Aloe Vera : A Herbal Medicine & Powerhouse of Nutrition

(Aloe Vera has been used as a herbal medicine since 5000 years by different cultures in the World)

Overview

Since Ancient times, Aloe Vera has been used for a variety of purposes. Two substances are extracted from the Aloe Vera plant for human use. One is the clear gel and another is the yellow latex. The clear Aloe gel is a jelly-like substance, found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. The yellow latex comes from just under the Aloe plant's skin. Both of them are used in health products.

Nutritional elements in Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is considered to be the most biologically active of the 420 species of the genus Aloe. Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Enzymes, monosaccharides & Polysaccharides, Plant Steroids, Saponins, Lignin, Anthraquinones Salicylic acid and Fatty Acids. 

Sugars : Aloe Vera contains sugars like monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides.

Vitamins : Aloe Vera contains vitamins like A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid and choline. 

Minerals : Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera are calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese. 

Amino acids : There are at least 18 amino acids found in aloe Vera with all 9 essential amino acids. 

Fatty acids : Aloe Vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids like linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic that provides anti inflammatory results.

Enzymes : Aloe Vera contains 8 enzymes. They are aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.

Hormones : Aloe Vera contains hormones like auxins and gibberellins which help with healing wounds.

Laxatives : Aloe Vera contains 12 Anthraquinones or compounds known as laxatives. They works as Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Disinfectant, Antibiotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral. 

Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is available in various forms like capsules, gel and juice for consumption. They are used for a wide range of remedies. It has always a cooling effect and bitter in taste. Aloe Vera is also used as an ingredient in creams and lotions that made for topical use or external application. 

Internal uses of Aloe Vera

• Aloe gel may be taken orally for conditions including weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, stomach ulcers, asthma, radiation-related skin sores, fever, itching, inflammation and as a general tonic. 
• Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds which has been taken orally for constipation. It is also used for seizures, asthma, colds, bleeding, lack of a menstrual period, swelling of the colon, depression, diabetes, eye conditions that cause blindness, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and vision problems. 
• Fresh aloe leaves are taken by mouth for cancer.
• Aloe extract is used for high cholesterol.

External uses of Aloe Vera

• Aloe gel is used topically i.e. applied to the skin as a remedy for skin conditions such as genital herpes, scaly and itchy skin, burns, sunburns, dry skin, wounds, frostbite, psoriasis, cold sores, acne, diaper rash, bedsores, scabies, dandruff, inflammation in the mouth, burning mouth, radiation-induced skin damage, dental plaque, gum disease, hemorrhoids and pain after surgery to remove internal hemorrhoids.
• Aloe extract is applied to the skin as an insect repellent. Aloe leaf juice is applied to the skin for anal fissures. A chemical in aloe called acemannan is applied to the skin for dry sockets in the mouth and canker sores.

Intake suggestions

One can take Aloe Vera in supplement or gel form. Some forms of Aloe Vera are safe than others, but it can not be used for a very longtime. One must take Aloe Vera along with Vitamin C and Vitamin E in order to increase the bio-availability of these two antioxidants. Aloe gel has been used safely in a dose of 15 ml daily for up to six weeks. 

• An adult male/female can take 100 to 200 mg of aloe or 50 mg of aloe extract for constipation in the evening. If one want go for capsule form, then he/he can start 500 mg at a dose of one capsule daily. Subsequently the dose can be increased to three capsules daily.
• 147 mg of aloe gel twice daily for 8 weeks reduces body weight and fat mass in overweight or obese people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• In case of digestive ailments, use Aloe Vera for a short period of time for it’s course in treatment i.e. 1 to 2 weeks and then stop and wait at least a month before starting again. 
• For diabetes, 1 tablespoon of the gel has been used daily. 

Topical use suggestions

• One can apply a 50% aloe gel after washing the face for acne in the morning and evening. 
• Applying a cream containing 0.5% aloe extract for 4 weeks reduce the skin plaques.
• Applying aloe gel twice daily for up to 6 months along with other treatments can reduce burning and improve movement of the mouth.

Safety and Precautions with Aloe Vera

Topical Aloe Vera is likely safe in use when applied to the skin appropriately as a medicine or as a cosmetic. Aloe is Possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately that must be short-term. However it has some limitations.

• Long-term use can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. 
• Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. 
• Taking aloe latex 1 gram daily for several days can be fatal.  
• There is a report that aloe was associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth defects. So, do not take Aloe Vera internally if any woman is pregnant or breast-feeding or in menstruation.
• If anyone have hemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder, he/she must avoid Aloe Vera consumption. 
• Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Aloe Vera internally at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. 
• Supplementation of Aloe Vera in normal usage has been shown to cause liver problems in some people, that may be because of a genetic susceptibility. If this symptom found with anybody then he/she can stop the supplement in order to reverse the condition.

