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Aloe Vera Power to Heal


Aloe is native to the Mediterranean coastal areas, and grows well in warm, sunny, dry climates. Also grows well in containers that can be brought indoors during freezing temperatures.


Aloe Gel – the clear, jelly-like substance of the inner leaf, is often referred to as the inner filet.


Aloe Gel is:

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Analgesic

  • Antihistamine

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antifungal


Therefore, it is often used to control:

  • Inflammation

  • Arthritis

  • Fever

  • Itching

  • Mild burns

  • Skin lesions like psoriasis

  • Wounds 


It is also used for gastro-duodenal ulcers, diabetes, and asthma.


Gastrointestinal:

Use 2 Tablespoons three times a day for gastritis, gastric-reflex disorders, gastric and duodenal ulcers. Aloe Vera also has been shown to kill H. pylori bacteria.


Aloe Vera interferes with the ability of histamine to bind to the parietal cells of the stomach that produce hydrochloric acid (HCL). An adequate amount of HCL is necessary for protein digestion, however, if the mucosa (inner lining) in the duodenum (part of the small intestine) has been damaged or a reduction of sodium bicarbonate released from the pancreas to neutralize the acid, an ulcer may begin to form.


H. Pylori bacteria encourage inflammation in the stomach (gastritis). Aloe Vera inhibits inflammation. For heartburn, gastritis, and/or ulcers, take 1-2 fluid ounces of Aloe Vera gel before and/or after a meal.


Oral Ulcers and Gingivitis:

Aloe Vera, when administered along with Vitamin E, may reduce inflammation and enhanced the healing effect on tongue lesions. Mouthwash containing aloe vera may heal oral mucositis often seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Use for at least 30 days.


Aloe Vera was found to be effective in controlling plaque and gingivitis.


Psoriasis:

The administration of aloe vera may be an effective treatment for psoriasis (make sure it is citric acid free) orally and topically.


Pain Relief:

Aloe can help relieve pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe emodin, which reduces the production of a hormone, PGE-2, that suppresses the immune system and fuels the fires of inflammation. Aloe Vera can reduce inflammation, swelling and pain from arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other types of arthritis.


Its antioxidant properties also regulate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2. By the inhibition of this enzyme, pain and inflammation are relieved.



Skin and Wounds:

Aloe is most known for skin and wound healing due to its vitamins C and E and zinc content as well as its moisturizing, emollient, and antibacterial action. It also stimulates the cells in connective tissues that produce protein and collagen needed for repairing and “gluing” skin (etc.) back together and can therefore be beneficial for bone, tendon, ligaments, and cartilage repairs.


However, Aloe is not recommended for the healing of incision (surgical) wounds. We also do not recommend the use of the whole plant or aloe latex. We only recommend the use of the inner filet, the jelly part. The outer leaf can be irritating to the mucous membranes.


Sunburn:

Aloe Vera protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and stimulates the skin to promote the growth of new cells where cells have been damaged by sunburn.


Precautions

Although aloe vera is considered safe and effective it may induce allergic reactions including redness, burning, stinging sensation. Allergic reactions are mainly caused due to the presence of anthraquinone derivatives within the aloe vera. Test for allergic reaction by applying to a small test area on the skin.


Drinking aloe vera juice has been known to cause side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, constipation, and hepatitis. Aloe vera juice can lower blood glucose levels and may interact with drugs.


If aloe vera is taken in too large of quantities for too long of a duration it can increase the risk of colorectal cancer and electrolyte imbalance due to its laxative effect. Stop eating and drinking aloe vera if any side effects are observed. Aloe can be safely used long-term at 1 Tablespoon, 3-4 times a day for most adults.


Aloe should not be used internally with hypothyroidism.


Check with your pharmacist to avoid any drug/herb interaction. To avoid interactions with drugs, maintain a 3–4-hour gap between the medications and aloe vera consumption.


However, it is recommended that those on medications or suffering from any medical conditions consult their doctor before daily consumption of aloe vera.


Pregnant women should avoid intake of aloe vera as it may cause uterine contractions and in breastfeeding women can lead to gastrointestinal problems in the infant.


Check out how to prepare your own aloe for recipes and make Lemon Aloe Breakfast Pudding.


Blue Skies,

Dana West, RDN, LD 


Dana West, RDN, LD thrives on helping her amazing clients get a new lease on life by embracing health and conquering disease, one step at a time, so they can start living with renewed energy and enthusiasm, doing all the things they love to do again.

You can get a new lease on life too, in her upcoming Energize and Thrive: A Virtual Retreat for Vibrant Living.

If you’re an individual in serious overwhelm with your health, lacking energy and experiencing fatigue and poor sleep, this retreat will have you reclaiming your life and thriving in all the things you love again.

Wanna come? Details here!

798 Madison 8645

Huntsville, AR 72740

479-363-6585


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