Uses and Benefits Of Aloe vera

Aloe vera- A miracle plant

From times immemorial Aloe vera has been used by various civilizations. It’s benefits range from healing, giving immediate relief in  burns , cuts, wounds  to  cosmetics and  lot’s more. Ancient Egyptians considered it  “plant of immortality”. This succulent plant is rich in phytochemicals. Aloe vera is a stemless plant with long leaves having spikes at the edges. Looks like a cactus. It is mostly found in African continent but today this plant is cultivated  by various other countries of the world  for uses in cosmetic industry. Gel and latex is obtained from the plant . Gel is a transparent liquid that oozes inside the leaves of aloe vera and latex is yellowish liquid obtained from inter part  of outer leaf lining. Both these ingredients have separate benefits and uses. Below is the list of aloe vera’s  amazing benefits in detail.

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by Olga Berrios

Nutrition in Aloe vera

1) Aloe vera contains over 150 nutrients. It contains 12 non-essential amino acids and  8 essential amino acids. The essential amino acids are  methionine,  isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, tryptophan, lysine,  threonine and  valine.  The acids  lead to protein formation which is essential for healthy brain and body.

2) There are 12 anthraquinones present in the plant leaf liquid. These anthraquinones have antibiotic and stimulating properties. They enhance  gastro – intestinal absorption, speeds up wound healing etc.

3) Aloe vera contains 10 enzymes which help body cell function efficiently. The enzymes provided are   a) Lipase – which help fat  digestion. b) Bradykinase – strenthens  immune system,  it is  anti-inflammatory and analgesic, in nature. c) Amylase helps in  conversion of starch and sugar into glucose. d) Catalase – prevents  body water accumulation.e) Creatine Phosphokinase- facilitates metabolism. f) Oxidase . g)Alkaline Phosphatase.  h)  Cellulase  helps in digestion of cellulose. i) Proteolytiase.  J) Carboxypeptidase

4) Aloe vera is an anti oxidant  plant as it provides good amount of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins that are present in Aloe vera are A , Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, B6, B12, C, choline and E. Minerals present in this plant are magnesium, manganese, calcium , zinc, copper, sodium, phosphorous, chromium, potassium, iridium, iron  and rhodium.

5) Lignins is found in the  cellulose content of  Aloe vera. These lingins give aloe vera the penetrating quality upto six layers of skin . Making this plant very useful in  eczema and psoriasis skin problems.

6) There are 2 carbohydrates present in this plant – monosaccharides and polysaccharides .

Benefits of Aloe vera

This miracle plant is very beneficial to our health. Right from healing properties it is immensely useful.

1. Treats Burns : Aloe vera has the ability to treat sun burns, thermal burns and radiation burns. Apply fresh gel from this plant or ointment with aloe vera content to treat the first degree and second degree burns. For severe burns one should go to doctor.

2. Relief to Psoriasis Patients : Aloe vera when applied topically on the effected psorasis skin will reduce the iching , redness and soreness. This is due to the plants anti- inflammatory qualities. Cream based on aloe vera also lead to significant reduction psoriasis plaques.

3. Quicken surgical wound healing : Aloe vera  cream applied topically reduces post operation pain and quickens the healing time after the surgery.

4. Cleanses Digestive system : Alove vera nutrients aid in cleansing digestive tract from residual food. Detoxifies colon from toxins. Leading to better absorption of nutrients by our digestive tract. Drinking aloe vera juice will help in cleansing digestive tract.

5. Works as natural laxative :  Alove vera removes food residues from the intestinal tract and cleanses the bowels. Leading to regularization of bowel movement. Thus preventing as well as treating constipation problems.

6. Enhances immunity : Strong body immunity helps in fighting against various diseases. Enzymes in aloe vera gel dilates blood vessels which stimulates the production of  white blood cells which fight against body tumors and viruses . There are 3 qualities in aloe vera – anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral. These qualities help in reducing the occurrence as well as curing many diseases. The juice of this plant soothes the digestive tract leading to relief for  IBS, colitis, ulcers sufferers. Ulcers are healed.

7. Great tonic for female reproduction system : It reduces menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Rejuvenate the uterus.

8. Cures respiratory problems : Asthma, cough ,running sore throat and other respiratory disorders are cured as well as as one gets relief from this miracle plant.

9. Beneficial for diabetic patients : Drinking of aloe vera juice lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production.

10. Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood : When these are lowered it reduces the ocurrence of cardiac vascular diseases.

11. Enhances skin beauty : This plant is a great tonic for skin. Antioxidants in aloe vera keeps your skin young and wrinkle free. For improving skin firmness one should use aloe vera gel. Drinking aloe vera juice rejuvenates the skin by removing dead cells and replenishing it with new healthy cells. Thus adding a radiant glow. Sun burns and inflammation problems are cured by application of aloe vera gel.

12. Relief for arthritis patients : Aloe vera reduces inflammation and soreness associated with arthritis patients. Drinking the aloevera juice and application of aloe vera gel on swollen joints gives the relief.

13. Benefits for hair :  Hair growth, removal of dandruff, strengthening of hair and conditioning are  the hair benefits.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this article is for educative purpose only. Consult you doctor or professional medical advice before using any information in this article for any health program.