC DISEASES
The plant’s polysaccharides have numerous regenerative effects on digestive disorders. A quick internet search will reveal a vast amount of testimony and evidence about Aloe Vera healing these and other digestive tract diseases. This is one of the most well-known application of the gel.
ACEMANNAN HIGH CONTENT, A NATURAL IMMUNE STRENGTHENER
Acemannan stimulates the movement of the digestive organs and contributes to the elimination of allergy-causing foreign proteins, via the large intestine. Acemannan has a direct effect on the cells of the immune system. It activates and stimulates macrophages, monocytes, antibodies and also T cells (cells whose role is to enhance the immunological resistance of the organism).
ALOE STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND DESTROYS CARCINOGENIC TUMORS
Scientific research, such as the International Immunopharmacology study published in 1995, shows that the polysaccharides present in aloe’s gel have a high capacity to strengthen the immune system, especially the leukocytes—also known as Natural Killers, experts in the destruction of cancerous tumors.
Anyone wishing to prevent or heal cancer should seriously incorporate Aloe Vera into his or her diet as a means to eliminate the disease. There is no need to be limited only to aloe, since there are dozens of well-known tools in naturopathic medicine to cure cancer. The combination of certain herbs (such as cat’s claw), super foods (such as Spirulina) and various forms of advanced therapies (such as intravenous vitamin C and oxygenation of the blood through Ozone) can be produce very positive results. Look for a qualified naturopath for more details.
If you go to scholar.google.com and search for aloe vera and tumors, you will find an array of articles.
ALOE VERA: THE EVOLUTION OF THE FIRST AID KIT
You know that first-aid kit in your home that contains chemical sprays and toxic substances (antiseptics, lotions, bandages, etc.)? Well, it will become obsolete the moment you finish reading this article.
Aloe Vera is a powerful, natural antiseptic delivered by nature, ready to use. After all, the composition of its gel contains effective antiviral, bactericide and fungicide properties that protect the plant so it can survive in the wilderness. Otherwise, any scratch or small cut would leave the nutrient contents of the plant open for bacteria invasion.
The application of small pieces of the plant on cuts and wounds will bring healing free of scars! As the gel dries, it will twitch and “pull” the skin, close the wound, and protect it completely from any harmful bacteria that can infect the lesion. In addition to these benefits, the gel is densely nourishing to the skin and provides all of the nutrients for its regeneration.
It can also be perfectly used in animals, sparing them from exposure to harmful chemicals and side effects present in veterinary medicine. Certainly it is preferred that they lick a natural gel than a set of artificial chemicals.
However, it is important to note that aloe does not replace an emergency room. If you cut your finger off in an accident, for example, do not imagine that aloe will miraculously reassemble it back. But before you get to the emergency room, the gel of the Aloe Vera can protect your wound infections and provide a faster stage of injury recovery.
Aloe is so versatile that it is recommended to load a sheet with excursions for nature. It is a portable first aid kit. Its gel treats cuts, scrapes, burns, bites, punctures, tears and even scrapes. And if you are dying of thirst, you can eat the gel and hydrate yourself.
ALOE VERA AS A NATURAL FOOD PRESERVATIVE
Imagine the possibility of eliminating from food immeasurable amounts of chemical preservatives that intoxicate and degrade the body. Or the possibility of replacing all of these toxic substances by a natural preservative, which besides conserving food provides health and vitality to your body. Well, add a thin layer of Aloe Vera gel and this dream becomes a reality.
Research conducted by Daniel Valero, Ph.D. University Miguel Hermánez in Alicante, Spain, shows that a thin layer of Aloe Vera gel is extremely efficient in preserving and storing food. For the experiment, they dipped grapes in the gel of Aloe Vera and kept them refrigerated. The grapes that did not receive treatment spoiled in seven days, but the grapes that were previously covered with Aloe Vera gel remained fresh and tasty for 35 days!
This means you can soak fruits and vegetables in the gel. Apples, cucumbers, zucchinis, tomatoes, peaches, potatoes, grapes and many other food staples can be preserved in this way.
