ALOE VERA: THE SKIN-HEALING PLANT OF THE DESERT

Over 5,000 years ago, aloe vera was hailed as the "Plant of Immortality" in ancient Egypt. It was used by the likes of Cleopatra and other infamous leaders as part of their beauty regimens.

Extending from its long history of recorded use, aloe is still utilized as traditional medicine in many countries, including China, India, Japan, South Africa, and the West Indies.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT IT?

Just one of over 500 species of aloe plants, aloe vera grows wild in tropical climates. Inside of the fresh leaves contains a gel - a type of mucilage made up of 99% water.

The gel is a nutrition powerhouse and contains over 75 active constituents including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides, hormones, lignin, saponins, and fatty acids. These nutrients give aloe its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera has long been used for many different kinds of skin ailments. Science has recently caught up with the wonder herb in the last few decades and has confirmed its efficacy.

BURNS

As a little backstory, aloe vera actually made its way into the United States medical system about two centuries ago. In 1820, it was officially published in The Pharmacopoeia of the United States book as a skin protectant and purgative.

SECOND DEGREE BURNS

Aloe has been put to the test in treating different levels of burns to the skin. The gel can be used as a preventative tool against the progression of skin damage, enhancing the healing time of first and second-degree burns.

SUNBURNS

While there isn't a lot of data on its ability to heal sunburns, aloe's ability to stimulate new cell growth (especially in more serious burns) definitely supports this claim.

Aloe vera gel is effective in reducing redness caused by UV radiation, likely due to its unique ability to restore Langerhans cells which regulate skin immunity.

Aloe would be best used in combination with other UV-protective ingredients, like green tea for example.

FROSTBITE

Although not technically a burn, frostbites are still measured in the same way by the degree of injury. Aloe vera has been shown to help improve tissue survival following frostbites.

SKIN PROBLEMS

DRY SKIN

Fresh aloe vera gel can be used anywhere on the body for its hydrating benefits.

Aloe has a high polysaccharide content, which forms a protective layer on the skin - acting as a humectant. Humectants hydrate by drawing moisture into skin cells.

The gel delivers a soothing effect to the skin, reducing dry and irritated skin. While aloe doesn't quite act the same way as Botox, it does improve skin integrity and smoothes the appearance of fine wrinkling.

Aloe also has a potential of preventing radiation-induced dermatitis (mild forms are usually dry, irritated rashes).

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that causes thick red patches and white scales on the skin.

Aloe vera can be used as an excellent tool for treating psoriasis. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe reduces lesions and erythema (redness) associated with the condition.

WOUNDS

Aloe's wound-healing activity doesn't really come as a surprise. It can be used on minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions as a simple and effective remedy. Quite a few studies have come out in recent years about the astounding healing effects aloe has on wounds.

The gel contains glycoproteins, which are known for their cell regenerating properties.

Aloe stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and various other essential nutrients in wounds. As a result, it modulates wound healing by increasing provisional matrix synthesis, an integral part of the wound healing process.

Wounds are proven to not only heal faster with a topical application (or oral consumption) of aloe but also decrease and remodel scar tissue size, resulting in less visible scars.

Aloe has even been successfully tested on surgical wounds in patients after a hemorrhoidectomy, reducing their needs for analgesics (pain-relieving drugs).

FUNGAL AND BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Aloe vera gel has antimicrobial properties. This is especially important in treating wounds, as the gel is capable of preventing certain multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Aloe has shown its potential as a simple alternative to antibiotics for treating leg ulcers with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

On top of that, aloe vera is effective in the treatment of genital herpes. Yes, you read that right. This study from 2009 proved that a cream with a 0.5% extract from the plant cured the first episodes of genital herpes in men.

HOW TO USE ALOE

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Let's just get down to the dirty facts. A lot of blogs and skin care companies recommend aloe vera skin care products. While studies have clearly confirmed the efficacy of aloe in creams for certain skin issues, I would be very wary of aloe-containing cosmetics.

The reason for this is because an extract could be used in such a low quantity, or it could simply just be low quality, and it just wouldn't have many benefits to the skin.

Cosmetic labels list ingredients by order of quantity. Any product marketed as containing aloe vera, yet has aloe near the bottom of the ingredients' list is just using greenwashing tactics. For all we know, alone could consist of 1/10,000th of the formula.

Aloe vera gel is used as the base for a lot of creams and lotions these days. But, what comes along with this? Synthetic (and potentially toxic) preservatives, emulsifiers, thickeners, and other ingredients we don't want on our skin. Some companies are much better than others in this regard, but the need for preservatives is unfortunately necessary.

