Aloe Vera gel contains a large range of vitamins, even trace elements of vitamin B12, which is rarely found in plants. Apart from vitamin A it contains B-group vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid. Many of these essential vitamins cannot be stored by the body so we need to constantly top them us from the food we eat. Further to the fact that Aloe Vera gel contains vitamins and minerals, of the ones that it doesn’t directly contain, it gives your body the tools to either make them or absorb them from other sources (see article on the function of gut flora balance). Here we will tell you a little more about the roles of these important vitamins.

Vitamin A

The body uses this vitamin best in conjunction with vitamin D in the proportion of 7-1. The principle sources of vitamin A are:

• cabbage
• carrots
• celery
• endive
• lettuce
• oranges
• parsley
• prunes
• dried apricots
• spinach
• tomatoes
• watercress

Lack of vitamin A produces:

• scaly skin
• stones in the kidney and gall bladder
• catarrh
• sinus infections
• poor digestion
• low resistance to disease

This vitamin is essential for proper growth of body tissues, and increases resistance to infections of the urinary and respiratory tracts.

Vitamin Bx

The principle sources are:

• cabbage
• carrot
• celery
• coconuts
• citrus fruits
• parsley
• radishes
• turnip tops
• watercress.

Lack of vitamin B1 results in:

• low heartbeats
• poor appetite
• gastric and intestinal complaints
• nervous disorders
• chronic constipation
• enlargement of the adrenal glands and the pancreas

Violent exercise, increasing age and weight, and feverishness all increase the body’s need for this vitamin.

Vitamin B2

The main sources are:

• apples
• apricots
• cabbage
• carrots
• coconuts
• citrus fruits
• prunes
• spinach
• turnip tops
• watercress.

The supply of this vitamin decreases when there is an increase in the consumption of fats and minerals, and is conserved by the intake of fibrous foods.

Lack of vitamin B2 results in:

• lack of energy and stamina
• loss of hair
• cataract
• tongue ulceration
• disorders of the digestive tract.

Vitamin C

I would mention that copper cooking vessels cause a serious loss of this vitamin.
The main sources of it are:

• citrus fruits
• cucumber
• parsley
• pineapples
• radishes
• rhubarb
• tomatoes
• turnips
• watercress
• carrots
• green leafy vegetables.

Lack of this vitamin causes many illnesses, among them being:

• weakness and shortness of breath
• palpitations
• headaches
• tooth decay
• peptic and duodenal ulcers
• heart disease
• circulatory disease
• impaired function of the adrenal glands.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is stored in the muscles and fat and as it is rapidly depleted it must be renewed regularly.
The main sources of it are:

• wheat germ
• celery
• lettuce
• leafy green vegetables
• parsley

According to medical research, lack of vitamin E can produce:

• sterility in both sexes
• miscarriage
• loss of hair

Read here to find out more about the beneficial effects of good gut flora and Aloe Vera’s role in this.

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The flora that populate our guts are so important to our health. Aloe Vera is a natural ‘balancer’ in many ways and nowhere more than inside the gut, where it tends to regulate the various bacteria and yeast that inhabit it. For example, if a person were to suffer with too much yeast in the gut, such as Candida, regular ingestion of aloe vera gel would tend to reduce this overgrowth via its natural anti-bacterial and gut-balancing actions.

These beneficial bacteria in our gut have the following benefits:

• Digest certain sugars, proteins or fats

• Manufacture B vitamins and vitamin K

• Prevent bloating, gas and yeast overgrowth by controlling pH level (acidity) of the intestines

• Prevent disease by:

     o Depriving invaders of nutrients

     o Secreting acids that less friendly microbes can’t tolerate well

     o Reinforcing the mucosal barrier of the intestines, blocking dangerous pathogens, toxins and allergens and helps the immune system ;learn; which ones aren’t safe

     o Stimulating the immune system by increasing T-cell counts

     o Producing natural anti-biotic and anti-fungal substances

• Metabolise and recycle hormones (including oestrogen, thyroid hormones and phytooestrogens) facilitating proper hormonal balance

• Detoxify drugs and harmful compounds

They can be knocked out of balance by

• Antibiotic use (especially regular use)

• Certain steroid medications

• Yeast overgrowth (due to improper diet)

• Gastro-intestinal infection / food poisoning

All of these issues can worsen or aggravate IBSGut flora imbalance can lead to:

• GI sensitivity: cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gas, IBS

• Yeast infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Fatigue and irritability

• Chronice bad breath

• Increased ‘hormonal’ symptoms: PMS, perimenopause or menopause

• Compromised immune capabilities

• Compromised digestive capabilities

• IBS

What helps good floral balance?

