Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera or the medicinal aloe is a succulent plant, native to north Africa. The health benefits associated with the plant and sap are many. Aloe vera is an essential part of herbal remedies for the skin and numerous internal ailments...

Aloe Vera Plant:

The aloe vera species is also referred to as Indian Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Wand of Heaven, First Aid Plant, Burn Aloe, Chinese Aloe and in the laboratory, A. barbadensis Mill, Aloe perfoliata L. var. vera, Aloe indica Royle and even the Miracle Plant. The plant is related to the Aloes species of northern Africa. The plant thrives in the tropical climates of Asia and Africa. It is being cultivated on a large scale for the medicinal properties inherent. The sap of the plant is used in a number of cosmetics and medicines. It has a healing and soothing effect on flaky and dry skin and is also used in the treatment of diabetes. It is potent with mannans, polysaccharides, lectins and anthraquinones.

The short-stemmed plant grows to a height of not more than 40 inches. It has spreading offsets, each thick and fleshy. The green stalks sometimes have white flecks. The plant flaunts yellow flowers in summer. Research reveals that the plant forms arbuscular mycorrhiza; a special symbiosis that enables the plant to store rich mineral nutrients absorbed from the soil. The cultivation of the aloe vera plant has long ceased to be one for ornamental purpose. Today, it is widely recognized as a medicinal plant and cultivation techniques concentrate on increasing succulence. This is to ensure the survival of the plant even amidst low rainfall. The plant displays intolerance to snow and frost and is resistant to bug and aphid attacks. The plant does well in well-drained and sandy soil and needs a fair share of sunlight.

Aloe Vera Juice or Sap:

The sap contained within each of the offsets of the aloe vera plant is rich in aloin and a number of rare minerals. Aloe vera juice is commonly used all over the world to cure and address:

Digestive conditions

Heartburn

Constipation

It is also used in numerous commercially available beverages, yogurts and desserts. It is used as a base in many cosmetic applications such as lotions, makeup, moisturizers and sunscreens. Aloe vera juice is also included in the manufacture of many soaps and shampoos. The sap is an inseparable part of herbal medicines.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera is believed to be very effective in soothing burns and abrasions. It is used extensively in the treatment of wounds and promotes the healing process. Research reveals that the sap of the aloe vera plant is also very effective in improving blood glucose levels, in the case of diabetics. Taken orally, the juice of the Miracle Plant addresses and reduces the discomfort associated with ulcerative colitis. The juice is being used extensively as an immuno-stimulant and is currently being researched for its effectiveness against cancer in humans as well. Topical applications are generated with an aloe vera base for the treatment of genital herpes. These applications also help in the cure of psoriasis and even gingivitis and plaque.

Aloe vera juice has a number of proven antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used in medicines administered to inhibit ringworm or tinea triggering fungi. The synergistic proportions of active compounds such as C-glycosides and various lectins empowers aloe vera. It is a popular anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and health restoring agent. Dedicated aloe vera creams are now available to heal cuts, stings and grazes, sunburn, eczema and acne. The sap or gel of the plant is also ingested to cure acid reflux, candidiasis, Crohns disease, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, hayfever and even safeguard the system against free radicals.