Aloe Vera is a succulent tropical plant with fleshy spear like leaves. These leaves have a variety of medicinal applications, so much so that they have earned aloe vera the names "plant of immortality" and "wand of heaven". This plant is also known as 'medicinal aloe' and is easily identified by a cluster of orange or red flowers borne on a spike. Its fleshy spear like leaves have a wide range of medicinal and cosmetic benefits.
What Makes Aloe Vera So Unique?
Aloe vera leaves contain a wide range of biologically active compounds like acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinones and various lectins. Aloe vera also contains almost 75 known ingredients and more than 200 compounds that make it a potent medicinal herb. These include:
- Enzymes that help in digestion and reduce inflammation
- All vitamins except vitamin D
- Minerals required for enzyme function
- Long chain sugars to re-balance the digestive system
- Saponins, which have anti-microbial effect
- 20 of the 22 amino acids
Uses of Aloe Vera
- Detoxification: Aloe vera juice is a natural detoxifier, it is also filled with vitamins and minerals helping our body deal with the stresses of daily life.
- Digestive Disorders: It is useful in cases of heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. It soothes the esophagus (food pipe) and relives acid reflux.
- Oral Health: It is extremely helpful for mouth and gums. Pure juice helps in reversing receding gums.
- Skin Care: It was found to be extremely effective in clearing up psoriasis in laboratory tests. It also has several other skin benefits including:
- Natural acne removal
- Moisturizing of skin
- Detoxification of skin
- Removal of scars and marks
- Reduction of inflammation
- Repair and rejuvenation of skin
- Diabetes: Half a spoon of the juice given for 14 weeks was shown to reduce blood sugar levels by 45 percent.
- Helps Bowel Movement: Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosidesaloin A and B which are potent laxatives.
- Weight Management: Aloe vera juice has been used for many years as a weight loss aid.
- Immune Support: It is full of antioxidants which counter free radicals to boost the immune system.
- Burn Care: Aloe gel can heal and repair the skin after burns including sun burn.
- Dandruff: It helps in relieving itching and dandruff. Aloe vera gel ca be used as a pre-treatment before shampooing.
It is hence clear that using this wonder herb will certainly benefit us in one way or the other. It can be grown in pots also. There are many species of aloe vera, some of which are very beneficial. Products made from aloe vera are now available, right from drug store to cosmetics shop and even in grocery stores.
