The aloe vera plant is a succulent that originated in Africa. It’s healing powers have been known for thousands of years. In fact, Cleopatra used aloe vera as part of her healing and beauty regimen.
Most of us have used aloe vera in our skin lotions. If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know aloe vera can help relieve the pain. It is very soothing to the skin. Yet, aloe vera can be used for more than just sunburns. Only recently have we begun to understand the science of why this ancient plant has such remarkable healing powers.
Chronic Inflammation
In today’s world, we are constantly causing stress on our internal systems with processed food, poor hydration, stress, toxins and lack of exercise. All of these things keep our body’s cleansing and immune systems working overtime. Eventually, those systems break down causing chronic diseases. Almost every major chronic disease including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis are caused in whole or part by chronic inflammation.
Taken in juice form, aloe vera can be a powerful healing food supplement. Check out these 6 reasons to drink aloe vera juice on a regular basis:
1. Anti-inflammatory
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the presence of steroids like Lupeol and Campesterol. These plant steroids prevent the inflammation process. Drinking aloe vera juice blocks histamine and prostaglandins, thus inhibiting the inflammation process. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory property is helpful for people suffering from arthritis and other chronic diseases.
2. Heart Health
According to a study conducted in India on rats, aloe vera could lower the risk of heart issues caused by some drugs. In another study, aloe vera juice lowered blood cholesterol levels.
3. Digestion
Aloe vera juice fights digestive issues. It can cure different types of digestive disorders like constipation, acidity and poor digestion. It also helps in controlling body weight and boosts appetite.
4. Detoxification
Aloe vera juice can flush out the toxins from your body. It moves the toxic substances in your stomach and intestine down and out. The juice also absorbs and neutralizes the toxins by binding with them. Drink aloe vera juice twice every day and you will not require intense detoxification processes like colon cleanse.
5. Oral health
Since aloe vera juice is neither sugary nor acidic, it promotes oral health. It helps in curing gum disease, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to treat mouth ulcers. Swish a mouth full of the juice for about a minute and spit it out. Do this every day and it will improve your oral health.
6. Immune System
A poor or weak immune system is caused by internal inflammation and poor gut health. Drinking aloe vera juice improves gut health and lowers systemic inflammation. This allows our immune system to rest and regenerate.
Conclusion
While aloe vera’s healing powers may not be “magical,” they are certainly extensive. It’s anti-inflammatory and healing properties make it ideal for both internal and external use. Aloe vera is inexpensive and readily available.
Aloe vera juice or gel is readily available Walmart, Amazon, and most health food stores. When purchasing supplements, always read the labels and check on the quality of the manufacturer.
Aloe vera plants can be grown in warm climates and indoors. Because aloe vera is a succulent like a cactus, it should be planted in a pot with cactus potting soil. The pot should also have several drainage holes because aloe vera does not tolerate standing water. If growing aloe vera from seed, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to germinate.