Saturday, April 23, 2011

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a wonderful thing.  It has been used around the world for thousands of years.  It originated from Africa and the Mediterranean.  It has been used for medicinal purposes all over the world for at least 3,500 years.  It's easy to grow and easy to care for.  In areas where there are cold winters it can be taken inside and kept as a house plant. 

Cleopatra used aloe vera to protect her skin from the sun and claimed that it helped her to look younger. The Bible and many other ancient books speak of aloe and it's health benefits. 

The plant contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other natural agents which may be anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.  It's good for a whole list of things and can be grown at home as mentioned above, or bought in gel form at the store for a very inexpensive price. 

Used topically aloe vera is good for:
  • Soothing sunburns, and may improve the effectiveness of sunscreen products
  • Moisturizing and softening the skin  (I use it like lotion)
  • Speeds the healing of  burns (including razor burn), insect bites, cuts and other irritations
  • Heals skin issues and promotes the reproduction of new skin cells
  • Acts as an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal agent
  • May relieve swelling and itching of irritated skin
  • May help kill fungus and bacteria
  • May help with psoriasis
Aloe Vera Juice:

Aloe vera contains all the vitamins that people need on a daily basis except for D.  It has other minerals and enzymes that are good for the body and is safe to drink or use every day.  The juice is bitter, but can be bought with natural flavors added. My kids like it that way.  It is also a reasonable price.  It can be found at health food stores and most grocery stores.

Taken internally aloe vera can be good for:
  • Stomach and digestive problems
  • Ulcers
  • Diareah 
  • Constipation 
  • Improves circulation
  • Cleansing and detoxifying the body
  • Dilates capillaries and aids in cell growth
  • Speeds and improves general health
  • Acts a antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal agent
  • The prevention of some cansers
  • Arthritius
  • Could possibly be used in the treatment of diabetes and immune system problems
As always you should do your homework and just take my word for it.  Be sure it's write for you and your family before you take it.

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2 comments:

  1. How often do you drink/use aloe vera juice? What I mean is, do you drink it daily or do you use it as needed? How long would it last in the refrigerator? Do you have a favorite brand? Especially one that has natural flavors added? (!)

    Thanks,
    Barbara

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  2. I drink it as needed, however a "shot glass" every morning would be a good thing. I do usually get the kind with berry juices added for flavoring and the kids. I don't necessarily get a certain brand. You can get it at wall mart or health food store, GNC.... Not sure how long it lasts in the fridge. Never had it long enough to worry about that. :) I'm sure it would say somewhere on the bottle.

    ~Angela

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