I have been using Aloe Vera on my skin for as long as I can remember. Recently, I have started taking Aloe Vera juice to help ease the pregnancy heartburn. Not only does it help with this, it also has many other health benefits.
The Aloe Vera Plant
The aloe vera plant with prickly and bitter leaves purposely keep animals and insects from feeding on them. The leaves once cut hold a gooey translucent gel and a yellow-coloured liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from the inside which is called the ‘sap’. This translucent gel is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body, vitamins A, B, C and E, Vitamin B12 (aloe vera is one of only a few plants to contain this nutrient), Copper, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc.
One of the most crucial elements found in aloe vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan (D-isomer mucopolysaccharide in aloe vera leaves). It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins. Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine and British herbal medicine have all advocated aloe vera as a healer, when applied or consumed orally. Let’s go over some of its most prominent benefits.
Aloe Vera For The Skin
Aloe Vera is extensively used in beauty products and for good reason. It is soothing and calming on the skin, promotes healing and it has also antiviral and antibacterial properties.
For Skin Healing
Aloe vera is popularly used as a natural remedy to help with the healing of wounds like scrapes, cuts and burns. The soothing and anti-microbial properties help to clean and disinfect wounds, which can help to quicken the overall healing process. Aloe vera is also used to help heal sunburn. The healing properties of aloe vera can be used to help reduce immediate pain or discomfort caused by burns, as well as to promote and support the overall healing process.
For Skin Hydration
Because of the dry climate aloe vera is native to, its leaves have the ability to store huge amounts of water to prevent the plant from drying out in even the most intense heats and conditions. Thanks to this ability, the gel contained within the leaves is often used as the basis for pharmaceutical products designed to help hydrate and moisturise your skin.
Reduce Free Radicals
Aloe vera is a fantastic source of vitamins C and E, which are renowned for their ability to help protect our body against potential harm from free radical molecules.
For Skin Treatment of Spots, Acne & Promotes Skin Health
Aloe vera, given its anti-microbial properties, is often used as a facial herbal remedy to help heal blemishes and scars that may be created as a result of acne. Aloe vera is a rich natural source of vitamin C, which can help with the production of collagen, an important protein that can be found in the skin and other connective tissues. Collagen helps to ensure that skin cells remain supple, firm and strong, which naturally depletes as we age. By building up the natural strength of the skin, we are promoting its natural defences and overall skin health.
Top Tips
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- During my pregnancy, I have found that at times my skin is more sensitive and there are times where it just itches. For anyone suffering from itchy skin and/or reactive skin, pregnant or not, applying aloe vera brings much needed immediate relief.
- Keep aloe vera gel in the fridge especially during the summer months. It delivers an even deeper sense of relief.
Aloe Vera Juice For The Body
The Alkaline Effect
I have recently started taking aloe vera juice to soothe my pregnancy related heartburn. It has made such a difference! Although there are conflicting theories when it comes to ingesting aloe vera during pregnancy so please consult with your Doctor.
Aloe vera juice has an alkaline effect on the body. It balances the stomach pH allowing it to operate normally and maintain a proper microflora balance. Aloe vera juice can directly stop acid from forming, which prevents acid reflux and lowers chances of developing gastric ulcers. It quickens the elimination of acidic foods from the body and increases the oxygenation of blood round the body. When you feel under the weather for whatever reason, drink aloe vera juice to restore balance; you will immediately feel the difference.
Gut Health
Mild gastrointestinal infections, food toxins and allergies can all make us feel unbalanced. Aloe vera juice can relieve stomach upsets and restore normal digestion irrespective of the underlying cause since it has a wide range of beneficial actions. It is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory on the body. The natural detoxifying action of aloe vera juice is not limited to the digestive tract, it can also help eliminate any circulating toxins in the body.
Aid Weight Loss
Aloe vera helps the body detox and is anti-inflammatory which means that any accumulation of fat, toxins and water retention can be helped flushed out by aloe vera juice.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Aloe vera juice is packed with nutrients. It contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamins B, C, E, and folic acid. It also contains small amounts of calcium, copper, chromium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, manganese and zinc. Aloe vera is one of the only plant sources of vitamin B12.
By drinking nutrient rich aloe vera, we can help combat most preventable diseases.
Top Tips
- Always opt for pure aloe vera juice when possible.
- Aloe vera juice (20ml if pure) should ideally be consumed on an empty stomach in order to absorb the full benefits.
- If you have the option, grow aloe vera in your garden which means a constant natural and convenient supply source.
If you have any questions, please send me a message.
