Aloe vera – The Miracle Plant with Multiple Uses and Benefits
Aloe vera has been known to mankind from ancient times because of its medicinal and healing properties. This perennial green plant is a versatile plant because of its multiple benefits and uses. Did you know that the Egyptians called Aloe vera the ‘Plant of Immortality’ It was also called the ‘Plant of Eternity’, Japanese called it the ‘Royal plant’.
The Maya Indians called this highly resourceful desert plant as the ‘Fountain of Youth’. Does Aloe vera really have all these properties? We need to delve into knowing more about this juicy succulent green plant.
Aloe vera and its ancient connections:
- The usage of aloe was regarded as the pursuit of physical beauty. Cleopatra the Egyptian queen known for her beauty used the nourishing juice of this fleshy green plant in her daily skin and beauty care.
- In those times even the dead were embalmed with aloe vera because of its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
- During the reign of Alexander the Great, Aloe vera was commonly used for medicinal treatment and it is believed that Alexander acquired sufficient medication of this wonder plant to heal the wounds of his entire battalions.
- In Chinese culture, this plant extract has been an important ingredient in medical treatment.
- In Japan, the juice of Aloe vera was used as an elixir and the Samurai used it to soothe and relieve the body pains, aches and sprains.
- In Sanskrit, Aloe vera is known as the Ghrita kumara, the plant that provides youthful energy. It is believed to be a plant that has a rejuvenating effect. In Ayurveda Aloe is considered as the wonder plant of balance between pitta, kapha, and Vata- very few plants that have these qualities!
Aloe vera Uses
This plant is native to hot and arid regions and widely grown as an ornamental plant. It is found to be beneficial and so seen in many products like beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. Form centuries this plant is known for its health, beauty, medicinal, and skincare properties. It’s interesting to know that even today researchers are discovering more advantages of this medicinal plant.
Aloe vera is applied externally as an application for many healing remedies like sunburn, rashes, wounds, insect bites, eczema, etc. Aloe vera gel, which is made from the plant’s pulp, is typically applied on the skin as lotion, gel, soap, shampoos, or cosmetics products.
It can also be taken orally as a gel or tablet supplement. When taken internally, aloe vera juice aids the digestion and absorption of nutrients, helps control blood sugar, increases energy production, promotes cardiovascular health, improves liver function, and boosts the immune system.
Aloe vera Benefits
Aloe vera, its therapeutic advantages, and healing properties have an ancient past over as old as 5000 years. Still, the benefits of these miracle plants are outstanding!. Let’s see some of the benefits of aloe vera in our daily life.
It contains healthy plant compounds
According to a research article on Aloe vera by the NCBI, it has been mentioned that Aloe contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids.
Antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties
Aloe may help clear the toxins out of the digestive system, facilitates digestion and improves the functioning of the kidneys, liver and gallbladder. The anti-inflammatory fatty acids in aloe alkalize the digestive juices and prevent acidity — a common cause of indigestion. These fatty acids benefit not only the stomach but the small intestine and the colon as well.
Accelerates quick healing for wounds and bruises
From ancient times aloe vera was used by warriors and soldiers to soothe the burns, wounds and bruises because of its healing properties. Aloe vera has significant stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and migration of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes and so accelerates wound healing.
Reduces dental plague and bleeding gums
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The plant is also rich in antioxidants. For this reason, some people use aloe vera to treat and relieve inflammation related to gum disease and other oral issues. The yellow liquid that seeps from the cut leaves of an aloe plant contains chemical compounds that can ease the pain. Some of the dental issues like gingivitis, gum infection or periodontitis, and other mouth irritations like canker sores, cold sores, or lichen planus. Aloe vera reduces inflammation, reduces bacterial infections, and helps oral care because of speedy healing.
Reduces constipation
Aloe vera can be made into a juice using the green part of the leaf. This juice can act as a laxative and may be used to treat constipation or diarrhea. Aloe vera juice may help ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but more research is required to support these claims. At present, there is an insufficient level of evidence to suggest that people with IBS should drink Aloe Vera juice to justify the risk of adverse side effects. People who wish to try Aloe vera juice for IBS symptoms should ensure it is purified and consult a doctor before consumption.
Good for skin and removes wrinkles
Aloe vera gel is believed to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. Due to its soothing and cooling qualities, it is recommended for a number of skin conditions like sunburns, bruises, dry skin. In a 2009 study of 30 females over the age of 45, taking oral aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over a 90-day period. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled.
Lowers blood sugar
It is believed to help and balance the sugar level for patients suffering from Diabetes/ pre-diabetics. This is because it may enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management. “There is some data that suggests that aloe vera may help lower blood glucose levels,” says Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDE, a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the author of My Indian Table. A review of eight studies found that aloe vera could have benefits for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes due to its effects on glycemic control.
Something to ponder
With all these as health benefits and more, the miracle plant sure deserves the name for its versatility. Based on different study and research , Aloe vera has many benefits and can be used by most of us. But based on certain allergies, side effects and prevalent medical conditions like diabetes, certain medications or during pregnancy, it may not work in the same way. So it is best advised to use or consume any products after researching about its side effects and as prescribed by the physician. Always ensure that whichever product you purchase, buy them from genuine and reliable places.
What Aryan Herbals have to offer
Aloe vera is a magical and impressive herb. At Aryan Herbals we have a wide range of Aloe vera products known for its powerful benefits. Some of our products are:
For thousands of years, people have recognized the healing and moisturizing properties of the Aloe Vera Plant. Traditionally, it’s believed to help maintain & promote digestion, a healthy immune system, and healthy skin.
Indian Gooseberry (amla) is known to be rich in Vitamin C and full of powerful antioxidants and believed to have various health benefits like maintain vitality, promote healthy skin, maintain & promote digestion and help to maintain a healthy immune system.
The combination of ginger and aloe vera is believed to help achieve healthy skin, help in digestion, and maintain a healthy immune system.
It is traditionally believed to help maintain & promote digestion, a healthy immune system, and healthy skin. Additionally, Wheatgrass is known to be a natural detoxifier of the liver and a blood protector.
Also read: Wheatgrass – A Healthy Solution to Detox
Aryan Aloe Vera Gel is a natural and non-sticky fluid, helpful against dry & chapped skin conditions, reducing roughness, cracking & irritation. Helpful in maintaining your skins’ moisture levels and restore its elasticity & resilience.
Our Aloe Hand Wash is a caring blend of herbs like lime & lemon for effective and gentle cleansing. The hand wash is ant-bacterial and cleans the hands and moistures them as well.
Dr. Lee Ritter, an internationally recognized expert on Aloe vera and nutrition and head of healthy Life Information Services, Inc. has researched on Aloe Vera. He quotes “ I believe the 21st century will confirm Aloe vera to be the greatest medicine mankind has ever known.” Yes, let’s hope it does.
Think about it:
Nevertheless its always good to have an ornamental and useful plant like Aloe vera in your homes as well. You never know when it will benefit you. Discover the joy of growing an Aloe Vera plant and enjoy its benefits at the comfort of your home.
Also read:
Nature’s Gift- Wonder Plant Neem and its benefits
Powerful Health Benefits Of Tulsi – The Queen of all Herbs
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