The Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has used in traditional Indian medicine for constipation, skin
diseases, worm infestation, infections and as a natural remedy for colic. In Chinese
medicine, it’s often recommended in the treatment of fungal diseases, and in the
Western world, it has found widespread use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food
industries.

In fact, the manufacturing of aloe vera extracts is one of the largest botanical industries
in the world.

What Are the Aloe Vera Benefits?

Aloe vera produces two substances used for medicine: The gel is obtained from
the cells in the center of the leaf, and the latex is obtained from the cells just beneath
the leaf skin.

Most people use aloe gel as a remedy for skin conditions, including burns,
sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores, but there is a host of other aloe vera
benefits. Aloe gel is used for treating osteoarthritis, bowel diseases, fever, itching and
inflammation.

It’s also used as a natural remedy for asthma, stomach ulcers, diabetes and for
soothing side effects of radiation treatment. Aloe latex is used to naturally treat
depression, constipation, asthma and diabetes.

Aloe Vera Nutrition Facts

Aloe vera is one of approximately 420 species of the genus Aloe; the botanical
name of aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller, and it belongs to the Liliaceae family.
It’s a perennial, xerophytic, succulent plant that’s green and has triangular, fleshy
leaves with serrated edges. The geographic origin of aloe vera is believed to be in
Sudan, and it was later introduced in the Mediterranean region and most other warm
areas of the world, including Africa, Asia, India, Europe and America.
 Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant
leaf. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow in color. Some
aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and
latex.

Aloe vera is considered to be the most biologically active of the Aloe species;
astonishingly, more than 75 potentially active components have been identified in the
plant, including vitamins, minerals, saccharides, amino acids, anthraquinones,
enzymes, lignin, saponins and salicylic acids. It provides 20 of the 22 human-required
amino acids and eight of the eight essential amino acids.

Aloe vera contains many vitamins and minerals vital for proper growth and function
of all the body’s systems. Here’s an easy explanation of aloe vera’s active
components:

1. Aloe vera contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E — plus vitamin B12, folic
acid and choline.
2. It contains eight enzymes, including aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase,
bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.
3. Minerals such as calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese,
magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc are present in aloe vera.
4. It provides 12 anthraquinones — or compounds known as laxatives. Among
these are aloin and emodin, which act as analgesics, antibacterials and
antivirals.
5. Four fatty acids are present, including cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sisosterol
and lupeol — all providing anti-inflammatory results.
6. The hormones called auxins and gibberellins are present; they help with healing
wounds and have anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Aloe vera provides sugars, such as monosaccharides (glucose and fructose)
and polysaccharides.
 9 Proven Aloe Vera Benefits

1. Soothes Rashes and Skin Irritations

There have been numerous reports that have explored the role of topical aloe
vera administration in skin conditions and wound healing management, including the
treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, oral mucositis, surgical wounds and as a home
remedy for burn injuries. The first study of this kind was surprisingly done in 1935!
Aloe vera extract was reported to provide rapid relief from the itching and burning
associated with severe radiation dermatitis and skin regeneration.

A 1996 study done at the Department of Clinical Physiology in Sweden included

60 patients with chronic psoriasis who participated in a randomized, double-blind,
controlled trial of aloe vera or placebo cream. The cure rate in the aloe vera group was
83 percent (!) compared to only 7 percent in the placebo group, and there were no
relapses reported at the 12-month follow-up.

In 2009, a systematic review summarized 40 studies that involved using aloe

vera for dermatological purposes. The results suggest that oral administration of aloe
vera in mice works effectively to heal wounds, can decrease the number and size of
papillomas (small growths on the skin), and reduce the incidence of tumors by more
than 90 percent in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. The studies also showed that
aloe vera effectively treats genital herpes, psoriasis, dermatitis, frostbite, burns and
inflammation. It can be used safely as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent.

