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Many people with on-going health problems are willing to try alternative therapies and medicine in an attempt to reduce their reliance on pharmaceutical treatments, and perhaps to find a cure, or at least improvements to their health and well-being. Others are keen to find more natural, green health care, and reduce their reliance on chemicals. However, there are so many claims by so many alternative therapists, that trying them can be expensive and time consuming often with limited success if not administered properly, and not forgetting that in many cases it is not recommended to replace regular prescribed medicine with alternative therapies without seeking medical advice.
One alternative health treatment, or supplement, is produced from a natural source, – Aloe Vera. The Aloe Vera plant has supposedly been used to produce herbal medicine since the first century AD. Understandably some are skeptical of the benefits of Aloe Vera, and feel that the claims of aloe vera products are too good to be true, whilst others may have been put off by well meaning, over enthusiastic pyramid sales consultants, or simply by the cost of the products. However, the benefits of aloe vera are well documented and many products have been reviewed by users who have seen genuine improvement with use, so it is worth a try.
When discussing the amazing properties of Aloe Vera, there is often someone who has to make a joke about the name with a response along the lines of “‘Allo, but my name isn’t Vera!”, and other similar references to the name Vera! So with the Vera joke over and done with, let’s move on to explore the wonders of this natural product.
Many people today swear by it as a cure for many conditions, including skin and digestive ailments as claimed to contain many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. including vitamin B12. Minerals in Aloe Vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese. It is also claimed that Aloe Vera contains more than 200 active components.
It also produces at least six natural antiseptics which can kill bacteria, viruses, mold and fungus Aloe Vera is therefore Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral. * 1.
Drinking Aloe Vera Gel is claimed to help with the following:
Topical applications to the skin are used to:
Buy it
There are many aloe vera gels and lotions available to buy, but of course the quality and purity, and therefore effectiveness will vary. It is worth asking those who use Aloe for recommendations, or buy from a reputable supplier. When choosing products, watch out for additives such as alcohol or artificial colours or fragrances. The usual green criteria apply of sourcing, producing and transporting the product.
You always have an option to buy Aloe Vera and make your own blends as it is very forgiving.
Make your own
For those lucky enough live in sunnier climates, aloe vera plants potentially grow everywhere. The rest of us will have to source our own gel from Aloe House plants. It is possible to simply snap a leaf off and rub the gel onto skin, but there are recommended methods to produce a larger amount of gel or juice to use soon after making it, or to add some preservatives such as vitamin c, to help it last longer.
Aloe juice, gel or lotion is made by cutting leaves from the aloe plant, the lower ones closer to the earth are the most mature and contain the most ingredients. Wash the leaves, cut the spikes off. Discard the outer green rind in the sap into the composter, and the transparent gel is found in the centre/ core. Place this in a blender and then mix with water, juice, or even vitamin E oil or essential oil to make lotion. Pour into a clean glass jar to store in the refrigerator and you have your own fresh aloe vera gel drink/ lotion which can be kept in the refrigerator for several months.
For tips see:
https://bestnaturaltips.com/how-to-make-aloe-vera-juice-at-home
or see
https://m.wikihow.com/Make-Aloe-Vera-Gel
https://www.livestrong.com/article/187424-how-to-make-homemade-aloe-vera-lotion/
Aloe Vera is best taken in the morning, at least 20 minutes before for food, and at least 3 hours before bedtime. Whilst most recommend taking it daily over a few months as the effects build up over time, others have warned against long term use, as it can lead to the loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium. For this reason, some recommend periodically having a break from it for up to a month.
Avoid taking aloe internally during pregnancy, menstruation, if you have hemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder. Limit how much you ingest as it may have a laxative effect
My own personal experience of aloe vera is limited. I have a 15-year-old son with numerous health problems affecting his immune system, fatigue, pain and other issues. In the few months he has been drinking aloe gel, his skin is clearer and there has been an improvement in his health although he hasn’t yet been miraculously cured! I buy our gel rather than make it, and am willing to give it a go as part of his treatment. Reducing reliance on prescribed medication, knowing this is pure, natural product makes aloe vera gel a good choice for us try.
For those willing and able to grow and make their own aloe gel and lotion, they are as green as green can be! The benefits of house plants are well documented for heath and well-being. The leaves can be used to produce medicine, with little cost to the environment. Now that is amazing!
*1 See more at: https://happyandraw.com/top-12-benefits-of-aloe-vera/#sthash.xCHzGkch.dpuf
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