Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and other essential ingredients that make it a remarkable remedy to treat many ailments.
Aloe vera gel is well known for treating skin problems, including burns, shingles and poison ivy. It is a soothing substance that helps relieve pain and itching as well as heal sores and blisters.
Aloe vera juice, made from the gel, is an effective remedy in treating digestive disorders such as heartburn, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to cleanse the colon and detoxify the body.
Aloe helps prevent aging skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, removes dead cells and lightens dark spots.
Other health benefits of aloe vera include:
- improving blood circulation
- aiding in cell growth
- acting as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent
- treating arthritis pain
- decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides
- maintaining blood sugar levels
When buying products, avoid ones that have been processed. Buy only 100% stabilized juice or skin products, avoid “whole leaf” products and avoid ones bottled in clear containers.
Growing Aloe Vera
Growing aloe vera is easy. It can be grown outdoors in areas where there are no, or minimal, freezes and it can be grown indoors. However, indoor plants are not as beneficial as outdoor plants.
Aloe vera plants need well drained soil. If too wet, the roots will rot. Sunlight is important so if you grow it inside, pick a sunny location. If you plant it outside, grow it in sun or partial sun.
The leaves (stems) should have spikes on the edges and the aloe vera plant should be at least two to three years old before using.
When you are ready to use the gel for skin problems, take off the lowest leaf and cut it into small pieces, about 2 inches each. Take one piece, slice it in half and apply the gel on the affected area. Wrap the other pieces, individually, in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for future use.
If you want to get the health benefits of aloe vera from drinking its juice, it is recommended to not make your own. The process can be difficult, it can require many plants and it may cause problems like diarrhea if the process is done incorrectly.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aloe_vera_flower_inset.png
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