2. Treats Burns

Aloe vera gel has a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. With
the threat of nuclear warfare always looming, the U.S. government conducted
research on the ability of aloe vera to treat thermal and radiation burns with the aim of
introducing its use into the military.

By 1959, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of aloe vera
ointment as an over-the-counter medication for healing burns on the skin. When aloe
vera gel is used on burns, it prevents UV-induced suppression so the area can heal at
a faster rate.
3. Heals Cold Sores

When aloe vera gel is applied to a cold sore a few times a day, it eases the
discomfort and helps speed the healing process. It’s also safe when consumed by
mouth, so there is no need to worry about swallowing this natural treatment. Aloe vera
has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that accelerate healing and reduce pain
associated with cold sores — or any sores on the mouth.

The amino acids and vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin C are also
extremely helpful. One of the vitamin B6 benefits, for example, is it acts as a natural
pain treatment and creates antibodies that our immune system uses to protect us.

4. Moisturizes Hair and Scalp

Aloe vera is a great natural treatment for dry hair or an itchy scalp. It has
nourishing properties, and the tons of vitamins and minerals that are present keep
your hair strong and healthy. Because of aloe vera’s antibacterial and antifungal
properties, it also helps with dandruff, and the gel’s enzymes can rid the scalp of dead
cells and promote the regeneration of skin tissue around the hair follicles.

Aloe also helps stop the itching associated with dandruff or a dried scalp. Too
many shampoos and conditioners are full of chemicals that damage hair and can even
cause inflammation and skin irritations; adding aloe vera is an effective way to keep
your scalp free of bacteria and uncomfortable skin reactions.

5. Treats Constipation

The use of aloe latex as a laxative is well-researched; the anthraquinones

present in the latex create a potent laxative that increases intestinal water content,
stimulates mucus secretion and increases intestinal peristalsis, which are contractions
that break down food and mix the chyme.

In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of 28 healthy adults, aloe vera

latex was reported to have a laxative effect compared to a placebo that was stronger
than the stimulant laxative phenolphthalein — making aloe vera a natural constipation
relief remedy.
6. Helps with Digestion

Because of its anti-inflammatory and laxative components, another aloe vera

benefit is its ability to help with digestion. Aloe vera juice helps digestion, normalizes
acid/alkaline and pH balance, lessens yeast formation, encourages digestive bacteria
and regularizes bowel processing.

One study reported in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that
30 milliliters of aloe vera juice twice a day decreased the level of discomfort in 33
patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Flatulence also decreased for the participants,
but stool consistence, urgency and frequency remained the same. Although the study
suggests that aloe vera can be beneficial to people with IBS, more data is needed to
conclude that it can be used as an effective treatment.

Another study from the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine tested aloe vera on
a group of rats with gastrointestinal problems. The gastric acid levels were significantly
decreased in rats treated with aloe vera. The study also measured the gut-brain
connection and reported data on the water content found in the brains of the rats with
aloe vera treatment. The water content in the treated rats was reduced, which
suggests that the brain influences the gut and gastrointestinal problems.

Aloe vera has been used to soothe and heal stomach ulcers because it has
antibacterial agents and natural healing properties that can restore the stomach lining
back to health.

7. Boosts the Immune System

The enzymes present in aloe vera break down the proteins that we eat into
amino acids and turn the enzymes into fuel for every cell in the body, which enables
the cells to function properly. The bradykinase in aloe vera stimulates the immune
system and kills infections. Zinc is also an important component in aloe vera — making
it a great source to combat zinc deficiency — because it’s essential to maintain
immune function.

It helps us ward off diseases, kill bacteria and protect the function of our cell
membranes. Zinc is also a key structural component for a slew of hormone receptors
and proteins that contribute to healthy, balanced mood and immune function.
 A 2014 report points out that aloe vera is being studied for its uses in dentistry;
this is because it has proved to be be an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and
antifungal plant, and it’s very good in building up the immune system without causing
allergic reactions or side effects. It’s gaining popularity because it’s completely natural
— and it’s being called a miracle plant.