Don't read into greenwashing on cosmetic labels; there are much simpler ways to use the pure source.

THE FRESH PLANT

The best form of aloe vera is, of course, directly from the plant itself. Aloe is relatively cost-effective and as a succulent, It's very easy to maintain. Whenever you happen to get a cut or burn on your skin, you'll be happy to have real aloe at your disposal.

Here's an excellent article on properly caring for, extracting, storing, and using aloe in different DIY formulations.

You can usually find aloe vera plants at Home Depot, Ikea, and even Walmart. To find a high-quality one, call up some local plant stores and ask if their aloe was grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides and if It's GMO-free.

ALOE VERA GEL

Using aloe gel is your next best option. Finding a good-quality one is difficult. I did find one brand, Lakewood, and they sell a USDA certified organic, non-GMO aloe vera gel. You can buy them in bulk.

The downside is their product needs to be used within 2 weeks after opening. Using the above instructions for storing aloe vera gel, like placing in trays in the freezer, for example, can extend the shelf life.

Other options I've found either use preservatives (food-grade ingredients like potassium sorbate are highly questionable), or don't have any organic/non-GMO certifications.

POWDERED

Lastly, you can also buy aloe vera in powdered form.

While the gel has been much more clinically verified than its powdered form, this is the simplest way to still get some of aloe vera's benefits without having to really worry about its shelf life.

Powdered aloe vera is more for general skin care, versus treating burns or wounds. For example, It works well in DIY face masks, tea-infused facial toners, and herb-oil infusions, like what we did with our Miracle Oil.

CONCLUSION

Aloe vera can be used as a powerful anti-inflammatory tool for regenerating damaged skin cells and speeding up the healing time of minor burns and wounds. It can also be used to help treat dry and irritated skin, as well as psoriasis.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before using aloe vera for any medical conditions or surgical wounds. In rare cases, people can have an allergic reaction to aloe, resulting in burning and redness.

Now that you've learned about the incredible skin care benefits aloe vera has to offer, how are you going to incorporate it into your life?

Source: https://loaskin.com/blogs/loa-skin-care/aloe-vera-skin-healing-plant-desert

Drinking Aloe Vera Gel Drink for Good Skin

The Egyptians refer to Aloe Vera as the “plant of immortality” as they have utilized the beneficial plant for a wide variety of purposes. Aloe Vera has been used as natural medicine for different ailments (especially sunburn) for many centuries now.

Grown mostly in Africa and some parts of Asia, this plant’s popularity has extended far beyond its origins. Aloe Vera gel is now relied upon for so many purposes. It has been used as an exfoliator, makeup remover, hand sanitizer and so much more. This is due to the antibacterial and antiviral properties it contains. 

Most often, this gel is applied to the skin but many it is also consumed orally, which is fast-acting and more effective.

Aloe Vera is a natural plant you can rely on for many different disorders and skin conditions.

Aloe Vera gel performs it’s miracles beyond the skin and may aid in our overall well-being. Recognizing the immense benefits of Aloe Vera gel through oral consumption, Aloe Vera Gel drink wholesalerOkyalo developed a variety of Aloe Vera drinks in many flavors. The drinks are naturally made with no added sugar or preservatives. With the numerous benefits, this age-long plant possesses, regular consumption of the gel may benefit the skin and also boost the immune system.

Loaded with several nutrients such as sodium palmate, glycerin and sorbitol, consuming an Aloe Vera Gel drink helps promote beautiful skin that glows radiantly. Aloe Vera also contains anti-aging properties that limit the speed of aging and the removal of dead skin cells which helps limit wrinkling and prevents the development of acne while helping to moisturize the skin. With regular consumption, Aloe Vera Gel helps keep skin smooth and supple.

The usefulness of Aloe Vera Gel goes beyond the skin; the hair also enjoys the nutrients of this miracle plant. Aloe Vera helps promote hair growth and also helps prevent hair breakage. Aloe Vera can help to limit inflammation in the body and it’s also very effective in the treatment of chest pain, heartburn and soothes the esophagus ensuring easy swallowing of food. Those suffering from Diabetes can also benefit from Okyalo Aloe Vera Drinks as it may help maintain blood sugar and aid in the reduction of cholesterol.

There are so many benefits you may enjoy from ingesting Aloe Vera. If you find Aloe Vera too bitter to chew, then try Aloe Vera drinks to reap the benefits of this miracle plant.

Source: http://www.poshbeautyblog.com/health/2017/6/26/drinking-aloe-vera-gel-drink-for-good-skin

Aloe Vera gel for Stretch Marks

Aloe vera has long been associated with its ability to heal the skin. You’ll find it in many beauty treatments, lotions, burn creams, and more. That’s what usually gets people wondering if it can help with stretch marks.

