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Aloe Vera - Benefits of Aloe Vera Plant, Gel & Juice

The aloe vera plant is very similar to a cactus but it is in fact it is a member of the Lily Family. There are over 250 different species of Aloe, growing naturally in dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Aloe Barbadensis Miller and Aloe Arborescens Miller are the only two species commercially grown.

The leaves from the Aloe plant grow in a rosette pattern from the base. Mature plants can reach a height of 1.5m, usually averaging around 1m in length. At maturity, an aloe plant averages around 12-16 leaves weighing as much as 2 x g each. The plants are harvested every 6-8 weeks carefully removing 3 to 4 leaves per plant. Aloe Vera is available as a gel, spray, lotion, liquid, cream and in the form of a capsule

Aloe vera is a nutritional storehouse, containing vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, niacinamide, choline and 18 amino acids, in addition to many other nutritional substances. This plant is known for its healing effect and is used in many cosmetic and hair care products. There are over 200 different species of aloe that grow in dry regions around the world.

Aloe vera is commonly known as a skin healer, moisturizer, and softener. It is dramatically effective on burns of all types, and is also good for cuts, insect stings, bruises, acne and blemishes, poison ivy, welts, skin ulcers, and eczema. Taken internally, 98- or 99-percent pure aloe vera is known to aid in the healing of stomach disorders, ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids, rectal itching, colitis, and all colon problems. It can also be helpful against infections, varicose veins, skin cancer, and arthritis, and is used in the treatment of AIDS.

We have had excellent results using colon cleansers containing psyllium husks in combination with aloe vera juice. We have found this combination to be good for food allergy and colon disorder sufferers. Psyllium keeps the folds and pockets in the colon free of toxic material that gathers there. The aloe vera not only has a healing effect, but if constipation or diarrhea is present, it will return the stools to normal. It takes a few weeks to cleanse the colon, but regular, periodic use will keep the colon clean. As with any substance, it is possible to develop an intolerance to aloe vera juice and/ or psyllium husks, so this treatment should not be used on an ongoing basis.

Benefits of aloe vera plant & juice

• Great energy booster .
• Internally, aloe heals ulcerations and inflammation of the GI tract.
• Aloe vera is know as the First Aid Plant. It is great for cuts, wounds and the like.
• Aloe vera juice relieves digestive system disorders such as IBS, Candida, Colitis, Acid indigestion.
• Helps alleviate rheumatism and arthritis.
• Aloe vera gel may help moisturize and soften the skin.

Aloe vera plants are readily available and some people keep a potted plant in the kitchen. A leaf spike may be cut open and the gel applied directly to a cut or burn. For other uses aloe vera product, particularly for internal use, commercial gels and juices, which are processed under strict controls, can be found at most health food stores as well as many supermarkets.

Dosage

• For heartburn: Drink 2 ounces of juice four times a day.
• For burns, cuts, scrapes, shingles, and other skin problems: Apply aloe gel to affected area two or three times a day. For sunburns, you can also add 1 or 2 cups of aloe vera juice to a tub of lukewarm water and soak.
• For ulcers and diverticular disorders: Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice twice a day for one month. If you are also taking psyllium for a diverticular disorder, allow at least two hours to elapse before having aloe vera juice.

It is always recommended that one consult a physician before self-treating a medical condition.