8. Provides Antioxidants and Reduces Inflammation

We know that inflammation is at the root of most diseases. Aloe vera provides
an amazing number of vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation and fight
free radical damage.

Vitamin A, for instance, plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision,

neurological function and healthy skin because it’s an antioxidant that reduces
inflammation. Vitamin C is another important component found in aloe vera; it protects
the body from cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease and
even skin wrinkling. Vitamin E benefits include being a powerful antioxidant that
reduces free radical damage, fights inflammation and helps naturally slow the aging
of cells.

These antioxidant properties are also helpful when you’re exposed to cigarette
smoke or UV rays from sunlight — they protect the skin from skin cancer and fight skin
inflammation after exposure to the sun. Aloe vera can also naturally treat acne and
eczema since it helps the healing process in the skin. Bradykinase, also present in
aloe vera, helps reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically.

9. Treats Diabetes

Some evidence in humans and animals suggests that aloe vera is able to
alleviate the chronic hyperglycemia and perturbed lipid profile that are common among
people with diabetes and are major risk factors for cardiovascular complications. This
add natural diabetes cure to the list of aloe vera benefits.

In two related clinical trials, 72 diabetic women without drug therapy were
administered one tablespoon of aloe vera gel or a placebo for six weeks. Blood
glucose and serum triglyceride levels were significantly decreased with aloe vera
treatment. In the second trial, the effects of aloe vera gel or placebo in combination
with glibenclamide, a commonly prescribed antidiabetic medication, were investigated;
this, too, resulted in significant reductions in blood glucose and serum triglyceride
concentrations in the aloe vera group.

Aloe Vera History & Interesting Facts

Aloe vera was officially listed as a purgative and skin protectant by the U.S.
pharmacopoeia in 1820 and was clinically used in the 1930s for the treatment of
radiotherapy burns to the skin and mucous membranes. In 2004, the value of the aloe
vera industry was estimated to be $125 million for the cost of the raw aloe material,
and $110 billion for finished aloe-containing products.

Today, cosmetic companies commonly add sap or other derivatives from aloe
vera to products, such as makeup, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream,
shampoos, tissues and moisturizers. Commercially, aloe vera is used as an ingredient
in yogurts, beverages and desserts. Extracts of aloe vera are used as a fresh food
preservative and for water conservation in small farms.

Okay, here i will give tips to make some product of aloe vera:

How To Make Aloe Vera Juice

While there are plenty of companies that produce aloe vera juice, it is also possible to
make your own at home. This way, you can also be assured of the purity. All you need
to make your own aloe vera juice at home is an aloe vera leaf, water, and a blender!

Recipe

Ingredients:

1 large aloe vera leaf

3 cups of water (filtered)

 Step by steps

Step 1 – Using a sharp knife, remove the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf, which often
has thorns on it.

Step 2 – The second layer of aloe vera leaves is the latex of the leaf, which is typically
yellowish in color.

Step 3 – Cut through the latex layer of the leaf, which will reveal the clear aloe vera
gel inside.

Step 4 – Scoop out as much of the gel as possible and transfer to a small bowl.

Step 5 – Measure out two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and add it to the water in the
blender.

Step 6 – Blend thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid has a uniform consistency.

Step 7 – Add lime juice or a cucumber for taste and enjoy

Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice

The most impressive benefits of aloe vera juice include reducing inflammation,
speeding healing, stimulating digestion, detoxifying the body, boosting immunity,
protecting the heart, increasing hydration, soothing the skin, and relieving heartburn,
among others.

Boosts Immunity

With an impressive list of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E, C, and

B, as well as copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, this juice can do
wonders for your immune system. Additionally, there are phytonutrients and other [11]
antioxidants that can provide support against pathogens and chronic illness.

