The natural healing effects of aloe vera have been known for centuries and today it has become a household name. It is a common belief that if you have an aloe vera plant in your backyard you have nothing to worry about. According to completewellbeing.com it is a magic or a wonder plant due to a host of health benefits including anti ageing, anti wrinkle, anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, pain relieving and immunomodulatory effects. It was considered as the plant of immortality by ancient Egyptians. Aloe vera is not a single drug but a combination of several ingredients vital to the growth and healthy functioning of the body. These components work in sync to produce the beneficial effects.
Recipe for Homemade Aloe Vera Gel
Pluck fresh healthy leaves from aloe vera plant, preferably the outermost leaves as they are considered more potent. Carefully peel off the outer green rind with a sharp knife. Just below the rind is the yellow green sap called the latex or the aloin, which is an irritant. On the other hand, the transparent part below the latex is soothing and imparts medicinal properties to the plant. The residues of latex can be rinsed off with dilute vinegar. Scoop out transparent pulp with a spoon and place in a blender. Crush a vitamin C capsule with the back of spoon and add to the gel. Puncture a vitamin E capsule with a knife and squeeze the contents over the transparent pulp. To a quarter cup of the pulp, add 500 mg of powdered vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E, blend and mix thoroughly. In order to obtain a perfectly smooth gel, filter it through cheese cloth. The vitamins serve the dual purpose of enhancing the benefits of aloe vera and acting as preservatives. Store the gel in sterilized, air tight containers. Gather all the ingredients and apparatus before scooping out the pulp because aloe vera oxidizes in the air and therefore fast processing is mandatory. Refrigerated gel can be stored for a couple of months.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is absorbed very quickly from the skin and is beneficial for the health of our skin. It possesses skin moisturizing properties and aids in maintaining soft, radiant skin. It is a powerful anti- aging agent and diminishes wrinkles, acne, pimples, age spots and blemishes and provides a flawless and youthful appearance to the skin. Aloe vera regenerates dead and damaged cells and soothes pain. It’s unique antibacterial and anti-fungal properties reduces the risk of infection. Aloe vera gel is an efficient wound healer and exerts its effect by healing rapidly, relieving pain, preventing infection and removing scars. The gel is also used to prepare healthy and rejuvenating juice or drink.
Recipe for Homemade Aloe Vera Juice
To make a drink from aloe vera juice, stir two tablespoons of concentrated aloe vera gel in a glass of water. Fresh juices like citrus fruits, apple, grapes, pine apple, carrot, papaya, or pear can be substituted for water to enhance the flavor and nutrition value of the juice.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is rich in amino acids the building blocks of our body. It strengthens our body’s defense against oxidative stress by replenishing it with essential vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid and niacin, which cannot be stored in the body. It is also a rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. It regenerates the dead skin by repairing collagen and elastin. Aloe vera boosts our immune system, thus preventing infections. It inhibits inflammation, soothes and relieves pain, detoxifies our body, helps in digestion and elevates our energy levels creating a feeling of wellness. Aloe vera juice is very effective for treating bleeding gums , gingivitis or periodontitis.
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
Although the side effects of aloe vera are rare but like all other medicines an over dose or prolonged use may result in some side effects with varying intensities. People with known allergies to onion, tulip or other plants of liliaceae family may develop allergic reactions such as hives, itching and eczema like rashes. Oral administration of aloe vera can also reduce blood sugar in diabetes and hypoglycemia. The major side effects occur because of the presence of residues of latex or aloin due to improper processing. The anthraquinones in aloin may cause abdominal pain or cramps. The latex may have a laxative effect and can cause electrolyte imbalance in blood which may be greater with people suffering from diabetes or kidney disease. Low potassium levels may cause abnormal heart beat or weakening of muscles. The latex can cause uterine contraction and miscarriage in pregnant women. It is not recommended to patients with irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal illness, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, stomach pain, ulcers, colitis, and diverticulosis. Aloin can cause potassium loss when used with corticosteroids. Children and elderly should not consume aloe latex orally.
Sources:
EHow.com - How to Make Your Own Aloe Vera Gel
Medicinal and Cosmetic Uses of Aloe Vera
Natural Aloe Vera Promotes Wellness
Aloe Vera for a Wide Range of Health Benefits
Sonu Singh - I have been educated as a scientist and completed my M.Sc and PhD in Chemistry from Banaras Hindu University India. After that I joined a ...
