Its green parts, a clear pulp that looks like gel, the benefits of which are no longer to be proven, both for internal and external use…Aloe Vera, Miracle Medicine?
Cancers, eczemas, chronic digestive problems … Aloe vera seems to have virtues for all ills. Is aloe vera a miracle plant?
Aloe vera, the plant with multiple virtues
Not only does it stimulate the immune system, and heal, but it also acts as an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera promotes the elimination of toxins and relieves stomach cramps and stomach aches. In addition, this remarkable plant is recommended for diabetics, and people suffering from allergies, constipation, and heart problems …
In short, aloe vera is a real miniature pharmacy: it produces many active components, including minerals, enzymes, vitamins, and mucopolysaccharides, as we will see.
Aloe vera, a fountain of youth of the Maya
There are 300 species of aloe. The most used is, of course, aloe vera because of its benefits and especially its ease of use. Native to South Africa, aloe vera is cultivated all over the world, notably in Spain, and Mexico but also in the south of the United States.
The leaves are rather narrow, long, and toothed. From the center rises an inflorescence with numerous yellow flowers in the shape of a tube. After four to five years, the plant, of the Liliaceae family, reaches about one meter: you can start to take its leaves for the manufacture of remedies or cosmetics.
The precursors of current medicine such as Pliny the Elder, Aristotle, and Hippocrates had already discovered the multiple qualities of this plant. They used it mainly for:
- improve blood clotting,
- help the fickle intestines,
- soothe ulcers,
- treat injuries and wounds,
- as well as for its benefits for the skin: both to treat it and to beautify it.
Besides, Cleopatra did not deprive herself of the exceptional properties of this plant to perfect its legendary beauty!
- The Maya called this plant ” the fountain of youth ” and the ” source of youth “.
- The aloe vera leaf contains more than 75 nutrients and 200 other components, as well as 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins.
Aloe vera has no toxicity, and no contraindication to other medications, even if it is necessary to seek the advice of your doctor as part of a specific medication. Aloe vera is one of the products called ” adaptogens “.
The virtues of aloe vera for the body
Aloe vera maintains the body from the inside, in particular by cleaning the digestive system and the urinary tract.
Certain aloe vera products promote the proper functioning of the metabolism by burning fat and strengthening the body’s defenses. Furthermore, thanks to its healing properties, some native Indians even used aloe gel directly on open wounds, without suturing them beforehand. This allowed excellent healing which, moreover, left far fewer traces than the stitches.
- Aloe facilitates cell regeneration and good hydration of the skin.
- Aloe vera juice or gel can be applied in case of sports injuries, and are also effective as a therapeutic supplement.
This plant is thus recommended in case of pruritus, eczema, small cuts, irritations, cold sores, insect bites, dandruff, damaged hair, hair loss, acne, .. cellulite.
On a daily basis, aloe vera provides flexibility and softness to damaged or dry skin.
Aloe vera and the gut
The aloe pulp (mucilage or internal leaf) contains mucopolysaccharides (especially glucomannan and acemannan) which have virtues promoting the stimulation of natural defenses and intestinal well-being.
The mucopolysaccharides of the pulp “create a viscous film” essential for the permeability and the structure of the intestines, which like a bandage, constitutes protection and improves good gastric functioning, in particular in the event of high acidity.
They stimulate the activity of the intestinal flora and its growth and therefore help to strengthen the intestinal barrier against pathogens, in other words, the sources of disease.
Mucopolysaccharides also promote the healing of gastric hair and help by absorbing a large amount of water within their structure. The food consumed is therefore transformed into hydrated masses, which improves intestinal peristalsis and elimination.
In short, aloe and the intestines are a true love story…
In addition, the fresh pulp contains amino acids, eight of which cannot be produced by the body.
Aloe vera and medical treatment. The use of aloe vera in all its forms in no way replaces medical treatment. If you are on treatment, it is imperative to consult your doctor before coupling your medication with aloe vera.
Does aloe vera have any side effects?
It has no known side effects and can, therefore, be taken without risk.
At most, a few cases of allergies to the use of the gel have been reported. On the other hand, some people allergic to onion and garlic, would also sometimes be aloe vera. Aloe vera is very active and quickly penetrates the skin, and therefore it can sometimes make the epidermis blush, without gravity.
Aloe vera for hair and skin
Aloe vera is very hydrating and has anti-aging properties. Due to its regenerative, hydrating, and revitalizing functions, aloe vera actively fights against skin aging, but also against burns
Aloe vera is full of vitamins, mainly vitamins A, E, and those of group B. This magic plant is also endowed with essential mineral salts: phosphorus, potassium, calcium, chlorine, iron, zinc…
To take advantage of all these benefits after showering, apply nourishing body milk with Aloe Vera for hydrated, supple, and soft skin.
