Aloe vera: the benefits, contraindications and all the USES of the gel and juice

 

All about Aloe Vera, a very easy plant to grow that contains incredible properties and benefits for both internal and external use

Aloe vera is just one among the hundreds of existing species of aloe , but it is currently the most widely used in consumer products for both external and internal use because of its amazing properties.

The use of this plant has a long tradition in different parts of the world given the many benefits that have been found over the years, initially verified only with experience but today also confirmed by some scientific research.

To be used for the extraction of both the gel (for external use) and the juice (for internal use) are the leaves of this plant that can also be easily grown on the balcony. The gel has been shown to be particularly effective in the topical treatment of burns, abrasions, psoriasis and other skin diseases while the juice is mainly used as an immunomodulating, detoxifying and for gastrointestinal problems.  

Over time it has been understood that Aloin , an anthraquinone active ingredient naturally present in the plant, especially if taken continuously, is irritating to the intestinal mucosa with a very relevant laxative effect, which is why all (or almost) the products currently on the market based on Aloe, to be taken internally, have been subjected to a treatment that deprives the juice of this substance.

Index                                                   

• Aloe Vera, benefits
• Gastro-intestinal system
• Immune system
• Antibacterial and antiviral
• Antioxidant and detoxifying
• Aloe Vera juice, benefits
• Aloe vera juice, doses
• Aloe Vera gel, use
• Aloe Vera gel, how to extract it
• Aloe Vera, where to find the gel and juice
• Contraindications and side effects

 

Aloe Vera, benefits

Aloe gel and juice are very versatile and can be used as needed in many situations. As for the topical use of the gel based on this plant, you can read 20 fantastic uses of Aloe Vera where we have already summarized the main situations in which it can be useful to have this product at hand.

Let's see instead what happens if you take Aloe vera in juice and for which situations it is generally indicated. First, however, let's clarify what this plant contains so precious that it makes it special and appreciated all over the world. One of the most interesting active ingredients is undoubtedly Acemannan, a natural mucopolysaccharide that has shown a protective effect against the gastric and intestinal mucosa but not only.

The main benefits of Aloe Vera concern:

• Gastro-intestinal system
• Immune system
• Antibacterial action
• Antiviral action
• Antioxidant action
• Detoxifying action

Gastro-intestinal system

In an interesting 2004 study conducted in the UK , researchers gave a group of people with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, aloe vera juice to drink twice a day. After only four weeks there was an improvement in the pathology in the participants who had taken Aloe compared to the control group who had instead taken simple water.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties , mainly due to the mucopolysaccharides contained in the plant, Aloe is also used for very common problems such as colitis, gastritis and other types of inflammation but, as specified above, it must be strictly without Aloin , in order not to find the opposite. worsening of symptoms.

Immune system

It was then shown that Acemannan has immunostimulating properties , in fact it helps the production of interferon and stimulates the activity of macrophages . In this way the body is well protected from the attack of viruses and bacteria. Here then is that one of the main reasons for taking Aloe vera juice is precisely to stimulate the body's natural defenses in the periods in which it is most tried, therefore in autumn, in winter or in the transition phase from one season to the other. other.

Antibacterial and antiviral

Some research has shown that Aloe extracts are able to act against certain types of bacteria, viruses or fungi including Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The intake of the juice, therefore, can help in cases where there are infections of this kind not only by supporting the immune system but also by acting actively, but probably for this purpose there are more specific natural remedies as can be for example the tea tree oil .

Antioxidant and detoxifying

Aloe vera also contains a wealth of minerals and vitamins as well as other substances useful for the well-being of our body. The richness of this synergy of components makes this plant excellent also for its detoxifying and antioxidant properties , therefore able to fight the free radicals that contribute to the aging of the cells of our body. This is why by taking Aloe juice you often notice improvements in the skin, hair and nails.

The list is certainly not exhaustive, the many different and well-mixed substances that make up this plant make it a treasure yet to be discovered . Recently, among other things, scientific research is focusing in particular on its anticancer potential, but in this case the Aloe Arborescens variant seems to be more effective .

