Live Healthy

AloeVera

      A succulent plant with rejuvenating and soothing properties, aloe vera holds many benefits for the skin and health. It has been used in alternative medicines and cosmetics for centuries due to its benefits. It is used it various forms – as a gel, oil, juice, the whole plant and in creams, soaps and tablets.

          

         People who have sensitive skin can also use aloe vera as it is very soothing and does not cause any irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in treating blemishes, acne and other skin problems. A minor cut or wound, a burn or a rash can be effectively treated with aloe vera. The gel is extracted from the leaves of the plant and when applied to the skin,softens dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth upon regular use. It also delays visible signs of ageing like fine lines and appearance of wrinkles.

          

While a lot of aloe products are available in the market these days, one can even plant it at home and reap in its benefits from its juice and gel. But if planting it at home isn’t possible, get an aloe vera based gel and use it for your skin. Buy moisturisers, lotions and creams which have aloe content in them. Aloe vera or aloe-based products come in handy in summers as well as winters. Its cooling properties provide instant relief from sunburns in the summer by hydrating the skin and in winters, it helps get rid of dryness by adding moisture to the skin.

 Aloe vera face packs

If you have normal skin

         Take one tbsp of aloe vera gel and mix it with one tbsp of gram flour (besan), one tsp of orange peel powder and some curd. Apply this pack on your face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash it with water after 30 minutes and pat dry the area with a towel. This is a good pack to keep your skin looking smooth and supple.

If you have oily skin

       


       Oily skin is usually prone to acne and regularly applying this face pack can do wonders for your skin. Boil aloe vera leaf with water and then grind it into a paste. Now add a few drops ofhoney to this paste and apply it on your face. Rinse it off with cold water after 15 minutes. Follow this treatment once every week to get clear skin. 

If you have sensitive skin

Take aloe vera gel and add cucumber juice and curd to it. Mix it well to form a paste and add 3 drops of rose water or any essential oil to it. Keep it for 15 minutes on your face and neck and then wash it with water. This pack is very mild and does not cause any irritation but clears the skin of dirt and impurities.

If you have dry skin

   Mix aloe vera gel with olive oil and add some shea butter to it (you can add shea butter creams also). Mix it well till it forms a thick paste and then apply it on your face and neck. Keep the pack for at least 20 minutes and wash your face with cold water to lock the moisture in your skin.

If you want to get rid of sun tanning, apply aloe vera gel mixed with lemon juice on the affected area for 10 minutes. Alternatively, if you want to get rid of pigmentation, mix rose water instead of lemon juice and wash off with cold water. Aloe vera is a natural remedy for various skin problems so make good use of its beauty benefits. 

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Digestion - We are not only what we eat but what we absorb! Providing the body with proper nutrients is important but not enough. We must be able to utilize those nutrients for the body to function at its optimum level. A lack of energy is one of the first signs that the body is lacking what it needs to perform. Digestion can be improved by chewing food well approximately 10-15 chews per bite. Chewing food is very important because the body has to work harder to digest the food when it is in larger particles. Chewing also starts the digestive juices flowing. Many individuals lack the proper levels of hydrochloric acid and other digestive juices in their bodies and can encourage proper amounts by drinking concentrated whole leaf aloe vera juice before meals. The aloe vera must be in a concentrated form and be high quality non diluted to insure that it is an herbal bitter. Aloe Vera is also a carrier and supports 3-10x better absorption of nutrients when taken before meals and supplements. Signs of improper digestion besides a lack of energy are gas, bloating, constipation and burping. For more information on how to have a healthy digestive system visit the digestive and constipation articles of this website and also the Beyond Gluten Intolerance book. Recommended Aloe Life products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold tablets and Stomach Plus Formula for Special Digestive Needs.

          


             Water: Children and Adults must drink at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water per day. Water is essential; our bodies consist of 70% water. It is used to transport nutrients into the cells and toxins out and allows digestive juices to flow as well as all the excretions of the glands including enzymes, hormones and anti-bodies. For each serving of caffeine ingested per day drink 1 more glass of water. It is best to drink water in between meals or minimal amounts with meals because it will dilute the digestive juices disrupting the digestive process.