At the same time, every night when you remove your make-up, use cleansing micellar water with aloe vera and blueberry floral water, it will remove fatty substances and impurities from the skin and will leave an impression of unparalleled freshness…
For hair care, aloe vera helps sanitize the roots, repair split ends, strengthen the scalp, and facilitate detangling. There are many shampoos on the market based on aloe vera, intended for irritated scalps.
Detangling is easier, hair is more voluminous, shiny, and supple. Some research has also shown that aloe vera can prevent permanent hair loss by addressing the major causes of baldness.
Aloe vera in all its forms
Aloe vera is present in a number of products: toothpaste, soaps, deodorants, showerbaths, shampoos, hand, body, and face creams, lip balms, etc.
Note on aloe vera
Avoid aloe vera during pregnancy and breastfeeding and do not offer it to children under the age of six.
When buying, always prefer a product of organic origin bearing the IASC certificate and containing a high percentage of aloe vera: it will be more effective. Also, check its packaging which should allow perfect preservation of the product’s properties.
Aloe vera creams
Aloe vera creams are practical and useful for all local applications. Many brands of day and night creams are based on aloe vera and give good results.
Their texture makes them very pleasant to use and they all have in common that they are very hydrating.
Aloe vera latex
Be careful not to confuse Aloe vera gel and Aloe vera juice (or latex). The gel has cosmetic and medicinal properties, aloe vera juice or latex is a powerful laxative: it contains anthraquinone glycosides (aloins), elements that produce highly laxative effects.
The juice should be extracted from the fresh pulp of aloe vera. To obtain this juice, remove the skin from the leaf, extract the pulp, and knead it. It should be consumed pure, mixed, or diluted at the rate of a tablespoon for a glass of water or fruit juice.
When to choose aloe vera juice?
Aloe vera juice is recommended to facilitate blood circulation, digestion, and regulation of blood sugar levels. It helps a bit to lose weight, speeding up the metabolism (but no miracle to wait for). This juice allows you to benefit from the many nutrients contained in aloe vera leaves.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe gel is the most practical form for applications but also for consumption as is with a spoon or mixed with honey. Aloe vera gel contains more phyto-elements than aloe juice.
In addition to its cathartic qualities, aloe gel contains anthroglucosides that cleanse the body of toxins, in particular the residues which adhere to the walls of the intestine.
Aloe vera gel is recommended against laryngitis and sore throat, especially in gargling. Against a sore throat, keep your aloe vera in the refrigerator.
Enzymes make a great governor of functions digestive and intestinal … The aloe gel is beneficial to intestinal bacterial flora and is indicated in cases of ulcers, heartburn related to hormonal conditions, or gastrointestinal enteritis.
- Aloe vera gel is useful against diarrhea due to gastroenteritis, flu, or tourists. Aloe vera drinkable gel is a bactericide.
- It is a powerful intestinal antiseptic, recommended in case of obstinate constipation and congestion of the liver. By stabilizing the disturbed intestinal flora, it relieves the problems of flatulence, and gently rebalances digestive problems (gastritis, esophagitis, ulcers, irritable colon, etc.):
Finally, a regular dose of aloe vera gel can provide significant relief as an adjunct therapy for diverticulitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and colic.
Do not consume the aloe vera gel directly extracted from the plant without knowing what the extraction process was. Not filtered, it secretes a substance actually a bit yellowish toxic purify it takes to get a gel that will not trigger you to colic.
Aloe vera bulbs
This form is very often used for specific and punctual treatment. However, these solutions are based on aloe vera concentrate undergoing heat treatment, and the majority of the properties have disappeared.
Aloe capsules
Aloe capsules have a practical side but their packaging is not recommended because it is aloe powder. The latter is made from the entire leaf and therefore contains bark and therefore aloin.
Aloe vera in the kitchen
Aloe will see can be used to decorate desserts, yogurts, or drinks, but also a natural seasoning for food in salads, for example.
How to choose aloe vera?
Aloe vera is easy to find either in organic stores, pharmacies or drugstores. But you have to be very careful because there are very variable qualities.
The method of extraction is decisive and must respect the delicate mucilage of the aloe plant (an aqueous substance secreted by aloe).
In addition, the use of preservatives, including citric acid, adversely affects the intrinsic properties of the plant. Our advice: it is better to use aloe products whose shelf life is short, but with a method of manufacture and conservation preserving the properties and qualities of the plant.
Image Credit : Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova from Pexels
