Learn About Aloe Vera's Amazing Health Benefits and How to Use It
What is Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Aloe vera contains over 200 active components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antagonistic polysaccharides. These properties make aloe vera an effective treatment for various conditions, including cancer, burns, and wounds. Aloe vera is also known to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. In addition to its many health benefits, aloe vera is also incredibly easy to use. The gel can be applied directly to the skin or consumed in juice form.
What are Antagonistic Polysaccharides
Antagonistic polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. They are found in various plants, including aloe vera. While more research is needed to confirm the full extent of the benefits of antagonistic polysaccharides, they have been shown to promote healing and may help to prevent cancer cells from spreading. In addition, they may also help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Antagonistic polysaccharides hold great promise as a natural cancer treatment.
Polysaccharides hold promise for being antitumor, antiviral, and have antioxidant properties. 1
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How Can Aloe Aid in Healing
Aloe Vera as a Burn Treatment
For treating burns, simply spread a thick layer over the burn area.
Aloe vera is a popular home remedy for burns, and it is known for its healing properties. The plant contains a gel-like substance that can help to soothe and protect the skin. In addition, aloe vera offers several other benefits, such as reducing inflammation and promoting cell regeneration. For these reasons, using aloe vera is an effective treatment for both minor and major burns. Sunburns too! When applied topically, aloe vera can help to speed up the healing process and relieve pain and discomfort.
Aloe Vera and the Immune System
Aloe vera also offers many benefits for your immune system. Aloe vera is a natural source of vitamins A, C, and E, essential for a healthy immune system. The benefits are due to compounds like polysaccharides that stimulate white blood cells production. Additionally, aloe vera is antimicrobial and can help to fight off infection. When taken internally, aloe vera can help to cleanse the digestive system and reduce inflammation throughout the body. As a result, aloe vera is a powerful tool for supporting the immune system. Best of all, this natural remedy is readily available and easy to use. Simply add some aloe vera gel to your favorite smoothie or juice recipe, and enjoy the benefits of this extraordinary plant.
Aloe Vera to Improve Digestion
Aloe vera can also help improve digestive health. Aloe vera contains various nutrients that are beneficial to the digestive system, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Aloe Vera contains enzymes that can help break down food and promote healthy digestion. The rich fiber content in Aloe Vera is outstanding for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps to encourage regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which are essential for optimal digestive health. The fiber and mucilage (the thick gluey part of the plant) content of aloe vera can soothe and help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Because of this, aloe vera may be beneficial for IBS and other intestinal issues.
Aloe Vera to Treat Constipation
Aloe vera can also be used as a natural remedy for constipation. When taken internally, aloe vera promotes bowel movements and helps to cleanse the digestive system. Aloe vera is high in fiber, which helps to bulk up the stool and makes it easier to pass. For best results, drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice before bedtime. Aloe vera is a safe and effective way to treat constipation and restore regularity to your digestive system.
Aloe Vera for Detoxification
Aloe vera can also be used as part of a detox program. When taken internally, aloe helps to cleanse the digestive system and promote regularity. Aloe vera is also a potent antioxidant that can help to remove toxins from the body. For a holistic approach to detox, consider using aloe vera in conjunction with other detox methods, such as drinking plenty of water, intermittent fasting, and eating a healthy diet. By incorporating aloe vera into your detox program, you can experience all of its benefits and help your body function at its best.
Aloe Vera in Diabetes Treatment
Aloe vera is beneficial for people with diabetes and can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose tolerance. Additionally, aloe vera can help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. These effects can all contribute to better blood sugar control. While more research is needed, aloe vera shows promise as a holistic treatment for diabetes.
Side note:
Ingesting two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day can cause blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study in Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacy.
Aloe Vera in Cancer Treatments
The translucent gel found inside the aloe plant's thick leaves is thought to have numerous benefits, including helping to treat cancer. There are several ways to take aloe for cancer treatment. The gel can be applied topically to the skin or consumed orally in juice or capsules form. Some people also make tea by boiling the aloe leaves. Studies have shown that aloe contains components that can help fight cancer cells, making it a promising holistic treatment option.
