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

Can Aloe Vera treat psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term condition that causes excess skin cells to form inflamed, red, and scaly patches on the skin. Can aloe vera help manage the symptoms of this condition?

Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the immune system and does not currently have a cure. Also, up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.

This article explores the potential benefits of aloe vera as a treatment for psoriasis and considers the scientific evidence available to support its use.

Contents of this article:

1. Does aloe vera help psoriasis?
2. Benefits of aloe vera for psoriasis
3. How to use aloe vera
4. Risks and considerations
5. Other treatments for psoriasis
6. Takeaway

Does aloe vera help psoriasis?

Psoriasis causes painful and uncomfortable patches of inflamed skin. Sometimes these patches can crack and bleed.

If psoriasis starts to affect people's joints, it is called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can cause a person's joints to become swollen, stiff, and painful.

Aloe vera is a type of succulent with gel-filled leaves. Applying pure aloe vera gel to psoriatic skin patches may have a soothing effect, reduce inflammation, and improve hydration. It may also be beneficial for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Some studies suggest aloe vera gel can help manage specific symptoms associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, there is not much evidence to support aloe vera gel as a stand-alone treatment, so a person with psoriasis should talk to their doctor about medicated creams and other remedies.

Benefits of aloe vera for psoriasis

A 2012 study found aloe vera gel to be over 81 percent effective in the treatment of psoriasis. However, this study used an animal model, so more research is needed to see if aloe vera gel has an equally beneficial effect on psoriasis in humans.

While the effects of aloe vera are unproven for psoriasis specifically, the following studies show it may be beneficial for certain symptoms:

Helps heal wounds

A 2015 review noted that aloe vera's healing property is related to a compound called glucomannan, which affects skin cell growth and accelerates wound healing.

As a result, the wound healing properties of aloe vera gel may be beneficial if a person with psoriasis has skin patches that crack or bleed.

Helps the skin to make collagen

Aloe vera gel may lead to the skin making more collagen. As well as contributing to the healing process, collagen helps to keep the skin elastic and firm.

The glucomannan contained in aloe vera encourages collagen production and collagen improves skin elasticity, so increased collagen production may help to reduce the scaly patches caused by psoriasis.

Reduces inflammation

Aloe vera gel may be able to reduce inflammation, which is a symptom of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

A 2008 study found aloe vera gel to be more effective than a placebo to treat skin conditions, such as UV-induced erythema. The study did not, however, look specifically at aloe vera's role in treating psoriasis.

More research is needed to say with certainty that the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera are beneficial for treating psoriasis.

Improves hydration

Aloe vera gel may help to improve skin hydration, although not when used on a regular basis.

A 2014 study found that aloe vera gel improved skin hydration after one application. However, after multiple uses, it decreased skin hydration.

Improved skin hydration may help a person with psoriasis prevent the patches on their skin from cracking. One-off applications of aloe vera gel could be useful in this way, but it may not be beneficial if used repeatedly.

More research is needed to see if aloe vera is a good moisturizer for people with psoriasis.

How to use aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is available over the counter at most pharmacies and health food stores.

People can also use aloe vera gel directly from the plant by snapping off a leaf and gently squeezing out the gel.

Aloe vera gel can be applied liberally to the affected areas of the skin up to three times a day.

Aloe vera is also available in tablet form. However, the National Psoriasis Foundation say aloe vera tablets are not beneficial for the condition.

Risks and considerations

Applying aloe vera gel to the skin is safe for most people, but some individuals may be allergic.

It is best to apply the gel to a small patch of skin to test for an allergy before using it more liberally. If there is no adverse reaction after 24 hours, it should be safe to apply aloe vera gel freely to the skin.

Also, some medications may interact with aloe vera gel. A person who is taking medications may wish to discuss aloe vera gel with their doctor before they start using it.

Other treatments for psoriasis

Aloe vera gel is a complementary treatment that may help manage psoriasis symptoms when used alongside other treatments.

Treatments that the doctor may recommend for psoriasis include:

• salicylic acid
• steroid-based creams
• calcipotriene-containing ointments
• coal tar ointments

Other home remedies for psoriasis that some people find beneficial include:

• apple cider vinegar
• dead sea salts
• capsicum
• tea tree oil

Takeaway

Some studies suggest that aloe vera gel may improve specific symptoms associated with psoriasis, due to its healing properties.

More research is needed to prove whether aloe vera gel is an effective treatment for the skin condition, as a whole. In the meantime, aloe vera is generally safe to use as a moisturizer and on skin affected by psoriasis.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320081.php?sr

Benefits of Aloe Vera for hair

Aloe vera is a plant that grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. People appreciate it for its decorative uses and medicinal properties.

People have valued this member of the Liliaceae family for its many healing and regenerative properties for millennia.

Advocates of using aloe vera for hair health point to its plentiful supply of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients linked to hair growth. They say these properties are signs of its ability to promote healthy and abundant hair.