Also known as striae, stretch marks can be caused by a number of things but most commonly after giving birth.

Most people hate the way these look on their body and actively seek new ways to get rid of them with medical treatments.

In addition to stretch mark creams, aloe vera can be used as a supplement to help heal the skin, especially if you apply it early on. One of the foremost experts on skincare, the Mayo Clinic, has rated aloe vera products like gel and juice as a “C” on “A” to “F” scale for helping with stretch marks.

This makes the cheap and easily accessible plant an ideal source for healing stretch marks in addition to prescribed creams and bandages.

Applying Aloe Vera Get Stretch Marks

We have already made a number of articles that show you how to make your own aloe gel. Start by choosing the method that’s most convenient for you and making your own gel at home.

Of course, you can also go out and buy aloe gel at most stores; it’s just a lot cheaper. The reason being that you’ll need to apply aloe gel to the area of your body with stretch marks at least once a day, which can become costly.

To apply the solution, take a fingertip of the gel and rub it gently on your stretch marks, massaging it deeply into the skin.

As an added bonus, you might feel a sense of relief, as fresh stretch marks can be slightly painful. While aloe vera doesn’t heal the damaged skin completely, it has been seen to reduce the visibility of stretch marks considerably and have a soothing sensation to boot.

Source: http://aloevera.com/aloe-vera-gel-for-stretch-marks/

Aloe Vera for Diabetes

The aloe vera plant is something that all diabetics should carry in their home at all times. No, it’s not a cure for the disease or an outrageous claim like that but it does have a lot of benefits that help people who suffer from diabetes.

Many people are unaware of the added heart, liver, and kidney risks that come along with diabetes and grow worse as a result.
Adding aloe vera as a staple in your diet can help ease some of the more debilitating symptoms of diabetes.

It should be noted that the below items are even better for those that suffer from hyperglycemia (increased glucose levels in the blood) as well.

Why Should Diabetics Use Aloe Vera

Reducing blood sugar levels is one of the many benefits the aloe vera plant can give you. A study involving mice showed lowered levels in the HbA1c test (a test for diabetics). This could make a considerable improvement to your overall health as well.

Aloe vera also lowers cholesterol. Diabetes is notorious for treating heart disease and heart-related issues, high cholesterol is one of the main culprits. Aloe has proven to lower bad cholesterol levels by protecting the heart.

Another thing that diabetes goes after is the liver and kidneys. Aloe also serves to protect these two organs from oxidation stress and continuous damage to tissues that can be caused by having diabetes.

While aloe vera may not treat diabetes itself, it does help the body from side-effects that come with the disease in a straightforward kind of way.

Even better, aloe vera is easy to grow in your home and make your own products at a low cost, unlike other medicines that accomplish the same goal. We, at AloeVera.com, have provided you with all the information you need to get started growing and producing your own aloe vera products at home.

If you’re someone that suffers from diabetes, then give this supplement a try (in addition to doctor-recommended medications) today.

Source: http://aloevera.com/aloe-vera-for-diabetes/

What Everyone Ought to Know About Aloe Vera

It seems like everyone has a pretty good idea about some of the basic uses for aloe vera, but there are plenty of things we don’t know. Perhaps one the best definitive breakdowns of this miracle plant was done by Mike Adams – AKA the Health Ranger. Here’s what he says everyone needs to know.

I’m truly excited to be bringing you information about the miraculous healing abilities of the spiky green plant and the uses for aloe vera. First off, in case you don’t know, let me emphasize that I don’t sell aloe vera products of any kind, I haven’t been paid to write this article, and I don’t earn any commissions from the sale of any products mentioned here. I am, however, an enthusiastic supporter of natural medicine, and I personally grow and eat aloe vera plants in Tucson, Arizona.

Discovering the Uses of Aloe Vera in My Own Backyard 

In fact, my yard is an aloe farm, and each day before I make my superfood breakfast smoothie, I walk out to my yard, slice off an aloe vera leaf, thank the plant for granting me its healing medicine, then I fillet the leaf and drop the aloe vera gel into my blender. A few minutes later, I’m enjoying the most impressive medicinal herb that nature has ever created. (Click here to see the new PhotoTour showing step-by-step pictures of how to fillet aloe vera and remove the inner gel). It’s really not surprising that I’ve become somewhat well-versed in the uses of aloe vera. 