• Aloe Vera juice, benefits
• aloe vera juice

Aloe vera and health. Is it really that good to drink the juice? Taking aloe vera extract juice is often recommended to deal with various ailments but also simply to strengthen the immune system when it is most needed, detoxify or improve digestive functions.

Let's summarize what are the main benefits of Aloe Vera juice :

• It cleanses the body
• Protects the heart
• Protects the skin
• It is good for the gums and mouth
• Safeguard dental health
• Reduces inflammation
• Regulates blood sugars

Aloe vera juice, doses

What happens to the body if we take a small glass of Aloe Vera juice a day ? The generally recommended dose of aloe vera to drink, as reported on the packaging, is 20 ml (one measuring cup) 2/3 times a day which corresponds to about a small glass. On the other hand, increasing too much, except in special cases and under the advice of an expert, can give many problems, first of all a sense of nausea and acidity.

Here's what happens to the body when you take a shot of Aloe Vera juice a day. Aloe Vera juice:

• Improve digestion
• Strengthens the immune system
• It has an anti-aging action
• It has a hypoglycemic action
• Skin care
• Protects the intestine
• It is anti-inflammatory
• Helps heal burns and wounds

Aloe Vera gel, use

The best remedies for self-care often come straight from nature. You can extract the aloe vera gel directly from the leaves of this plant with due care or buy it ready-made in a herbalist's shop.

Here are the many uses of Aloe Vera gel in daily life:

• Anti-dandruff lotion
• Do-it-yourself scrub
• Face cream
• Face mask
• Chapped hands
• Body lotion
• Natural remedy for sunburn
• To be applied on insect bites
• Pre-shampoo pack
• Post-shave remedy
• As a natural hair gel
• Natural remedy for scars
• To relieve dark spots
• For massages and muscle pains
• Natural remedy for red gums
• To massage tired feet
• To be applied in case of acne
• To prepare a natural toothpaste
• To massage the temples in case of headache

 Aloe Vera gel, how to extract it

How to extract aloe vera gel from a plant ? Cut the Aloe Vera leaf from your plant starting from the bottom. At this point you will have to cut the leaf along its entire outline with a knife . You will have to remove the thorny part, cut a point on the leaf well and let the yellow liquid (which has a laxative effect) escape. In this way you can squeeze the leaf so that you have only the Aloe Vera gel available. You can separate the leaf into two parts and help you extract the Aloe Vera gel with a spoon or a knife.

If the Aloe Vera gel stored in this way should change color, it means that it has been damaged and can no longer be used. You will have to proceed to extract the new Aloe Vera gel from a leaf of the plant when needed.

Aloe Vera, where to find the gel and juice

Both aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice are easily found in herbalist's shops, natural product stores, online shops dedicated to organic products and in some supermarkets. Aloe vera gel is easily obtained at home by carving the leaves of this plant.

Contraindications and side effects

Like all plants, even Aloe is not free from possible side effects that can be found most of the time, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract with cramps and diarrhea. In this case it is good to listen to your body and stop the treatment immediately. If you are taking drugs then it is always better to inform your doctor to avoid the opportunity that the two intakes may somehow interfere with each other.

It is not recommended to use the juice during pregnancy (there are no studies that prove its safety) and during breastfeeding (it would make the milk bitter and unwelcome to the baby).

It is very important in the case of taking Aloe juice to respect the dosages indicated on the packaging and not to think, just because it is a natural remedy, to be able to always use it. Like anything that is taken for therapeutic or preventive purposes, it is always good to follow a cycle that can last from one month to three months and then stop.

Let's summarize the contraindications for taking aloe vera juice:

• Intestinal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Interaction with drugs
• Not recommended in pregnancy
• Not recommended during breastfeeding

The gel, on the other hand, has not shown any side effects and can be used by everyone , also excellent for children. Problems are encountered, of course, only if you suffer from allergy to the plant, which is generally rare in any case.

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Read Also : Comprehensive Guide On How To Use Aloe Vera Gel