A balanced diet containing good levels of:

• Vegetables

• Legumes

• Whole grains

• Garlic

• Foods containing natural probiotics: fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin such as bananas, onions, leeks, other fruit, sweet potatoes, asparagus and soybeans.

• Supplements that balance the gut flora such as aloe vera gel.

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The aloe vera plant is a fat water-retaining plant that could survive in places where there is not much water, similar to cacti. It stores water in its leaves, along with many useful chemicals continuously found to be good for the human body, including the skin. Here are some of its benefits:

For the skin

This plant is found to be able to treat wounds faster, since it has gibberellin, a plant hormone in charge of encouraging cell growth. In the same way, it is also useful as an anti-inflammatory agent, frequently used for spots, sunburn and frostbite. It is also often used as a moisturiser.

For the hair

Many types of shampoo have been produced from this plant. It has moisturising properties, due to the fact that the aloe vera plant itself is meant to store as much water as possible. It also encourages hair growth and reduces hair brakeage. Its gel-like composition can also be soothing for the head.

For digestion

Aloe vera can aid bowel movement. Specifically, it is meant to be used for treating a very common digestion disease, IBS or irritable bowel syndrome via its natural healing and detoxifying powers. It works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down impacted food residues and thoroughly cleanse the bowel. This facilitates bowel movement, making it easier and less painful, reducing constipation. It can also prevent continuing diarrhoea, setting a regularity to the bowel. All this helps to reduce discomfort and bloating. Naturally, as these symptoms are eased, so the stress associated with the discomfort is also reduced.

For pets

Just as with humans, animals may experience dry or chapped skin. This can sometimes be painful to watch when you see your beloved dog scratching all the time. This can also be dangerous for you and can cause an allergic reaction especially if your pet leaves skin flakes in your house. Aloe shampoo is commonly produced for pets that have allergies or skin irritations.

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The health of our teeth is important to all of us. And we know what happens if we don’t look after our teeth: more visits to the dentist! The more you look after your teeth the less the reason to go to the dentist other than for checkups!

For many people, it is important to have less visits to the dentist. In fact, approximately 60% of the adult population report being anxious regarding dental treatment. (Adult Dental Health Survey 1998)

Some of the aloe vera benefits for oral care.

The most popular use of aloe is for anti-inflammatory purposes and for healing wounds. The aloe vera plant contains enzymes which encourage the constant regeneration of cells, hence wounds heal faster. For oral care, it has always been used as a great way to treat sores; simply apply the gel directly on your gums.

Being anti-bacterial aloe gel can also protect your teeth from bacteria. Certain bacteria types can cause halitosis and infection. Apart from cell regeneration, aloe plants also have anti-fungal properties. As a succulent plant, its sap is made out of water and pure minerals. Studies have confirmed that constant use of an aloe-based toothpaste helps reduce the occurrence of plaque buildup. Many aloe vera gel toothpastes have also been made with different flavors, making them tastier than normal toothpastes, which can help encourage more people to brush their teeth, especially children.

Lastly, aloe gel is also good for people with clinically sensitive teeth. Instead of buying expensive toothpastes meant for sensitive teeth, you can use aloe gel instead, with the same effects. In its cool and clear gel form, aloe has soothing properties and is free of any potentially abrasive chemical contaminants, making it mild on your teeth.

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How safe is aloe vera for children?