        Poor Nutrition: A balanced diet with adequate protein, vegetables and whole grains as tolerated is necessary for energy. Half of an individuals weight in protein is the proper daily amount. Many individuals consume excessive amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates that give a quick boost of energy but will quickly disappear and bring on fatigue.


            Recommended Aloe Life Products: Healthy and Slim Daily Greens, Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold Tablets and Aloe Boost. 

            Anemia: A condition of low red blood cells, which are made in the bone marrow inside of the body’s larger bones. Fatigue and headaches are the most common symptoms. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice before meals seems to stimulate the bone marrow production of red blood cells and all lymphocytes including white blood cells. Other recommended nutrients include protein, vitamins E, C & A, zinc, minerals, folic acid, B- Complex, B-12 sub lingual, iron as needed (too much iron can be toxic) and liquid liver by Enzymatic Therapy.

            Recommended Aloe Life Products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold Tablets, B-Complex, liquid B-12,Protein,and sometimes Iron.

            Constipation: Toxins will build up in the colon if an individual does not have daily bowel movements. These toxins will add to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. Individuals who are experiencing optimum digestive health will have a bowel movement after every meal. Aloe Vera naturally encourages the bowels to move when it contains the yellow sap. It should be taken daily to aid constipation and the digestive processes. Also be sure to include scrubbing vegetables such as carrots, celery, apples, cabbage and fresh beets. Supplements that support regularity include: WL Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold Tablets, Fiber Mate, Daily Greens, Probiotics, calcium- magnesium- zinc and essential fats (Nordic Naturals Arctic D or 3-6-9).

Best to follow a Gluten and Dairy Free diet outlined in the book Beyond Gluten Intolerance!

         Immune System Function: A symptom of poor immune function is a lack of energy. Conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions may have a viral component, and Candida Albicans Fungal condition which contributes to the illness by keeping the body in a vulnerable state and added fatigue. Increasing immune function will help to fight the viral component and therefore help the condition. Quality Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides, which stimulate part of the immune system (dose dependent)that supports the body's reaction called macrophage. When properly stimulated the macrophages will start phagocytosis by destroying invaders in the blood stream. Quality aloe vera juice should be taken daily to promote support of the immune function. Also, supportive nutrients include Ester C 1-3,000 mg, Bioflavonoids, Vitamin A fish oil 50,000 i.u., Vitamin E 400 i.u., Probiotics, Sovereign Silver, N-A-C 500 mg 1- 4 tablets or Glutathione, Single cell Algae, minerals, Essential Fatty Acids, Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.),Chromium Picolinate and Wheat grass. Recommended Aloe Life Products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold tablets, Aloe Boost, Fiber mate, Healthy and Slim Daily Greens and Detox Plus Formula.

           Blood Sugar: The pancreas produces insulin that signals the body to utilize blood sugars for fuel in energy production. If the body cannot utilize its sugars than it will not be able to produce energy. Unutilized sugar is very dangerous to have in the body and can induce fatigue, confusion, irritability and even comas. Aloe Vera may support the pancreas to help with insulin production to utilize blood sugar! It is not uncommon for individuals with Diabetes to experience a dramatic decrease in blood sugar levels within minutes of taking Aloe Vera. Support nutrients include Vitamin E, Chromium Picolinate GTF, Minerals, Protein 3-4 servings daily, free form amino acids and Water. Recommended Aloe Life Products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate, Aloe Boost, Healthy and Slim Daily Greens.

             Exercise: Daily exercise is wonderful for the body and will help maintain emotional and physical health. Just 30 min of walking or other cardio vascular exercise such as marching in place or swimming a day will help to lower stress levels, promote healthy bowel regularity and circulation of the blood providing oxygen to all the cells for increasing energy and wellness!

Uses

6000 year old stone carvings in Egypt contain images of the plant, which they referred to as the "plant of immortality". It was given as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs. 

