Aloe Vera Health Benefits: Skin, Immune System, Digestion, Oral Health - Paula Owens, MS

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The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera - Paula Owens, MS Holistic Nutritionist and Functional Health PractitionerAloe vera is a medicinal plant that has over 75 healing compounds. Known as “the potted physician,” the aloe plant is filled with a clear gel that acts as a digestive tonic, accelerates the healing process by stopping pain and reducing inflammation, heals, repairs and stimulates skin growth, boosts the immune system, and destroys bacterial infections, problematic yeasts and intestinal parasites.

Aloe vera plant leaves contain numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and cosmetic healing properties.

The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera taken internally supports immunity and digestive health

Always start with a smaller amount and increase the dose gradually.

  • Reduces symptoms of acid reflex and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Healing effect for digestive disorders and inflammatory GI conditions
  • Soothes stomach irritation, heals the lining of the gut, and a natural healing remedy for ulcers
  • Lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (one tablespoon 2x daily)
  • Enhances absorption of vitamins C and E
  • Rebuilds degenerating cartilage
  • Helpful for asthma
  • Lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
  • Reduces inflammation resulting from radiation therapy and helps the body heal from the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation that destroy healthy immune cells crucial for recovery
  • Increases blood vessel generation in the lower extremities for those with poor circulation
  • Provides protection from oxidative stress
  • Beneficial in eradicating H.pylori infections
  • Suppresses growth of yeast and inhibits Candida overgrowth
  • Inner-leaf gel inhibits growth of Streptococcus
  • Natural remedy for constipation, laxative properties, helpful in eliminating toxic wastes
  • Inhibits cytomegalovirus  (CMV) proliferation

Aloe Vera applied topically is an amazing skin and wound healer

  • Natural wound healing abilities: Soothing for insect bites, burns, sunburn, poison ivy, cuts, and bruises
  • Stimulates cells that grow collagen, increases collagen synthesis, makes the skin more elastic and less wrinkled
  • Reduces scar tissue, accelerates skin repair and promotes tissue healing
  • Natural moisturizer and lubricant, relieves dryness
  • Inhibits the progression of skin cancer
  • Massage into the scalp to moisture a dry scalp and help dandruff
  • Improves symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores
  • A natural remedy for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema

Aloe Vera for Oral Health

  • Aloe Vera gel as a natural mouthwash and rinse to reduce and remove plaque buildup, heal canker sores, combat bad breath, gingivitis and treat early stages of periodontitis
  • Studies show that aloe Vera gel inhibits the activity of several types of germs and bacteria that may lead to cavities and gum disease.

Aloe from the fresh plant is best. If you use a commercial aloe product, choose one that is organic, preservative-free and contains NO mineral oil, alcohol, coloring or waxes.

Aloe can be grown as a houseplant indoors or planted in your garden. It grows well indoors and outdoors, and thrives well in warm environments and full sun.

Whole aloe gel is easily taken from the aloe leaf by taking a cutting and peeling off its outer skin. The gel can be applied directly to the skin.

Precautions and contraindications

  • Topical applications should be applied to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction,
  • When taking internally, always start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose.
  • Avoid taking aloe vera interally for two weeks prior to any surgical procedure as it may increase bleeding during surgery.
  • Do not take aloe orally/internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Do not give to children under 10 years of age.

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