In ancient Egypt, Aloe Vera was called the plant of immortality, Cleopatra and Nefertiti were said to not only bathe in milk but aloe vera too! That would have been a seriously slippery bath but clearly they knew it was fabulous for their skin!
I have been in love with this plant for about three years and have felt the rewards first hand so I need to share this with you all for the health and skin benefits.
The most common use for Aloe is externally, I'm sure you remember the novelty as a child breaking off an little aloe leaf and rubbing it on a cut!
Aloe has so many uses and is the main ingredient in many natural products including as a hair rinse for shine, in natural moisturisers, shampoos and cosmetics.
The species of Aloe Barbadensis can be taken internally, these are the larger plants with the serrated edges typically with a yellow or orange flower. I use the dried powdered form when I am not growing it in my garden as I find the premade shop ones can taste a little strange with the preservative added.
I make 1 litre at a time, shake it up in a glass jar and leave in the fridge overnight. I drink a big glass upon rising as the first nourishing gift to my system and in 4 days time I'll make up a fresh one.
As someone with chronic irritable bowel syndrome I was always looking for something to help my inflamed gastrointestinal tract. Aloe really helps to soothe and ease discomfort and I know if I have eaten something that my body does not agree with, aloe is gentle enough to help ease things along but not cause any embarrassing moments!
Here are a few benefits recorded in studies by people using Aloe Vera
*A gentle laxative
*As an allergy and pain inhibitor for inflammation
*Destroys and inhibits parasites, fungi and harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract
*Helps to close cuts, wounds and increases cell regeneration
*Helps to produce bowel movements and ease bowel tension
*moisturises skin
*increases blood flow and helps remove toxins
* Has a normalising effect on fluid levels and the acid / alkaline balance in the body.
*Strong effect on the immune system - increases lymphocytes and stimulates natural killer cell activity
*suppresses appetite so helpful in weight loss.
*It is full of minerals
*Helps to clear acne and skin irritations
The list above is just scratching the surface!
If you are growing the plants, amazing! They do sprout 'pups' (aloe-babies) like crazy so you can share them with all your friends.
Once the leaves are big enough you can drain the sap and fillet like a fish, wash and slip into a big jug of water overnight, then consume the same way as detailed above.
The lovely thing about growing your own is that it is cost effective but it also tastes just like water- which surprises many. I can sneak this into drink bottles or fresh juice ice-blocks if the kids are unwell or constipated.
There are so many benefits to adding this in to your daily routine, Have you felt the benefits of aloe yourself?
Yours in vibrant skin & Health,
Mon x
*Caution: People with heart disease, kidney disease, or electrolyte abnormalities should not take aloe internally.
References
Shipard L, 2016, How Do I Use Herbs in My Daily Life? Nambour, QLD