Aloe vera has so many incredible natural uses for both the skin, and the body. Most popularly known for healing skin burns, or aiding poor digestion. However, there’s so much more that can be done with aloe vera. From medicinal uses, to boosting the immune system, and being a great natural mouthwash alternative. The benefits of aloe vera are endless! So whether you’re looking to do an aloe vera detox. Or want to use if for something more specific, we have some amazing uses for aloe vera, both inside and out.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a member of the succulent family and an evergreen perennial, originating from the Arabian Peninsula. Oddly, aloe vera is actually part of the onion and garlic family. Aloe Vera has over 200 active components including – Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Enzymes and Fatty Acids, full of nutritional benefits. With all these amazing things inside it, it’s no wonder this plant has such a wide range of healing properties.
The gel inside the aloe leaf is actually 99% water but it’s the part most used in medicinal purposes. Different parts of the aloe vera plant are used for different purposes, both internal and external have medicinal advantages. As aloe vera is a medicinal plant it shouldn’t be consumed every day. Used for a long period of time without breaks can negatively effect your body.
A Quick Overview Of Aloe Vera
- High In Vitamins & Minerals
- Vitamins – A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6 & B12
- Minerals – calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese
- High In Amino Acids (containing all 9 essential amino acids)
- An Adaptogen (increases the body’s ability to adapt to both internal and external changes and resist illness)
- Balances the body to be able to cope with stress, pollution and increasing your natural defences.
A Quick Overview Of The 10 Benefits Of Aloe Vera
- Aids digestion
- Accelerates wound healing
- Reduces dental plaque – natural mouthwash
- Detoxes the body
- Reduces constipation – natural laxative
- Aids cardiovascular health
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Alkalises the body
- Boosts immune system
Aids Poor Digestion
Aloe Vera is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and to help improve poor digestion. Taking aloe vera internally helps with both constipation and diarrhoea by helping to regulate your bowel cycles. People who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) have said taking aloe vera internally has improved stomach and digestive issues. Like taking Acidophilus tablets (good bacteria), aloe vera also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria in the gut which in turn helps aid digestion.
Aloe Vera Detox
Just like Seaweed, Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food. Meaning as it passes through your intestines, it collects all the toxins and helps to remove them from your body.
These then get flushed out through your colon when you go to the toilet. I guess this is just a more natural way of getting colonic irrigation.
So, this would be a great thing to do once you have passed the worst of a sickness bug. The gel formula will help to remove any residual toxins left by the virus in your gut and intestines.
Aloe Vera Alkalises The Body
Diseases are not able to manifest as well in a high alkaline environment. Most people live on high acidic diets, so a dose of aloe vera will help to balance things out.
For great health, remember the 80/20 rule – 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic. Aloe vera is an alkaline forming food. It alkalises the body, helping to balance our overly acidic modern dietary habits.
Aids Cardiovascular Health
Aloe Vera may be able to help lower the risk of heart disease. It helps to regulate blood pressure, improves circulation and oxides blood to make it less thick and sticky.
Boosts The Immune System
When taken internally, the polysaccharides in the aloe vera stimulate white blood cells in your immune system. Your white blood cells are where your bodies ‘army’ is stored until needed.
Enhancing your immune system due to it’s high level of anti oxidants. These anti oxidants aid in combating compounds known as free-radicals that contribute to the ageing process.
Has Skin Healing Properties
Great for healing burns, soothing insect bites and reducing irritation on Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea related skin diseases. It does this by acting as an analgesic, numbing the pain felt in skin conditions.
Just like you’d rub a dock leaf on a stinging nettle sting, aloe vera works in much the same way. It might not get rid of rosacea completely, but it will help to soothe any discomfort you may be experiencing.
Great For…
- Sunburn
- Oil or water burns
- General skin irritations
- Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea
Relieves Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a digestive disorder that can often result in the effects of heartburn. Also, those who have any form of asthma can also experience the effects of heartburn, especially after eating.
Research has shown that consuming up to 2 ounces of aloe vera juice, gel, or in tablet form just before meal times could reduce the amount of heartburn you have.
Great For…
- Asthmatics with additional heartburn
- Those who suffer with GERD
- General heartburn after meals
Natural Mouthwash Alternative
If you like to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth but are looking for a more natural alternative, aloe vera could be the perfect choice.
Scientific researchers found aloe vera extract to be a safe and effective alternative to mouthwashes you’d normally find on the shelves in supermarkets. Aloe vera’s natural ingredients can block plaque, provide relief from bleeding and swollen gums, as well as giving you a good dose of vitamin C at the same time.
Natural Laxative
If you find yourself getting a little ‘backed-up’ at times, try having a little bit aloe vera juice to get things moving again. However, even if you aren’t having issues in that area, every now and then it can be good to have a little aloe vera detox to make sure things don’t get block up.
However, if you have Crohn’s disease, colitis, or haemorrhoids you shouldn’t consume aloe vera as it could cause you abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. Speak to your GP before if you are worried about any of these issues.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Including up to two tablespoons of aloe vera juice every other day into your diet can help to reduce your blood sugar levels to fall.
Why is it important to keep your blood sugar levels stable? Fluctuating blood sugar levels are generally what causes mood swings, and dips in energy. By keeping them balanced, your mood should improve.
Another reason is to help prevent or at least delay long-term any serious health problems such as – heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
However, if you do have diabetes, especially those who take glucose-lowering medications, should speak to their GP before including this in to your diet as it could cause your blood sugar to dip too low.
Great For…
- Those with diabetes
- If you have big mood swings (especially before/after food)
What would you say are the greatest benefits of aloe vera? Would you do an aloe vera detox to improve your health?
FAQ’s
Can Aloe Vera Be Eaten Raw?
Yes. However, if you find the taste of the chunks too strong, try gently cooking them as it gives it a milder taste.
Is It Good To Drink Aloe Vera Juice Everyday?
Daily consumption of aloe vera isn’t recommended as it does have medical properties. However, consuming it a few times a week, or even every other day should help with things like poor digestion, bloating…etc.
Is Aloe Vera Poisonous?
Generally no. However, there are 3 types of aloe vera that are – Aloe ballyi, Aloe elata and Aloe ruspoliana.
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