Protects Heart Health

Aloe vera juice can protect cardiovascular health in a number of ways. By

boosting circulation, this juice can prevent blood clotting and reduce the amount of
cholesterol in the blood. This is good news for people with atherosclerosis, diabetes
or other conditions [10] related to the heart.
Skin Care

The nutrients and antioxidants present [9] in this juice affect more than the
stomach; the physical side effects can also be seen. Regular consumption of this juice
can help to give your skin a natural glow and reduce signs of aging.

Aids in Digestion

Studies have shown that aloe vera juice can improve your digestive process [8]
and relieve constipation by lubricating the intestines. This can increase nutrient uptake
and prevent discomfort, bloating, cramping, and flatulence.

Speeds Healing Process

Known as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant substance, aloe

vera juice can speed the healing process following an extended illness, injury or
recovery from surgery.

Detoxifies the Body

Due to the high water content of aloe vera juice, it can help to keep you hydrated
and stimulate urination, which can help to relieve the body of excess [7] toxins, fats,
and salts.

Prevents Gut Irritation

The best environment for your gut is a balanced [6] pH, but many people tend
to have an overly acidic stomach. Aloe vera has alkalizing properties, making it ideal
for keeping your stomach operating normally and maintaining a proper microflora
balance.

Prevents Heartburn

On a related note, aloe vera juice can directly stop acid from forming [5], which
prevents acid reflux disease, and can also lower your chances of developing gastric
ulcers.
 How to Make Aloe Vera Shampoo

If you're so inclined, making your own aloe vera shampoo yields the best
results, plus its much less expensive and better for your hair to use your own
homemade version. Don't think that just because a hair care product is made at home
that it's ineffective. In fact, when it comes to aloe vera, the gel is most beneficial when
its fresh. If you don't have a large aloe vera plant to harvest the gel from, you can
always buy organic aloe gel at natural health stores to use in this recipe.

Ingredients:

 2 cups distilled water

 2 ounces dried herbs (see suggestions below)
 6 ounces liquid castile soap
 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
 ½ teaspoon jojoba oil (omit for oily hair)
 40-50 drops essential oils (see suggestions below)

Directions:

 Bring the distilled water to a boil, and then add the herbs. Cover, reduce heat
to low and steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
 Remove from the heat, strain the spent herbs from the liquid and discard.
 Add the castile soap to the herbal water slowly, mixing gently as you pour.
 Add the aloe vera gel, jojoba and essential oils. Mix well.
 Pour the aloe vera shampoo into a plastic squeeze bottle.
 Use as needed, and shake gently before each use. If you have dry hair,
shampoo no more than three times per week.

Suggested Herbs

Use any combination of the following herbs in the above aloe vera shampoo recipe,
as long as you don't exceed around two ounces.

 Dry hair – nettle, burdock, rosemary or calendula

 Oily hair – yarrow, lavender, lemon balm or mint
  Blond hair – calendula or chamomile
 Dark hair – sage or comfrey
 Dandruff – rosemary, thyme or any of the herbs for dry hair
 Suggested Essential Oils
 Use any combination of the following essential oils for making aloe vera
shampoo, but do not exceed around 50 drops in total.

 Normal hair – lavender, clary sage or chamomile

 Oily hair – lemon, tea tree or ylang-ylang
 Dry hair – rosemary, myrrh or peppermint
 Dandruff – tea tree, patchouli or lavender
 Storing Your Aloe Shampoo

For the best results, keep a small bottle of this shampoo in the shower (enough for
1 to 2 days at a time), and store the remainder in a larger bottle in the refrigerator. If
you omit the dry herbs and just use plain water instead of making an infusion, you can
store the entire bottle in the shower. If you make the shampoo with the herbs as
directed above, however, the mixture will go rancid if left out at room temperature for
more than a couple days. In the refrigerator, the shampoo will last about 10 days. If it
smells pleasant, it is still good. If it has a sour smell, toss it out and make a new batch.
Peeling an aloe leaf reveals the healing gel inside.