The aloe vera plant is made up of a yellow sticky substance that protects the clear white aloe gel. The yellow substance contains anthraquinones which are strongly purgative and laxative, and hence is not meant to be ingested. Therefore it is important to buy a good quality aloe vera product, since an inefficient manufacturing process could lead to aloe products with trace amounts of this yellow substance. Many people do not know the difference between the yellow and clear parts of aloe vera, and simply club them together to say it is generally discouraged for infants.

However, when using a product that carefully separates the yellow part from the clear gel, aloe can be good for children, 2 years old and above, in a lot of ways. Children generally have weaker and still developing immune systems, hence they tend to get sick easier than adults do. Aloe gel has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which is why it has often been recommended for regular intake.

Also, aloe can help regulate bowel movement and acts as a gentle laxative (unlike forceful herbs like Senna), making it easier and less painful for children to go to the toilet. This is particularly significant for children with constipation or those just learning to be potty trained.

A child, 2-12 years of age, can take a safe dosage of aloe supplements, at 2-3 tablespoons for aloe liquids such as medicine or digestion aids. Aloe juices, meanwhile, could be mixed with water, sugar and even other fruit juices such as guava, to dissipate the taste and lower the concentration.

In any case, however, if you are uncertain, consult your pediatrician. They will know your child’s history and will be able to recommend if it is the right time to take natural herbal supplements.

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Aloe vera is known as a pretty decorative plant and is thought of by many as a ‘magic potion’ for herbal medicine, being able to treat a host of different ailments. As a homeowner, however, you might wonder how to get this plant for you and your family. One option is to grow this plant yourself, for an overall cheaper and emotionally rewarding experience. Another option is to buy it either pre-grown or processed already, for convenience and safety. How do you know which one is better?

Growing the aloe vera plant on your own can be a very rewarding experience – it takes time and effort to grow a plant and making it bloom can be like success. However, it does have potential drawbacks that you might want to think about.

First, it might not be completely safe. The aloe plant in particular contains 2 elements inside its leaves: the clear aloe gel which is what will benefit us, and a yellow sticky substance enveloping it. This substance is actually not meant to be ingested and can cause allergic reactions or diarrhoea when eaten accidentally. Any incorrect slicing or not filtering thoroughly enough can cause even the tiniest of impurities like this to be in your gel, and this is not safe for you or your children. This is something that might be better off in the hands of industry-qualified and precise cutting machines.

Second, when you buy aloe vera, many of the products come with other ingredients already, meant for boosting the already good effects of aloe. These include tea tree oil, fruit particles and coconut oil for refreshing and soothing effects. Raw aloe may not be as effective as a processed aloe rich with nutrients.

Third, special aloe products have instruction manuals meant for teaching you the right way to apply or intake them. These have been tested over time and are meant to keep you safe.

This is not to say that growing aloe on your own should not be done – it can be very convenient. Always just remember to take caution and stay informed when deciding to use it for medicinal purposes.

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In times of global financial crisis, you may find that the best solution for your medicinal needs lies in home remedies. Most home remedies use natural ingredients, doing away with additives, making them overall healthier than you would expect. The aloe vera plant is one such home remedy, and can be used to treat a variety of ailments. You can buy pre-made aloe for your convenience or you can even grow aloe vera plants yourself.

1. Sore gums

Use aloe vera gel on your gums. Either use Aloe Gel bought from a reputable supplier or if you have your own plants cut off a leaf and squeeze it until its gel-like substance comes out. From here you can apply this on your gums. Note that there is a big difference between the yellow sap and the clear gel that comes out – the yellow gel is not to be ingested, make sure to separate this from the clear gel.

2. Tired muscles

If you have a supply of tea tree oil, you can mix this with aloe vera gel and use it as a bath wash. It can be very soothing and fragrant.

3. Dry lips

Similar to sores on the gums, you can apply the aloe gel directly onto your lips. It will act as a moisturizer.

4. Dry hair

Mash the leaves as you would with a mortar and pestle, making it into a paste-like material. Apply this directly on your hair before taking a bath. Make sure you rinse it well afterwards!

5. Constipation

Ideally drink aloe vera juice bought from a reputable supplier. If you would prefer to grow your own, you can use aloe vera juice out of the plant to aid the digestion ensuring that you just use the clear gel and not the yellow sap.