Aloe Vera: Confers a Plethora of Health Benefits

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Plant

Research work carried out worldwide over the years found that toxic colon is the cause of a wide range of illness. A regular daily dose in limited amount of Aloe Vera juice may not only found that the effects are gradual gentle and with no irritant or harmful side effects, but also blood circulation will be improved due to aloe Vera’s ability to detoxify. As a natural healer, it can sooth and heal any internal ulcers or lesions (a region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer or tumour). The list of benefits and effects for this miraculous plant are many. Here is a list of the Top 10 Benefits and Medicinal Uses for Aloe Vera. They are:

• Role of Aloe Vera in the digestive system : Aloe Vera soothes and cleanses the digestive tract and helps in improving digestion. It regulates the peristaltic (involuntary movements of the longitudinal and circular muscles, primarily in the digestive tract but occasionally in other hollow tubes of the body, that occur in progressive wavelike contractions) movements of intestines & promotes digestion. Aloe has been a great remedy for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux. Aloe also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria in our gut and maintaining a healthy intestinal flora balance. Aloe is also a vermifuge, which means it helps to rid the body of intestinal worms. Aloe contains three plant sterols named HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in our blood), campesterol, and B-sitosterol which are helpful in reducing symptoms of acid indigestion and allergies.
• Aloe Vera helps in relieving Constipation : Aloe Vera is a well-known adaptogen and best part is as an adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or diarrhea. Aloe Vera also contains aloin that is responsible for its purgative (strongly laxative in effect) action so it is known to relieve constipation. The liver & spleen (an abdominal organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells and a part of the immune system) function are also stimulated by the use of Aloe Vera.
• Aloe Vera helps to Reduce Inflammation : Another substances named B-sisterole found in Aloe Vera can help in slowing down inflammation. This can help with painful joints due to stiffness and help improve joint flexibility. 
• Aloe Vera has a great role in treating infections : Some active ingredients like sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen and phenol found in Aloe Vera are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and act as a team to provide antimicrobial activity. Thus, aloe vera eliminates many internal and external infections. It also helps to treat fungal and viral infections.
• Aloe Vera helps in boosting our Immune System : The Polysaccharides found in Aloe Vera stimulate macrophages, which are the white blood cells of our immune system that fight against viruses. Aloe is also an immune enhancer because of its high level of anti-oxidants, which helps in combating the unstable compounds known as free-radicals, (Free radicals may be formed through natural human physiological processes as well as from the environment) contributing to the aging process. Aloe Vera is also act as an antipyretic which is used to reduce or prevent fever. 
• Aloe Vera Helps in Detoxifying our body : Aloe Vera is a gelatinous (having a jelly-like consistency) plant food, and as a gelatinous plant food, it moves through our intestinal tract with absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help in proper eliminating of waste and helps to detoxify our body.
• Aloe Vera helps to Alkalize our Body : We must consume 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic foods in order to remain healthy, because disease cannot manifest in an alkaline environment. In this way, Aloe vera is an alkaline forming food. It alkalizes the body and helps to balance overly acidic dietary habits. 
• Aloe Vera acts as a stress buster : Adaptogen found in Aloe Vera is something that boosts our body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. Adaptogen balances our systems, stimulates the defense and adaptive mechanisms of our body. This allows us an increased ability to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress i.e. pollution). 
• Aloe Vera helps in Cardiovascular Health : When Aloe Vera extract injected into the blood, it greatly multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of the red blood cells. By regulating blood pressure, improving circulation and oxidation of the blood, lowering cholesterol, and making blood less sticky and thick, Aloe Vera juice may be able to help lower the risk of heart disease. 
• Aloe Vera helps in loosing Weight : Proper digestion and detoxification helps in promoting weight loss. When we have proper digestion we naturally eliminate more efficiently toxins through defecation and urination. This lightens our toxic load on our body and also gives us more energy. 

Other works of Aloe Vera in our body?

We read from the above paragraph that the useful parts of Aloe Vera are the gel and latex. Aloe gel might cause changes in the skin and might help diseases like psoriasis. Aloe gel seems to be able to speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound. Aloe gel has also properties that are harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi. Whereas Aloe latex contains chemicals that work as a laxative.