The connection between the properties of aloe vera and hair vitality has not, as yet, been proven by scientific research.

Here, we will explore the subject more, along with looking at other benefits of aloe vera for the hair and scalp.

Contents of this article:

1. Does it work for hair growth?
2. Established benefits of aloe vera
3. Proven benefits for hair care

Fast facts:One of the earliest written mentions of aloe vera's curative effects dates to 2100 BCE.Aloe vera's many uses may be partially explained by its makeup. It contains 75 active ingredients, including vitamins A, C, E, B12, and choline.Some nutrients have a marked effect on hair quality, and nutritional deficiencies can lead to hair loss.Research suggests a positive correlation between aloe vera use and hair health, but no firm scientific link has been made.Does it work for hair growth?According to the Trichological Society, an independent association for professionals involved in the study and treatment of the human scalp and hair, the average rate of hair growth is 1 centimeter per month.Shampoos and other hair products have not been shown to have a significant impact on this rate, which is primarily determined by genetics and an individual's health.Aloe vera is thought to work chiefly because of its contents, which include:

• vitamins
• essential amino acids
• minerals, such as copper and zinc, which are important for hair growth
• plant steroids
• fatty acids

Aloe vera is big business. In 2004, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products containing aloe vera were a $110 billion-a-year industry.

Aloe vera is a natural product and carries few risks so people can try it safely despite the lack of scientific consensus.

Established benefits of aloe vera

Research analyzing the healing properties of aloe vera has generated the following:

• a potential link between aloe vera and improved healing from burns
• aloe vera may work as a laxative, but the safety of this has not been tested
• encouraging early signs of aloe vera's usefulness in treating diabetes

People have used aloe vera for centuries to address a multitude of health problems, but although these remedies are well-established in folk wisdom and popular culture, the majority of claims have not been subjected to scientific review and study.

Proven benefits for hair care

Aloe Vera's use in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is one of its claimed benefit for hair care that has been studied.

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a skin disease that causes a pinkish-red rash and crusty, yellow-white scales on the surface of the skin, which may also be swollen and greasy. SD frequently develops on the face and scalp. When infants develop SD on their scalps, it is called cradle cap.

One study found that treatment with aloe vera resulted in a significant reduction in itchiness, scaliness, and the size of the area affected by SD. Since SD can, in some cases, lead to temporary hair loss, this is one clear use of aloe vera for hair growth.

Also, there is speculation that since aloe vera contributes to a healthy scalp, which is important for healthy hair growth, this bolsters arguments about aloe vera's effectiveness in hair care.

Researchers have suggested that the benefits of aloe vera for hair may be due, at least in part, to its ability to stimulate blood circulation and improve delivery of oxygen and nutrition to hair follicles.

Are there any risks?

The external use of aloe vera usually does not have undesirable side effects. However, cases of the following have been reported:

• allergic reactions, especially in those allergic to garlic, onions, and tulips
• contact dermatitis or a skin rash that develops after aloe vera is put on the skin
• phototoxicity, or a skin irritation similar to a severe sunburn

Diarrhea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalances, colic, and kidney problems have been associated with the oral use of aloe vera. Acute cases of some of these problems, while rare, have been reported.

Do types of hair, such as curly hair, react differently?

Each type of hair requires its own kind of care. The characteristics of an individual's hair, such as its density, texture, diameter, the degree of curl, and porosity will affect how it responds to a treatment or product.

African-American hair tends to be very dry, and dermatologists recommend the use of products with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, for hair care.

With its rich mix of vitamins, minerals, moisture, and more, aloe vera can help protect moisture levels in dry hair.

How do you apply it to the hair?

Individuals interested in aloe vera for hair care can choose from a wide variety of ways to apply it, ranging from the homemade to the mass-produced.

Some people like to apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to their scalps. To do so:

• cut a leaf from a live aloe vera plant
• using a spoon, collect the gel (some like to blend it with coconut or olive oil)
• rub the gel or mixture directly into the scalp and let it sit for an hour
• use a mild shampoo to wash the hair and scalp
• repeat this process 2-3 times a week, as needed

Since some people are sensitive to aloe vera, it is best to proceed cautiously and try rubbing a small amount of the gel onto the wrist first, to see if there is a reaction, before applying it to the scalp.

Hair masks are also a popular way to use aloe vera for hair care. In this approach, aloe vera is mixed with one of the following:

• honey
• jojoba oil
• egg whites
• fenugreek

The mixture is then massaged into the scalp and hair, a shower cap is worn, and the mixture is left on for 15 minutes to 1 hour, after which it is rinsed off with a mild shampoo.

It is also possible to buy aloe vera in some commercial products.

What are there different forms of aloe vera?

Aloe vera is widely available for purchase in many forms.

While individuals sometimes cut the leaves off plants and apply the fresh gel directly, it can also be purchased in many different forms. These include a liquid, an oil, and a gel, or in pills, shampoos, lotions, creams, and sprays.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319114.php?iacp