Monday, November 3, 2014

Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

I wanted to introduce you all to the latest addition in my family. Say hello to my first Aloe Vera! Yay!



I found this gal at Millcreek Gardens. From my research, Aloe Vera plants contain a ton of nutrients good for the human body. I'm starting to wonder what this little plant CAN'T do for people. I think given enough time and resources this plant could bring about world peace and end world hunger... Well, mmmmmmmmaybe not. But seriously, this magical little plant can do so much for you. Take a look.

High in Vitamins, Minerals and Other Good Stuff
Aloe Vera contains vitamins such as A, C, and E -- all antioxidants that are great for breaking down free radicals in your body. If you are suffering from depression and anxiety, this little guy is rich in B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acids. It's quantities, when ingested, could help replenish your energy like a 5 Hour Energy drink! Yay for perkiness! It has somewhere around 20 minerals, such as calcium, zinc, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and magnesium. There are some great fatty acids, especially HCL Cholesterol (lowers fats in the blood), campesterol (lowers cholesterol), and β-sisosterol (great anti-inflammatory), just to name a few. The most common way to ingest Aloe Vera is in juice form, that can be purchased at your local natural food store.

Healing the Body Inside and Out
It is a great antiseptic when the gel is applied to open wounds. It helps accelerate the healing process and reduce the likeliness of resulting scar tissue. It has an abundance of chemicals (such as sulphur, cinnimonic acid, salicylic acid) which hinder bacterial growth, reduces inflammation, and fights off infections. It's cooling gel also soothes the infected area. It works great for burns (including any type of blistering), insect bites, sores (e.g. bruises, warts, cold sores), cuts, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections. When ingested in a juice or a tea, it is known to kill off bacterial and viral infections -- hence being able to fight of those last two infections mentioned. Aloe Vera juice can boost the immune system with it's anthraquinones to fight off illnesses caused by environmental, emotional, and physical stress. 

Cures Tummy Aces and Pains
The anthraquinones in the juice will introduce more water into your system, acting as a natural laxative to alleviate constipation. A juice could also hydrate you if you have a touch of the D (diarrhea). Its gel like consistency also helps flush the system out by absorbing toxins as it moves through your digestive tract all the way to your colon. Too much bad bacteria in your stomach? Aloe Vera juice will help get your intestinal flora back in balance, whether from long use of antibiotics or eating something that is causing heartburn.

Air Purifier
I'm so happy I purchased this plant before the horrible inversion settles into the Salt Lake valley during the winter months. It intakes carbon dioxide and converts it into oxygen at night, as well as during the day! (To my surprise, not all plants do this.) This makes it safe and helpful to put in each room of your home. I mean, why wouldn't you with such a beautiful plant?

Of course there are some side effects. Please read this link about possible side effects and do your homework if you do plan to use Aloe Vera, especially internally. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy or supplement. Always discontinue use and consult your physician if your experience any side effects.

I could go on about this little plant.  Although this is my initial research, my plant contains a lot of healing secrets that I am really excited to discover.

References

  • "The Healing Power of Aloe Vera and How to Use it at Home" by Paleo Mama, http://thepaleomama.com/2013/08/the-healing-powers-of-aloe-vera-how-to-use-it-at-home/
  • "The 12 Benefits of Aloe Vera" Laura Dawn, Happy and Raw http://happyandraw.com/top-12-benefits-of-aloe-vera/
  • "Aloe Vera: A Short Review" Indiana Journal of Dermatology http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  • "Aloe Vera Used as an Antiseptic", We Love Aloe http://www.aloeplant.info/aloe-vera-used-as-an-antiseptic/
  • "5 Reasons You Should Have an Aloe Vera Plant", The Parsimonious Princess http://theparsimoniousprincess.blogspot.com/2011/08/5-reasons-why-you-should-have-aloe-vera.html