When I say the uses for aloe vera are some of the most impressive medicinal herb invented by nature, I don’t make that statement lightly. Of all the herbs I’ve ever studied — and I’ve written thousands of articles on nutrition and disease prevention — aloe vera is the most impressive herb of them all. (Garlic would be a close second.) There is nothing on this planet that offers the amazing variety of healing benefits granted by aloe vera. In a single plant, aloe vera offers potent, natural medicine that:

Discover the various uses of aloe vera and the aloe vera plant at AloeVera.com

Flickr Photo: carrotmadman6

Major Health and Beauty Uses for Aloe Vera 

• Halts the growth of cancer tumors.
• Lowers high cholesterol.
• Repairs “sludge blood” and reverses “sticky blood”.
• Boosts the oxygenation of your blood.
• Eases inflammation and soothes arthritis pain.
• Protects the body from oxidative stress.
• Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea.
• Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.
• Cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn’s disease and other digestive disorders.
• Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
• Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glyconutrients.
• Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns.
• Replaces dozens of first aid products, makes bandages and antibacterial sprays obsolete.
• Halt's colon cancer heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.
• Ends constipation.
• Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglycerides in diabetics.
• Prevents and treats candida infections.
• Protects the kidneys from disease.
• Functions as nature’s own “sports drink” for electrolyte balance, making common sports drinks obsolete.
• Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
• Speeds recovery from injury or physical exertion.
• Hydrates the skin, accelerates skin repair. – Source

You can grow, harvest, cut and eat your own aloe vera and reap some of the various uses for aloe vera. Here’s a quick guide to show you how it’s done. You can also purchase ready to eat aloe vera juice and gel. 

Although there are more than a few uses for aloe vera, be sure to consult a physician before embarking on a long-term treatment plan (especially when ingesting aloe vera orally). Although its a highly beneficial plant, it can come with a few side effects in a handful of individuals. 

Source: http://aloevera.com/what-everyone-ought-to-know-about-aloe-vera/

13 Surprising and Powerful Benefits Of Aloe Vera - How To Best Use It

You’ve probably used aloe vera before. After spending one too many hours baking in the sun, you may have slathered it on your skin, savoring the sweet cooling sensation. Aloe vera can be a sunbather’s best friend.

But did you know that aloe vera has loads of other uses? From soothing mouth ulcers to cleaning your teeth, you’ll be amazed at all the different ways it can be used. It’s one of nature’s most diverse plants in terms of uses.

Now, it should be noted that many of the claims made about aloe vera aren’t backed by scientific studies. In this post, we’re only going to include benefits that have at least some scientific backing. Some of the benefits may require more research, but at least initial evidence is in place.

We’re going to provide you with 13 other simples, yet powerful ways to use aloe vera.

Ready? Let’s get started.

What Is Aloe Vera?

Before we get into uses for aloe vera, let’s quickly talk about the plant itself.

It is a plant that grows in tropical climates for both agricultural and medicinal purposes. It typically grows to somewhere between 24-39 inches and has thick, fleshy leaves with a somewhat waxy exterior.

Inside, the leaves contain a gel-like liquid. Within this gel are a variety of useful compounds that give the plant its medicinal value, and it has long been valued for its various uses.

Now let’s dive into the uses for the plant.

#1 - Aloe Vera Contains Antioxidants and Antibacterials

It’s well established that antioxidants are incredibly useful for the body. They function as protectors of sorts, attaching themselves to harmful free radicals which can damage cells in the body.

The gel within the aloe vera plant contains antioxidants from a family of substances known as polyphenols.

The polyphenols, in combination with other compounds, work to inhibit limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the body.

#2 - Aloe Vera Can Reduce Dental Plaque

Got a nasty case of plaque in your mouth? Let aloe vera come to the rescue. 

A study of approximately 300 people compared aloe juice to standard mouthwash, which contains the ingredient chlorhexidine. 

After just 4 days of use, evidence suggested that the aloe vera was just as effective as a mouthwash. 

Given that aloe vera is a natural substance, it can be an outstanding healthy alternative to chemical-laden mouthwash.

#3 - Aloe Vera Allows Burns To Heal More Quickly 

Of course, aloe vera is useful for treating sunburns, but it has applications beyond that. 

A study suggested that the plant is effective in treating first and second-degree burns, reducing the healing time by as much as 9 days.

This is no secret, given that the FDA approved aloe vera as an over-the-counter option for skin burns all the way back in 1959. Despite this, many people assume it's only used is for treating sunburns.

#4 - Aloe Vera Can Function As A Laxative

Clogged up from eating the wrong foods? Aloe vera can aid your digestion by acting as a laxative. 

