Aloe Vera Juice/Aloe belonging to the Alliaceae family is a succulent herb that reaches 80 to 100 cm in height and matures in 4 to 6 years. The plant lives for 50 years under favorable conditions. Aloe Vera is biologically active and native to southern and eastern Africa along the upper Nile in Sudan and was eventually introduced to Northern Africa. The plant is naturalized in the Mediterranean region and other countries across the globe. It is cultivated commercially in Aruba, Haiti, Bonaire, India, the United States of America, South Africa, and Venezuela. The finest aloe is found in the desert of Southern California. This plant is able to survive in hot temperatures of 104˚F.
Aloe Vera is a stemless plant that grows 80 to 100 cm tall and spreads by root sprouts and offsets. Leaves are thick, fleshy, green to grey-green, lanceolate with serrated margins. Flowers form on spikes upto 90 cm tall. Flowers are pendulous having yellow tubular corolla about 2 to 3 cm long. Aloe Vera juice is a thick liquid derived from the flesh of the aloe vera plant leaf. The leaves are crushed and ground followed by steps to purify and filter the liquid. The mild and tolerable flavor of juice makes it suitable to add to shakes and smoothies.
Some common names of Aloe Vera are Aloe, Kumari, Indian Alces, Gawarpaltra, Ghirita, Curacao aloe, Barbados aloe, and Lu hui. Usually, it is used for decorative purposes and grown indoors as a potted plant. Also, it is used in consumer products such as cosmetics, skin lotions, beverages, and ointments for sunburn and minor burns.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice has been used medicinally for thousands of years but recently got much popularity. The study on active ingredients displays the health potential. This plant encompasses vitamins (folic acid, choline, Vitamin A, E, C, and B12, antioxidants) along with nine minerals, eight enzymes, salicylic acid, saponins, and others.
External Benefits:
- Heal wounds and burn
Aloe Vera is renowned for its healing and soothing effects on wounds and burns. Studies show that the application of aloe vera to a wound promotes the rate of wound closure and tensile strengthen wound by the proliferation of cells including liver, skin, blood cells, and nerves.
- Aging skin
It is thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis combined with creases, lines, furrows, and age spots in the face. The components found in aloe vera reverse degenerative skin changes with the stimulation of collagen or elastin synthesis i.e. reversing the aging effects on the skin.
- Restores immune system
Aloe Vera prevents the chances of suppression of the immune system of the skin which is the major cause of skin cancer.
- Moisturizer
Aloe Vera comes with moisturizing properties. Studies confirm that Aloe Vera improves hydration, assists the elimination of dead skin cells, and has a penetrating ability that transports healthy substances through the skin. It is also used in dermatological and cosmetic products. Aloe Vera is utilized for manufacturing over 95% of dermatologically valuable extracts worldwide.
- Arthritis, Joint and Muscle Pain
Aloe Vera lowered severe joint and muscle pain related to arthritis and pain associated with injuries and tendinitis. When applied to the pain area, Aloe Vera penetrates the skin and soothes the pain. Ingesting aloe vera juice on regular basis prevents and causes regression of adjutant arthritis.
- Lower inflammation
Aloe Vera enhances various anti-inflammatory responses in the body, lowers swelling from injuries, and speeds up recovery from infections. It aids the relief of pain as well as discomfort and promotes the overall wound process.
Internal Benefits
- Arthritis, Joint and Muscle Pain
Aloe Vera lowers joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis and also pain related to injuries and tendinitis. Apply it to the area of pain directly; it penetrates the skin to soothe the pain. Studies show that ingesting Aloe Vera regularly prevents and causes regression of adjutant arthritis.
- Relieve gastrointestinal problems
Aloe Vera juice provides relief from gastrointestinal problems. People consume this juice to provide relief from gastrointestinal, ulcerous, and kidney problems. It improves regularity, promotes energy levels, comforts the intestine after intake of Aloe Vera juice. Moreover, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, colitis, duodenal and peptic ulcers are relieved after intake of Aloe Vera juice.
- Coronary Heart Disease
Study shows that ingesting Aloe Vera gel has a positive effect on blood fat lipid accumulation related to diseases. Aloe Vera lowered total cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, and nonesterified fatty acid levels which when elevated accelerates fatty material accumulation in medium and large-sized arteries such as coronary arteries of the heart.
- Antioxidant properties
Aloe Vera has Vitamin E, C, zinc, and seven superoxide dismutases. The circulation of blood has various constituents providing beneficial effects on coagulation and blood pressure.
- Digestive health
Aloe Vera is helpful for IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome). It is used for other digestive problems such as peptic ulcers and other stomach inflammation. The properties are used for soothing and healing digestive problems.
- Enhance immunity
The ingredients found in Aloe Vera contain antiviral, antibacterial and analgesic elements.
- Treat sunburn and burn
The healing and soothing quality of Aloe Vera are helpful for burns especially sunburn.
- Acts as a laxative
Aloe Vera has a laxative effect on the bowels.
- Detoxifies body
Amino acids support kidneys and liver.
- Improves brain function
Study shows that diet with Aloe Vera has better memory recall and recognition and also lowered incidences of tension or low mood. The effects are attributed to saccharides found in aloe vera.
Medicinal uses
- Consume Aloe Vera juice mixed with milk for kidney infections.
- Aloe Vera releases pepsin which supports digestion, soothes colic pain, digestive tract irritations, and ulcers.
- It is a tonic, increases immunity, and combat diseases.
- It promotes circulation and enhances the supply of oxygen to the cells. It helps to alleviate thalassemia.
- It helps in maintaining healthy muscles and joints and also prevents arthritis.
- It prevents constipation and acts as an effective blood purifier.
- It is beneficial for liver and kidney problems such as jaundice.
- It lowers inflammation as well as infection of the ear and eye.
Aloe Vera for Healthy Skin
- Aloe Vera eliminates wrinkles and age-related changes.
- It promotes the circulatory system and nourishes the skin.
- It effectively treats skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
- It heals wounds and cuts, burns and blisters, sunburns, and also minor second-degree burns.
- Aloe Vera eliminates acne, skin allergies, skin blemishes, and dark spots.
- Applying Aloe Vera to the skin provides relief from dry skin.
- The extracts of Aloe Vera in hydrophilic cream are effective for treating genital herpes in men.
- For seborrheic dermatitis, apply aloe vera lotions to the skin.
How to Use
Consume Aloe Vera drink on an empty stomach. Mix 20 ml with a glass of water. Or mix equal quantities of aloe vera juice with amla (Indian gooseberry), tulsi (holy basil) and giloy juice (Heart-leaved moonseed).
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
- Some might experience dehydration due to frequent stools, irregular heartbeat, stomach cramping, lower potassium levels.
- People with heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, nursing, pregnant women, and allergic to garlic, onions and tulips should not use Aloe Vera internally.
- It causes allergic reactions such as irritation or swelling of lips, face, and tongue. When experienced these symptoms discontinue using.
- In pregnant women, it can cause complications such as miscarriage.
- Aloe Vera juice causes blood sugar to drop to low levels in diabetic patients.
References
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