If you are uncertain about any of these procedures, always consult a doctor or herbalist. Some of these solutions may not be fit for nursing mothers or young children.

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Aloe vera can bring you not only good skin but also heal your wounds and act as a moisturiser. Here we describe the many benefits of aloe for the skin.

Wound Healing

First, it can treat wounds. In particular, aloe gel is used for this, since it is cool and its sticky composition allows the wound to heal faster. It is commonly used by patients who have undergone surgery. Studies have shown that for wounds it helps reduce inflammation, encourages cell regeneration and decreases the possibility of infections.

Acne

Secondly, it can be good for acne. Although not widely known this plant’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling in pimples, especially for teens. Its leaves are rich with gibberellin, an aloe vera plant hormone that regulates the development of cells and enzymes. Just as with wounds its chemicals properties help encourage cell growth.

Moisturising

Third, it can be used as a moisturiser. Many soaps, lotions and gels have been produced using aloe vera. In fact, many of today’s biggest personal care brands, even makeup, have some aloe vera in them. What’s best is that it is an all-natural ingredient – you will not need to fear for skin allergies commonly caused by more commercialized skin care products.

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You might have heard of the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera. It has always been reported as an effective herbal solution meant for various types of diseases. However, how does this all work? Here we’ll describe to you just what kinds of chemicals are at play in bringing you the many benefits behind the aloe vera plant.

Polysaccharides

These are carbohydrate structures. A sample of polysaccharide is glycogen, which is stored in the muscles and is meant for energy storage for long periods of time. It acts as an extra source of energy. This same structure also controls blood sugar levels during digestion. Hence, diabetes prevention is a suspected benefit of aloe vera.

Lectins

Lectins are specific types of proteins that regulate cell adhesion. As the name implies, this helps bind cells together. Aloe vera is effective for healing wounds faster because of this. Lectins are also important for the immune system since they act as filters, taking any foreign substance away from the body.

Mannans and Polymannans

Mannan is another variety of polysaccharides and is also meant for energy storage. This is the same kind of structure found in yeast. A diet rich in this can help prevent infections, especially for younger people.

Anthraquinone

This is a compound used as a laxative when taken orally. Laxatives aid digestion and encourage more manageable and less painful bowel movement. This is the same reason why the aloe vera plant can aid those with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). This same compound can be found in other types of plant and fungi.

All of these compounds are present in the aloe plant, giving us overall many benefits: anti-inflammatory application, aid for digestion, aid for bowel movement and healing wounds.

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Aloe Vera has always been advertised as a great cure-all for various diseases and ailments such as dry skin, constipation and even diabetes. Some of you, however, may be skeptical about this as a solution. The truth is that the aloe plant has long been a solution for various ailments, dating back to the Egyptian times. Let’s see just how far back it goes in history.

Egyptian Uses

Use of this plant has been recorded way back to Egyptian civilization, when it was used for enhancing beauty. The aloe vera plant is in itself a succulent plant – similar to cacti, it can live for a very long time in hot climates since it stores water in its fat leaves. This may have been of significant use to the Egyptians who lived in the desert. Some people even go as far as to say that Cleopatra herself used aloe vera to charm Anthony. Surprisingly so, there are also many accounts of this plant in the Bible. In the Book of John, for example, the body of Jesus Christ was dabbed with aloe after he was crucified. Alexander the Great, the great conqueror, decided to occupy several tropical islands due to their aloe plants. He later used this as medicine for his wounded army. In a place much farther away and later in time, Mahatma Gandhi also used aloe vera and often cited it during his interviews. Gandhi often went into long fasts, and he is said to have used this plant to maintain his strength.

Modern Times

By the time the 1950s rolled around, the benefits of the aloe plant was also found to be useful in treating radiation-related injuries, such as with atomic bombs. Its anti-inflammatory nature reduces healing time by 50%. Overall, this plant has been around the world longer than you would remember. It has been there through time and will continue to bring many aloe vera benefits for humankind and the rest of nature.

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