Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
The benefits of Aloe vera juice or gel have been known for centuries and scientists are still studying the plant for additional medicinal applications. The Aloe vera plant is native to Africa and belongs to the lily family. It has long spiky leaves and makes an attractive plant to grow in the garden in warmer climates and as a house plant where temperatures are lower.
The most popular benefit of Aloe vera juice or actually the gel is for burns. The gel or juice inside the leaves is used to relieve the pain from burns, to prevent infection, and to speed healing without scarring. Many people keep an Aloe vera plant growing in the kitchen where small burns often occur. It is easy to snap off a leaf from the base of the plant and squeeze the gel onto a burn.
In the past Aloe vera was used as a remedy for constipation. In fact, it was an ingredient in many commercial laxative products. It was the yellow sap next the the skin of the leaf that was used for this purpose. Since 2003 the FDA in the United States has banned its use due to the aloin which is present in the sap. Even though relief from constipation is still listed in a lot literature about the benefits of Aloe vera juice, I do not recommend it. Processed Aloe vera juice does not contain very much aloin and can be used for temporary digestive problems.
Aloe vera has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used to help wounds heal faster and prevent infection. Its cooling effect on the skin makes it a popular sunburn remedy. People suffering from psoriasis or eczema find it very useful for healing and soothing these skin conditions. It is added to facial tissues to help prevent the sore skin around the nose caused by frequent blowing of the nose during colds, flu, and allergy flare ups.
The soothing and anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera makes it a good remedy for bug bites, poison ivy, poison oak, or anything else that causes itching including hemorrhoids. Plus its antibacterial and antifungal properties can prevent infection.
Aloe vera is useful in treating acne rosacea, skin ulcers, and boils. It also can be used to prevent and reduce wrinkling and to prevent age spots. Dr Peter Atherton M.B.Ch.B., D.Obst. R.C.O.G., M.R.C.G.P., author of The Essential Aloe Vera talks about this effect:
The best demonstration of this effect that I have ever seen, was shown by Dr. Ivan Danhof, an American physician who has worked with topical aloe products in the cosmetic industry for 30 years. When testing new creams and lotions, being right handed, he always applied the material with the fingers of his right hand to the back of his left hand in order to test its texture, smell and penetrability. He now declares that he has one old hand and one young hand and indeed the comparison when he puts his hands together to show the backs, side by side, is quite remarkable.
One hand is the typical hand of a seventy year old with thinning, wrinkled skin covered in a variety of blemishes, whilst the other, his left hand, is clear and smooth and looks 30 years younger.
There is evidence that Aloe vera is helpful in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome, arthritis, asthma, hay fever, and post viral syndrome by drinking Aloe vera juice.
The body needs 22 different amino acids and Aloe vera provides 20 of them. Of the 8 essential amino acids required by the body, Aloe vera provides seven. It is rich in all vitamins except Vitamin D.
Aloe Vera Juice Side EffectsUsing Aloe vera topically, that is using it as a salve on the skin, is generally very safe even for pregnant women. However, if you are allergic to garlic or onions, you may have a reaction to it. Test yourself by placing a small amount of gel on the inside of your arm. If it becomes inflamed, you may be allergic.
Most Aloe vera side effects occur when drinking the juice. It is possible to over dose so always carefully follow the directions on the juice containers. Long-term use of drinking Aloe vera juice can deplete potassium out of your system and this can be dangerous even life threatening. Taking Aloe vera internally when you are taking other medications may have an unwanted result. Speak to your doctor or your pharmacist about possible interactions with the medicine you are taking. Aloe vera should never be taken internally by pregnant or nursing women.
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