Aloe Vera is equally good when used externally

• Aloe Vera is known as vulnerary i.e. it helps in healing wounds and is good for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. 
• Aloe also acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. 
• Rubbing of aloe Vera juice on sun burnt skin gives immediate soothing effect. 
• Aloe Vera also acts as an antipruritic i.e. a substance that relieves or prevents itching. 
• As an astringent, Aloe Vera typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions. 
• Due to Aloe Vera’s high water content, it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate our skin.
• Aloe increases the elasticity of the skin making it more flexible through collagen and elastin repair. 
• Aloe is also an emollient, helping to soften and soothe the skin. 
• Aloe helps supply oxygen to the skin cells, increasing the strength and synthesis of skin tissue and induces improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation.

What studies revealed?

• According to a study published in the year 2000 issue of the British Medical Journal, beta sitosterol found in Aloe Vera helps in lowering cholesterol in humans. 
• Some Preliminary studies show benefit with Aloe Vera in controlling weight, but the mechanisms do not seem as potent as other anti-obesity supplements. 
• Studies also revealed that Aloe Vera has been implicated in multiple cases of liver problems (which are not too common, although resurgent) and has a lower toxicity threshold than other herbal supplements.
• Some research suggests that applying aloe gel on each side of the inner lining of the cheeks three times daily for 3 months improves burning, the ability to open the mouth, and cheek flexibility in people with a mouth condition called oral submucous fibrosis. 
• Research shows that using a mouthwash containing aloe gel three times daily for 12 weeks or applying a gel containing aloe gel twice daily for 8 weeks can reduce pain associated with itchy rashes in the mouth.
• Several animal and human studies in type 2 diabetics have actually found promising results from consuming Aloe Vera extract. However, the quality of these studies was fairly poor, so it is definitely premature to recommend Aloe Vera for this purpose.

Attain Good Health with the help of Nutrition

We can attain good health with the help of nutrition from healthy sources only

Good Health

1. Macro-Nutrients for Good Health
2. Micro-Nutrients for Our Good Health
3. Probiotics: Foods that Act as Medicine
4. L-Carnitine: Less Fat & More Energy

Carbohydrates 

1. Carbs aren't Bad but Quality Matters
2. Carbohydrates : Deficiency, RDAs, Intake suggestions & Healthy vs Unhealthy Carbs

Dietary Fiber

1. Fibre Helps in Keeping us Alive Longer

Proteins 

1. Proteins: The Building Blocks of our Body
2. Albumen: Best Quality of Protein Found Ever in Any Food
3. Whey Protein: Fuel of Big-bodied Muscle Heads
4. Casein Protein: A Trickle of Food over a Longer Period of time
5. Soy Protein: Least Expensive Source of Dietary Protein

Amino Acids 

1. Creatine: An Excellent Source of Energy for Our Cells
2. BCAAs: Increase our Cell's capacity for Protein Synthesis
3. L-Glutamine: Principal Carrier of Nitrogen in Our body
4. L-citrulline: Increases Blood Flow to Muscles During Exercise

Fats

1. Fat Makes Our Food Taste Better
2. Omega 3, 6 & 9 : An Essence to Our Overall Health

Vitamins 

1. Biotin: Primarily Acts as an Enzymatic Cofactor
2. Vitamin D - Helps in Maintaining Healthy Muscles & Strength Throughout Life
3. Vitamin D : Absorption, Deficiency, Supplements, Overdose & Research Studies
4. Vitamin K : Crucial for Normal Blood Clotting
5. Vitamin K : Deficiency, Supplements, Precautionary measures & Scientific Studies
6. Vitamin E : Protect our Cells from Free Radicals
7. VITAMIN E : Food Sources, Recommended Dietary Allowances, Deficiency, Supplements & Overdose
8. Vitamin A : Builds Immunity, Prevents Aging & Improves Vision
9. Vitamin A : Deficiency, Supplements, Upper Limit intake, Overdose & Research Studies

Minerals

1. Calcium is needed at Every Stage of Life
2. Phosphorus : Helps in Forming Bone Mineral Density
3. Magnesium : Contributes to the Structural Development of Bone
4. Iron : Essential in the Formation of Proteins

Water

1. Water is Life itself: Know the Benefits of Drinking Water

Ayurveda

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2. Aloe Vera : A Herbal Medicine & Powerhouse of Nutrition
3. Green Coffee Beans : A Recent Phenomena Happens to Aid in Weight Loss
4. Garcinia Cambogia : An Age Old Formula of Weight Loss
5. Green Tea : An Overview
6. Health Benefits of Green Tea
7. How to Choose, Prepare and Drink a Right Cup of Green Tea
8. Green Tea : Its recommended dose, Excess Consumption & Supplementation
9. Scientific studies on Green Tea
10. Green Tea & Weight loss
11. Apple Cider Vinegar: Keeps us natural & Chemical-free