Editor's note: This article is a reprint. The first edition was published on August 14, 2017 in his.
When you think of aloe vera, you may think of it as a prickly plant with small spines on either side of thick, variegated leaves that fan out from the base. Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to tropical regions, including most temperate regions, and probably in thousands of homes across the United States, and has been used for a variety of purposes, both medicinal and nutritional, for thousands of years. Biomed Central, his open-access website that collects peer-reviewed journals and blogs, says:
„Such widespread use of Aloe Vera by humans is nothing new. Historical sources indicate that Aloe Vera trade routes date back to the 4th century BC and were established in the Red Sea and Mediterranean regions. There are over 500 species, spread throughout Africa and various islands in the Indian Ocean.1
One reason for its popularity is that it is an impressive looking plant, but the gel within its leaves also has powerful healing abilities against many diseases and conditions. In fact, this gel could easily solve many of the problems that cause thousands of people to purchase creams and lotions that purport to contain extracts from the aloe vera plant, but often , contains only a fraction of the healing power you get from the real thing.
Aloe vera's commercial success in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications worldwide is estimated at approximately $13 billion annually. As revealed by Medical News Today:
„Aloe vera contains a variety of powerful antioxidant compounds. Some of these compounds can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Aloe vera is especially effective for skin and gums. It certainly has some unique therapeutic properties when applied as an ointment.”2
Where does healing come from?
Laura Dorn, a holistic nutritionist and author who founded Happy and Low, says it's the gel inside the leaves that contains the highest levels of bioactivity, but here's what's really surprising.3 There are at least eight different ways to use aloe vera, including:
disinfectant |
Antibiotics |
antibacterial |
Preservative |
antibacterial |
Bactericidal |
antiviral drug |
antifungal agent |
These abilities come from Aloe Vera's many compounds and phytonutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, choline, folic acid, B1, B2, B12, and B3 (niacin). Minerals include selenium, zinc, calcium, iron, copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and chromium. You'll also find tons of:
- Polyphenol antioxidants — These help fight free radicals that cause disease and infection and accelerate the aging process.Four
- Fatty acids – Aloe contains phytosterols, which are valuable fatty acids such as campesterol and B-sitosterol, as well as linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids.Five
- Amino acids – There are approximately 22 types of amino acids called „protein building blocks'' required by the body, and Aloe Vera contains 18 to 20 of these, including all 8 types that are considered essential for human health. Masu.
One study found that aloe vera contains 75 potentially active compounds, including lignin, saponins, salicylic acid and amino acids, and 12 anthraquinones, phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Shown. It also contains campesterol, beta-sitosterol, lupeol, and the hormones auxin and gibberellin, which aid in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory properties.6
As an adaptogen, aloe increases the body's ability to adapt to external changes and increases its ability to cope with physical, emotional and environmental stress. Scientists believe that adaptogens balance the system and stimulate natural defense and adaptation mechanisms, further helping to fight illness and disease. Also:
„Aloe alkalinizes the body. Diseases cannot develop in an alkaline environment. Most people live and survive on acidic foods. For good health, remember the 80/20 rule. It is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. Aloe vera is an alkaline food that helps to alkaline your body and balance out an overly acidic diet.7
Topical and internal benefits of aloe vera
The first aloe vera-based ointment for sunburn hit the market in 1959, and research has found it effective for first- and second-degree burns.burns, stings, cuts, psoriasis, etc.8 or insect bitewhen applied topically, aloe vera has powerful healing effects.
