What are the benefits of aloe vera?
Dear Readers,
Tereza emails Check Up with information about her successful use of aloe vera. She’s been drinking the natural aloe for her acid stomach and has found that it is working well.
She has also recently discovered an aloe vera cream for sunburn and for heat burns of any kind. It even soothes burns she got from her hot iron.
She also applies the gel from the aloe she cuts in her backyard directly to her face, which is often dry, and it keeps her skin moist.
Tereza is enthusiastic about her success with using the aloe and asks Check Up to share some other possible uses for the plant.
Aloe vera grows abundantly everywhere in Jamaica and in many tropical climates. It has been used for its medicinal effects for centuries.
Under its rubbery skin is a thick, sticky, clear gel-like flesh, from which its many health benefits are derived.
The plant can be left in water in the fridge and drunk several times a day or can be mixed in with other fruits and foods to make quite delicious smoothies and shakes.
When imbibed as a drink, the aloe offers various health benefits, including:
Stool Consistency – the aloe is full of water and minerals. If you suffer from frequent constipation, you could drink aloe daily to balance gut flora and help normalise stool consistency and frequency.
Hydration – aloe vera is clean water, electrolytes and nutrients. This is a good drink after exercise and very good for rehydration.
Alkalinity – aloe vera is alkaline and the body functions best when the pH is alkaline.
Liver function – aloe vera is associated with good liver and kidney health as it is rich in phytonutrients, as well as for its hydrating effect.
Skin conditions – acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis all tend to be reduced with drinking aloe vera juice or water frequently each day. Compounds in aloe vera
help lessen the effects of ultraviolet sun rays on the skin and helps prevent facial lines and wrinkles. Aloe vera is also useful to apply to insect stings. Aloe vera is a great skin moisturiser.
Wound healing – aloe vera works well as a dressing for wounds. It has action against bacteria.
Hair - Aloe gel can be applied to the hair and scalp of people experiencing hair loss as it stimulates hair growth. It can be used both as a shampoo and as hair conditioner.
Nutrition – aloe vera contains vitamins B and C, folic acid, calcium, copper, chromium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, and amino acids.
Acid reflux – aloe vera combats stomach acid and helps give relief from acid reflux and peptic ulcer disease. Aloe vera helps with controlling the release of stomach acid. It is also of use to people with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
Digestion – aloe contains enzymes that aid in the digestion of sugars and fats.
Nausea – aloe drink will help lessen nausea from most causes.
Arthritis – aloe will help reduce joint swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Immunity – aloe detoxifies and cleanses the digestive and circulatory systems, resulting in
better circulation and improved health. Its use strengthens the body’s immune system.
Diabetes control – eating aloe vera gel reduces blood sugar levels.
Gum disease – aloe vera is a natural remedy for dental and gum diseases. If you brush your teeth with aloe vera (the powder form is best), it will soothe sore gums and help cure infections. Aloe vera also prevents build-up of plaque.
Preserves foods – when fruits and vegetables are dipped into aloe vera juice or gel it inhibits the growth of germs and extends the freshness and shelf life of the items.
Write Check-Up: Po Box 1731:KGN8 Email arnaj56@gmail.com
AJM