Aloe vera is one of Nature’s gifts. Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plant but is actually part of the lily family. Aloe is one of the oldest healing plants known to mankind. Even in the bible its described for its healing properties. Aloe vera, which means “true aloe” in Latin, is generally the most widely used and most effective species of aloe. Aloe vera is used today in many products, including moisturizers, skin lotions and cosmetics, burn gels and even sun screen creams. Aloe vera also has a history of traditional use by Americans for stomach disorders and intestinal disorders including constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis and colon problems.
Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins like C, A, E, B and minerals like Phosphorous, Calcium, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese. Enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
Benefits from the use of aloe vera gel and juice include.
- Aloe Vera moisturize and soften the skin - Aloe Vera has become so popular among consumers is that it possesses incredible moisturizing properties. Aloe Vera is currently one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetics industry, being utilized in over about 95% of the dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured worldwide.
- Aloe Vera speeds the burns and wound healing - Numerous studies have shown improved burns and wound healing in both diabetics as well as non diabetic individuals using Aloe Vera. When aloe vera applied to a burns and wound area, increases both the rate of wound closure and the tensile strength of the wound via the proliferation of cells, including skin, liver, nerve and blood cells.
- Aloe vera kill fungus and bacteria - Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, which speeds up to kill the fugus and bacteria.
- Aloe vera helps to cures constipation, diarrhea and other intestinal problems (when taken internally) - Aloe Vera juice can relieve internal problems and may be one of the plant's most ancient uses. Many people who have suffered from indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, increased stomach acid, peptic and duodenal ulcers, and colitis have reported relief from these conditions following ingestion of Aloe Vera juice.
- Aloe vera improves blood sugar balancing - Studies showed that combining 1-tablespoon of Aloe Juice twice daily with glyburide (a medication to lower blood sugar in diabetics), significantly improved blood sugar and lipid levels in people with diabetes, compared with placebo. Aloe may therefore have numerous beneficial effects in diabetic individuals.
- Aloe vera cures itching, burns and sunburn - The soothing and healing qualities of Aloe Vera are well known for any type of itching, burn and is especially popular for sunburn.
Aloe vera plants are readily available and some people keep a potted plant in the kitchen. A leaf spike may be cut open and the gel from this leaf is applied directly to a cut or burn. For other uses,which described above, particularly for internal use, commercial gels and juices, which are processed under strict controls, can be found at most health food stores as well as many supermarkets.