INCREASES THE EXPECTATION OF LIFE AND LONGEVITY
A study in mice has shown that Aloe Vera increases life expectancy by 10%. This study’s summary describes the following:
The use of aloe, both raw and processed, showed a 10% increase in lifetime and a 50% reduction in mortality rate. Beneficial effects with the use of aloe in relation to age-related diseases were also observed: Groups 2 and 3 showed a lower incidence of atrial thrombosis compared to Group 1. Moreover, Group 2 showed a significant reduced rate of nephropathy (kidney disease) and severe occurrence of multiple causes of death compared to the control group. All groups that ingested aloe showed considerable reduction in the incidence of fatal leukemia. Furthermore, no side effects and adverse reactions were found from ingesting Aloe Vera.
IT ELIMINATES THE DISCOMFORTS OF ACID REFLUX
All that is needed to treat reflux without drugs is the regular use of Aloe Vera. The symptoms disappear in a few days. Now, of course, there is no point in taking the gel and then indulging in deep fried and processed foods.
RADIATION BURN TREATMENT FROM CANCER RADIOTHERAPY
For victims of cancer who are undergoing aggressive radiotherapy, topical application of Aloe Vera on the radiated region will speed up the healing process of radiation burns. Consuming Aloe Vera internally is also a great way to help internal burns. It is best and smarter to avoid such radiation treatment in the first place. Radiotherapy should be used only as a last resort, after exhausting all of the alternative possibilities that are less-destructive to the body’s health.
See the paragraph below, taken from a Talor Francis Online study:
The radio effect modifiers of the Aloe Vera leaf extract were observed in tests in Swiss albino mice at doses between 50 and 100mg / kg. This extract was non-toxic when injected up to 800mg / kg, and significant improvements in survival time in radiation exposure were reported. Furthermore, the treatment reduced damage in the sex cells and weight loss caused by radiation.
GUM TREATMENT
Would you like a simple and effective way to heal gum problems? It is easy: put a little gel of Aloe Vera on your toothbrush before brushing your teeth. Aloe Vera heals the gum and eliminates gum disease.
A vitamin D deficiency can also cause gum disease. By combining sun exposure with aloe gel you can experience good results within a short time.
REDUCTION IN STROKES AND HEART ATTACKS
By improving the blood-flow quality, the risk of stroke or heart attack decrease significantly. Aloe prevents cell coagulation, which is a major cause of stroke.
Aloe Vera can make the cells unstick from each other, making the blood fluid again and allowing oxygen and nutrients reach all organs and cells.
ALOE VERA: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GEL EXTRACTION
Here is a simple and easy extraction of gel leaf Aloe Vera, which can be safely grown in your home’s backyard, or even in a vase, if you live in a small house or apartment. This way you will always have on hand one of the most magnificent medicinal herbs. It is a great privilege to harvest and consume it fresh.
There are dozens of varieties of aloe. Aloe Barbadensis is the one you want. You may recognize it from the pictures; it is the type that has smooth, succulent leaves. You can find these leaves for sale in herbal stores or farmers’ market booths.
Here is the step by step on how to remove the gel from its leaves. With practice, it will take a few seconds to perform this process that ideally should be part of your daily healthy habits routine. You can feel and enjoy the blessings of this ruler of plants in the quality of your life.
HOW TO USE?
The gel of Aloe Vera, when extracted properly, has virtually no taste and therefore it is a good addition to any juice or smoothie you prepare in your blender.
We recommend that you grow succulent leaves of fresh aloe in your garden, the Barbadensis species (thicker sheet).
To make use of this plant, peel it with the help of a knife and throw a piece of gel into the blender cup. Next, add your favorite fruit or juice (can be green juice, milk, nuts …) and process briefly. Cheers!
If you have never eaten aloe before, start with small portions. Allergic reactions to Aloe Vera are very rare, but caution is always recommended.
The goal is to maintain the leaf in the refrigerator after harvested even after cutting a piece of the same. It should only be discarded when it begins to wilt. The collected gel can be frozen and stored for up to six months.