Treating Dry Hair with Aloe

In addition to using aloe vera shampoo, if you have extremely dry or damaged
hair, you may also want to use an aloe conditioner or simply massage aloe vera gel
into your hair, allow it to remain for 30 minutes and rinse clean. Do this following a
shampoo for the best results. This treatment works especially well if your hair has been
damaged by using chemicals.

Remember, aloe's results won't last if you continue your bad hair habits. Loose
the blow dryer and switch to all natural hair dye, which won't damage the hair and
cause dryness. If you're already to this point, however, aloe vera shampoos and
conditioners will help repair your locks and restore them to their former beauty.
Using Fresh Aloe Gel for Shampoo

If you want to make your own aloe vera shampoos, I highly recommend
harvesting the fresh gel from an aloe plant. The video below will show you step-by-
step how to proceed. If this isn't possible for you, don't feel too bad - just go out and
get some organic gel from your local natural foods store.

How To Harvest The Gel from Aloe Vera

Aloe vera leaves are long and slightly curved with serrated edges. The gel is
the thick fleshy part that is between the skin of the leaf.

Supplies:

 aloe vera leaf

 sharp knife
 clean airtight container for storing
 blender or immersion blender
 clean bowl (if you are using an immersion blender)

Directions:

 Cut the leaf into sections about 8″ long. This makes it a little more manageable.
 Cut off the serrated edge. Try to get just the edge because it is difficult to get
the gel out of those pieces.
 Cut the 8″ lengths into 2 or 3 long strips.
 Turn your blade to its side and slide it in just under the skin on the end of one
of the strips.
 Carefully slide the knife along the bottom edge of the skin down the whole
length of the leaf. Try to stay close to the skin so you get as much gel as you
can.
 Once you get the whole piece of skin off, flip the section over and repeat with
the other side.
 Cut the flesh into 2 or 3 pieces and place in a clean bowl (if you are using an
immersion blender) or your blender pitcher.
  Repeat steps 4-7 until all sections have been skinned and gathered into your
blender pitcher.
 Blend until smooth. It will almost immediately froth when you start your blender.
This is normal. If you are using an immersion blender just blend it in the bowl
until smooth.
 The froth will eventually go down. You can wait or you can just go ahead and
pour the gel into the clean storage container and refrigerate.
 It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.

Preserving The Gel

Fresh aloe vera gel will only be good for about a week in the refrigerator. This
may not be a problem if you are using a smaller leaf from your own houseplant, but if
you buy a large leaf you will likely end up with more gel than you can use in a week.
There are other ways you can preserve it so that none of it goes to waste.

Freeze It

After you store the aloe vera gel you will use in the coming week, pour the extra
gel into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Then transfer the aloe cubes into a freezer
safe container or bag. Pull out an aloe cube as needed for burns or to use in one of
the above recipes. This is a great way to keep it on hand if having your own plant is
not an option.

Alternately, before you blend the flesh, cut it into cubes and lay it on a
parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once the pieces are solid, transfer
to a freezer safe container or bag. Pull a piece out as needed.

Add Natural Preservatives

When I get one of the large leaves I usually end up with about 1.5 cups. I place
1 cup into a clean pint mason jar. The remaining gel gets frozen as I instructed above.
I waited for the froth to go down before I did this so I knew exactly how much I had.

To the 1 cup I add 2000 mg of Vitamin C and 1600 IU (1 tablespoon or 4 400

IU capsules) of Vitamin E. Powdered Vitamin C works well or you can crush the
appropriate amount of tablets. Stir well until the vitamins are well incorporated. I stirred
for a bit and then let it sit. When I came back to stir it again the Vitamin C was much
easier to stir in.

You could also blend this with your immersion blender. This should increase
the life of your gel to about 8 months if it is stored in the refrigerator.