I'd just like to start by saying that I am a big fan of this amazing healing plant, Aloe Vera.
It is a wonderful medicinal plant that is packed full of nutritional properties. It is a succulent plant with a fleshy white gel on the inside. Aloe Vera can be applied externally and ingested internally. I take fresh Aloe Vera every night before bedtime. I cut around half an inch of fresh Aloe Vera and remove the gel from the inside. This gel is the only part I take internally, swallowing the whole thing, and use what's left on the inside of the skin as a facial moisturiser. Before I cut the leaf from the plant I make sure the leaf is long, full, with a good green colouration and slightly soft. When I cut the leaf from the plant I discard the first inch that was connected to the stem (the plant itself) as this has laxative properties. I wash the leaf and keep it in the fringe for when I need it.
I started taking Aloe Vera as I discovered that it is good for reducing inflammation on the skin, I heard of people using it when they experience sunburn. So I thought that if I took it internally it could help to heal the ulcers on my digestive tract and fortunately it has. I can not say for sure how much they have healed but I have noticed a significant difference such as being able to tolerate certain foods I could not before. I also feel my overall energy levels are better.
Key Benefits:
Aloe Vera contains many active properties such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides, and fatty acids.
Aloe Helps Reduce Inflammation:
Aloe Vera contains Beta Sitosterol, which can help to reduce inflammation. This may be able to help with variety of conditions such as IBDs, joint related problems and skin related ailments.
Aloe Helps with Digestion:
Poor digestion can be the cause to many diseases. A healthy digestive system is important for good health. Ayurveda states that you are as old as the fire in your digestive system. Healthy digestion is the basis for good health. Aloe Vera can help soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. Aloe Vera helps to regulate the digestive system so it can help with both constipation and diarrhoea. As it helps to increase alkaline levels in the body it may help people who suffer from acid reflux. Aloe also helps to decrease unfriendly bacteria in our gut, helping to maintain healthy intestinal flora.
Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System:
Aloe helps to boost our immune system due to its high level of anti-oxidants, which help to fight free-radicals. (Free radicals are a bi-product of life itself, a naturally occurring process but we can increase unnecessary free-radicals by living an unhealthy / unbalanced lifestyle).
Please note:
Be aware that too much Aloe Vera can have a laxative effect.
Before taking fresh Aloe Vera and self-medicating for any reason, please consult your doctor.
By Hansraj Ramlugun
