Aloe Vera Juice: Beyond Skin Deep

One of the most popular plants people turn to for treatment of certain conditions affecting the skin and the digestive system is aloe vera juice. Both available in its natural form and as an ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetic products, aloe vera has claims of being one of the most effective natural solutions to a selection of ailments. With all the nasty side effects from synthetic pharmacopoeia, people belonging to contemporary society have been looking for solutions in the same manner as their ancestors did, and that is through natural remedies.

Aloe vera juice contains certain substances that reduce inflammation, and therefore is an effective means of treatment for virtually any condition that involves some form of inflammatory reaction. Examples of such conditions manifest themselves commonly in the skin. This has made it a popular medicinal plant for diseases and afflictions ranging some thing as simple as a scalp itch to things more serious such as burns and wounds. Given its anti-inflammatory properties, its value goes beyond than just being a soothing skin salve.

Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera Juice

Active substances in aloe vera have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerative, and anti-bacterial properties that have made it a popular herbal remedy that it is today. Given such capabilities, the use of aloe vera juice is an effective natural treatment for wounds and burns as it provides pain relief, reduces swelling, inhibits bacterial growth, and promotes cell regeneration. The more popular benefits of aloe vera come from its use as a topical agent for treatment of acne, dandruff, and insect bites as well as for general skin hydration.

Aloe vera juice is also a great natural product for treating various digestive tract issues. The unprocessed juice has a laxative effect and has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. To remove the juice’s laxative effect, certain manufacturers of herbal products remove a substance called aloin from the juice so that it can be used as adjunctive therapy for digestive tract conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.

Certain medical studies have shown that the intake of aloe vera is beneficial for individuals suffering from diabetes and/or hyperlipidemia. Clinical trials have shown that it also improved blood glucose levels in diabetics. According to those reports, blood sugar levels of subjects subjected to a 14-week treatment dropped 45. These patients received a daily dose of a half teaspoon of the extract. Studies have also shown that active substances called physosterols helps reduce visceral fat mass as well as corrects hyperlipidemia by reducing free fatty acid and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Aloe Vera as Food

Aloe Vera gel has also found some use in the culinary world as a thickener. As users would find out, it is mucilaginous like okra. One famous culinary use of it is found in a recipe by chef Quique Dacosta of El Poblet called Oysters Guggenheim Bilbao. With the multiple health benefits of aloe vera, the gel has found its way into health drinks. People at home can also use cubed gels to add some texture to drinks like lemonade or lime juice. It must be skinned to the point that it has no yellow or green bits so as to avoid getting that bitter taste associated with wrong preparation. The gelatinous morsels from aloe vera are also good additions to various kinds of salads.

Garden Aesthetics with Aloe Vera

More than providing medicinal and culinary benefits, aloe vera grown as an ornamental plant will spice up the look of any garden. Due to its succulent nature, it grows well in rock gardens and in other garden locations where less rainfall is expected. Other than a few scale insects and bugs, the plant is resistant to many pests. These qualities make it a relatively low maintenance ornamental plant. An example of an aloe plant that will look great in most gardens is the spotted aloe.

Certain scientific studies have validated the claim that aloe vera has very useful medicinal benefits. It is therefore not surprising that the ancient Egyptians paid so much reverence for aloe vera that they called it “the immortal plant”, being pictured on the walls of their tombs. Cleopatra sure found great use for aloe vera and the urban jungle explorer will benefit from it too. From past to present, from the external to the internal, the virtue and value of aloe vera goes beyond the surface of the skin.