Aloe's analgesic properties can help relieve pain while preventing and relieving itching as an antipruritic agent. Aloe gel is an astringent, which means it contracts the body's tissues and reduces bleeding from minor scrapes. As an antipyretic, it is used to reduce or prevent fevers and is 99% water, making it ideal for moisturizing the skin. Happy and Raw claims:
„Aloe improves skin elasticity and increases flexibility through collagen and elastin repair. Aloe is an emollient and helps soften and soothe the skin. It provides oxygen to skin cells, It increases the strength and synthesis of skin tissues and causes skin inflammation. ” Improved blood flow to the skin due to capillary dilation. ”9
The Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry states that aloe helps cleanse the body itself.Ten And a review of four studies found that it can reduce burn healing time by up to nine days compared to conventional medical treatments.11 Additionally, aloe vera has the following properties:
Reduces plaque and kills plaque-forming bacteria, candida albicans12 |
Helps heal canker sores and reduces pain13 |
Improves cardiovascular health as beta-sitosterol helps optimize cholesterol |
Aids digestion. Reduces constipation caused by the compounds aloin or barbaloin.14 |
lower blood sugar levels15 |
reduce inflammation |
helps detoxify the body |
Boosts immunity thanks to polysaccharides |
May improve skin and increase collagen production16 and reduce wrinkles |
From all the above benefits of using aloe vera, weight loss is considered to be a secondary benefit due to reasons such as improved digestion, weight loss, etc. constipation (aka regularity), detoxification, and lowering blood sugar levels are all related and have different but direct effects on weight.
Cultivating Aloe Vera Plants for Medicinal (and Other) Uses
Native to tropical regions, the aloe vera plant can be grown outdoors during warm weather, even in northern climates. It is very easy to grow in the ground. We highly recommend adding a layer of compost and wood chips instead of just soil. This improves soil quality and provides valuable plant nutrients.
One thing about growing aloe vera is that it's incredibly easy and the baby plants that aloe vera produces are so prolific that you can remove new shoots fairly regularly and plant them in separate pots to give as gifts. , you can fill some window sills with spiky succulents.
They grow faster when the roots are not crowded together, so leaving a few inches of space between the roots will help them grow faster. It's probably not surprising that these plants prefer bright light, but baking them all day in the hot sun and high temperatures can scorch them to death, especially if they're potted. Indirect lighting is best. If you don't want to grow your own, you can purchase plants from many health food stores and grocery stores.
Water your aloe thoroughly, but make sure at least 1 to 2 inches of topsoil is completely dry between waterings to prevent further rot. Reduce the frequency of watering in winter. Additionally, if you plant your aloe vera plant in a pot, even if it's a small plant, it will need drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Otherwise, unless you pick the roots, let the roots dry for a few days, and then put them back into the soil, they will eventually become waterlogged and die.
Once the plant is large enough, you can cut off individual leaves as close to the ground as possible (or just below soil level). Carefully snip off the small spines on each side, cut off 2 to 3 inches (or as much as you need), cut off the flat side of the leaf to expose the gel, and scrape it off to use as a cooling aftershave lotion or sunscreen. Therapy.
In fact, fresh gel from the aloe plant (as opposed to aloe products) is one of the best treatments for sunburn. You can also slice the leaves open like a book and place the exposed gel directly onto the skin where its healing properties are needed.for refreshing drinkput a few teaspoons of the gel (not the zest) in a small glass bowl, use a hand mixer or high-speed blender for a few seconds, then add a little fresh lime juice.
Products that contain aloe vera (or claim to contain aloe vera) are not necessarily what they claim to be
We have already mentioned that the most powerful way to obtain the effects of aloe vera is to use the plant itself, and not products that contain certain proportions along with many others that contain chemicals. There are things like certification by the International Aloe Scientific Council (IASC). This certification was established in the early 1980s due to rampant abuse of claims that various consumer products contained at least some percentage, but many products did not. .
“Wannabes” (aka scams) still exist Products with zero aloe content I went outside hoping for a corner of the market. Additionally, „Happy and Raw'' includes text that addresses precautions for consumption.
„This plant is incredibly medicinal, but care must be taken in long-term use. Just because it works in small doses does not mean it will be more effective in larger doses. This is incredible. It's such a powerful plant that you have to use it at a certain level.'' I admire its strength.
Long-term use can cause loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. Tip: Avoid taking aloe orally if you are pregnant, menstruating, or have hemorrhoids or liver or gallbladder degeneration. ”17
If you don't currently have aloe vera in your home, you may find that having aloe vera can help with many of the problems listed above. You can also try it as a fresh and healthy drink.