Preparations made from Aloe vera are often referred to as "aloe vera".Scientific evidence for the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness of aloe vera is limited and when present is frequently contradictory. Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries regularly make claims regarding the soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties of aloe vera  commercially advertised mainly for skin conditions such as sunburns, cold sores and frostbite. Aloe vera gel is also used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts; although at certain doses, its toxic properties could be severe whether ingested or topically applied. The same is true for aloe latex, which was taken orally for conditions ranging from glaucoma to multiple sclerosis until the FDA required manufacturers to discontinue its use. Other uses for extracts of Aloe verainclude the dilution of semen for the artificial fertilization of sheep, as a fresh food preservative, or for water conservation in small farms. It has also been suggested that biofuels could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds Aloe is also used as a food substance, possibly for its gelling properties.

Instructions

1      USE ALOE VERA FOR THE SKIN

           

 Apply the gel from an aloe vera leaf directly onto skin abrasions, cuts, sunburns, scalds, blisters, cold sores, rashes, and insect bites to help fight bacteria and avoid infection. The gel also has the ability to soothe pain and regenerate skin cells to promote healing with no or little scaring. Apply aloe gel 2-3 times a day to the area/wound until it is healed.

Use aloe vera gel for general skin care. Use the gel alone or along with your favorite skin cream to help better soften and moisturize the skin. Because aloe regenerates skin cells it is also known to reduce wrinkles, eczema, acne, sun/age spots, and other blemishes. It is also gentle enough to use to care for the tender skin after radiation therapy.

The gel taken from the aloe vera plant can also be combined with wheat-germ oil and safflower flower to reduce bruising.

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TRY ALOE ON THE SCALP AND HAIR

Applying aloe vera gel to the scalp is a good treatment for dandruff, seborrhea (dermatitis), psoriasis and hair loss that has resulted from these conditions.

Use the gel from an aloe vera plant to substitute your commercial hair gel; rub or comb small amounts through your hair and style as usual.

USE ALOE VERA FOR PERIODONTAL CARE

Apply aloe vera gel directly to damaged or diseased gums to reduce inflammation, pain, and to promote healing. Include aloe gel in dental hygiene regimens to help fight tooth decay and reduce plaque.

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TRY ALOE FOR EYE CARE

To create an eyewash, dissolve ½ tsp of powdered aloe gel in one cup of water. To accelerate the healing process add one teaspoon of boric acid. Pour the solution through a coffee filter before applying to the eyes.

   

TRY ALOE FOR STRAINS AND MUSCLE PAINS

Because the gel of the aloe vera plant is known to absorb quickly into the skin and reduce inflammation and pain, it also works well on sprains, strains, muscle pains and arthritic pain. Apply aloe gel along with a cold compress to the sore area 2-3 times per day.

   

USE ALOE FOR INTERNAL BENEFITS

Aloe gel is believed to provide relief from stomach disorders, kidney ailments, and headaches, just to name a few of aloe's internal healing benefits.

Using the yellow juice, called latex found just beneath the surface of the leaves can serve as a powerful laxative.

The gel from aloe vera also contains magnesium lactate that serves as an antihistamine, which may help to relieve sinus and chest inflammations caused by allergies.

Because aloe can have a strong laxative affect do not ingest the yellow latex found in the skin of the leaf or be cautious of the amount taken as a laxative. It is best to ingest aloe by gently blending the gel, taken from between the leafs, in a blender with juice or water.

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GROW YOUR OWN ALOE VERA PLANT

Using pure aloe vera gel from its plant form is best, as its cellular activity tends to be reduced when mixed with other chemicals.

Growing your own aloe vera plant can be fairly easy as its only requirements are lots of warm sun and little water. It does not like cold temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cold, drafty areas. It takes the aloe vera plant about 4 years to reach full maturity of about two feet tall, which is when the gel from an aloe vera leaf holds its greatest benefits. Be sure to transplant it to larger pots as it outgrows it's current one.