Surprisingly, it’s not the gel that does this, but the sticky yellow latex found under the skin of the leaf. This latex contains aloin, which has long been established as an effective laxative.

However, it should be noted that there have been concerns about using aloe vera as a laxative. Always talk to your doctor before using it.

#5 - Aloe Vera Can Help Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are painful sores that form in the mouth and often last for a week, or longer.

Several studies have indicated that aloe vera is an effective treatment for ulcers, both in speeding the healing and reducing the associated pain.

A 7-day study of 180 demonstrated that the plant is effective in reducing the size of ulcers.

Another study demonstrated that aloe vera can reduce the significant pain that often comes with canker sores.

#6 - Aloe Vera May Lower Blood Sugar In Diabetics

The jury is still out on this one, given that the research involved was rather poor. However, a few studies suggested that aloe vera might be able to help lower overall blood sugar in diabetics.

It does this by enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving the body’s ability to manage sugar. 

You should definitely speak to your doctor before using aloe vera though as there has been concern about the liver damage being caused. 

(note, Ceylon cinnamon may support healthy blood sugar levels in already healthy individuals)

#7 - Aloe Vera May Improve Skin Quality

Research is still being done, but it appears that aloe vera gel may reduce aging signs on the skin.

One study of women over the age of 45 showed that topical use of aloe vera gel could increase collagen production and increase skin elasticity. 

Another study showed that the gel could minimize redness of the skin.

Although it’s still early in the game, these signs are encouraging. 

#8 - Aloe Vera Can Soothe Rashes and Irritation

The plant has long been used as a home remedy to treat skin rashes and irritation, but evidence also backs this up.

A 2009 review of 40 different studies suggested that oral consumption of aloe vera can speed the healing of wounds and decrease the size of growths on the skin. 

Another study done in 1996 suggested that aloe vera is an effective treatment for psoriasis.

A 1996 study done at the Department of Clinical Physiology in Sweden included 60 patients with chronic psoriasis who participated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of aloe vera or placebo cream. The cure rate in the aloe vera group was 83 percent (!) compared to only 7 percent in the placebo group, and there were no relapses reported at the 12-month follow-up.

#9 - Aloe Vera Can Ease Gastric Distress

Anyone who has experienced ongoing gastric distress knows the frustration of trying to find relief. Thankfully, aloe vera can provide that relief. 

One study on rats with gastrointestinal problems found that aloe vera significantly reduced the amount of gastric acid in their bodies. 

Another study on 30 patients with irritable bowel syndrome discovered that drinking 30 milliliters of aloe vera juice twice per day reduced the overall level of gastric discomfort.

Some of these benefits may be due to the laxative and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera, as well as the various anti-bacterial.

#10 - Aloe Vera May Help Fight Breast Cancer

It’s too early to tell, but early research suggests that aloe vera may be able to play some role in slowing the progression of breast cancer.

This benefit may be due emodin, which is found in the leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Of course, more research must be done to prove this theory, but the evidence is encouraging. 

#11 - Aloe Vera May Improve Cardiovascular Health

The research is limited when it comes to aloe vera’s effect on the cardiovascular system, but the existing research does indicate that the plant may improve overall cardiovascular health.

In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers suggested that orally administered aloe vera may be helpful in lowering blood lipid levels, which in turn may help regulate cholesterol levels. 

Considering that cholesterol is typically controlled by taking pharmaceutical drugs, this development is encouraging. 

#12 - Aloe Vera Can Ease Dandruff

Aloe vera can play a role in minimizing dandruff, thanks to its moisturizing properties, anti-inflammatory compounds, anti-fungal properties, and cleansing enzymes. 

Although additional research is needed to come to a firm conclusion, the evidence suggests that the plant can be an effective remedy.

Given that anti-dandruff shampoos have numerous chemicals, this can be an outstanding option.

For ways to use aloe vera, read this article.

#13 - Aloe Vera May Protect Against Cavities 

A study from General Dentistry compared aloe vera in tooth gels to standard toothpaste. They found that, in some cases, aloe vera is just as, if not more effective than standard toothpaste.

Some of this benefit may be due to the antibacterial compounds found in the plant.

Conclusion

Aloe vera is a powerful plant with a variety of uses. As research continues we should expect to see even more uses emerge from the plant, which is certainly encouraging.

Given that aloe vera does not contain many of the abrasive, harmful chemicals found in traditional over-the-counter medicines, it should certainly have a place in your medicine cabinet. 

As noted above, you should consult with your doctor before administering aloe vera. It’s always better to have the advice of an expert.

Source: https://www.vitamonk.com/blogs/health/13-surprising-powerful-benefits-of-aloe-vera