Aloe vera also contains a substance called acemannan, which is thought to boost the immune system and help fight cancer cells. In addition, aloe vera is a natural source of antioxidants, which can help to protect healthy cells from damage. For example, one study found that aloe vera extract was able to kill leukemia cells in vitro. Ultimately, aloe vera may be a valuable tool in the fight against cancer, and it may offer a safe and natural alternative to traditional treatments.
Side note:
Acemannan, considered one of the main bioactive polysaccharides of Aloe vera, possesses immunoregulation, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, wound healing and bone proliferation promotion, neuroprotection, and intestinal health promotion activities, among others. Apr 19, 2019 2
How to Grow an Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe is a succulent and grows best in dry conditions.
Aloe seeds will be gray-brown, flat, and tiny. Although some are black, but I have never seen them.
Plant seeds in a 2” pot with drainage holes. Poke the seeds into the dirt. Mist with a spray bottle until you see the sprouts. This process can take 2-4 weeks.
Once four or more leaves are observed, put each plant into a pot with drainage holes, as Aloe Vera plants do not like standing water. Add your potting soil to the container. A cactus potting soil works well for Aloe Vera. Amend with Perlite.
*Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass It helps to improve drainage and aeration in your potting mix and is wonderful stuff for starting your seeds. Perlite contains no nutrients and will not affect the PH of your soil. I use it as a mix in my potting soil when I start any plant.
It is best to water aloe vera from the bottom once your sprouts have started. So if you have a pot with a saucer, you can just add water to the saucer instead of at the top.
Aloe Vera grown inside can take 2-4 years from seed to a full-grown plant. Full aloe vera leaves are about 10” in length, although; you can still use the smaller leaves, you just won’t get as much out of them.
It is best to grow your aloe where it will get a lot of sunlight. A sunny window or covered patio in the summer is nice. Aloe Vera grows best in a climate between 55 and 80 degrees.
That is it! You can grow your own aloe vera pretty easily. There is not a lot of hard work involved at all. The only drawback is it takes so long to grow! Still, I would suggest you get started today so you don’t look back and wish you had started it earlier.
Two to Four Years Later
How to Fillet an Aloe Vera Plant
1. Cut off the top of the plant and discard
2. Slice the skin of the plant open with a sharp knife
3. Use a spoon to scoop out the slimy insides of the plant
4. Rinse off the inside of the plant and cut it into small pieces
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Final Thoughts
When using aloe vera for healing, it is essential to choose a product that is pure and free from chemicals. This will help to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the plant. You can find pure Stockton Aloe Vera gel here!
Most commercially available aloe vera gel in the market is processed and filled with preservatives. And the clincher is that most don't even contain Aloe! Real food should be free of preservatives and any other additives. It should also be raw and unfiltered for optimal benefits. The only Aloe that I would ever recommend is Stockton Aloe for its purity.
Stockton Aloe is hand filleted and frozen without any added additives, colors, or flavors. The aloe is not chemically processed to preserve freshness. Instead, it is shipped to you frozen and retains its full integrity.
Some Yummy Recipes
Aloe Vera Veggie Juice:
4 carrots
1/2 green apple
slice of fresh ginger
Instructions: Place carrots, apple and ginger in a juicer. Once juiced, add the aloe vera, mix and enjoy!
For those merely trying to quickly cover-up the taste of aloe, a tiny pinch of stevia can tremendously drown any bitterness. Some people like to order raw aloe vera gel with cherry concentrate which not only helps with the flavor, but also adds many nutrition benefits.
Aloe Vera Cherry Smoothie
1 cup organic pineapple chunks (cut your own if you have a fresh pineapple)
1 cup of frozen organic cherries
2 tbsp organic lime juice
Instructions: Blend all ingredients in the blender. Add some sprigs of mint and put a pretty stripey straw in the glass! Haha! Or not! Seriously this is so refreshing on a hot summer day, but delicious any time of the year.
This recipe is courtesy of me!
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.