Aloe Vera: The Miracle Plant

Aloe Vera: The Miracle Plant

By Rashida A. Marshall

The Aloe Vera plant is one of the oldest plants mentioned in history. With its many health benefits and medicinal properties, it is widely regarded for its amazing healing properties. Some of the oldest written reports of the use of aloe date back to 6000 years to Ancient Kemet {Egypt}. It’s been noted that Cleopatra used it as a part of her skin treatments and the Japanese used it for faster healing on wounds caused by the atomic bomb in 1945.

Aloe contains over 200 biologically-active ingredients which are all naturally-occurring and can be used as a skin gel, drank as a juice or mixed within topical treatments. Below are some wonderful health benefits aloe is able to provide.

1. Strengthens the Immune System

Aloe is considered an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The plant contains a host of compounds which allow it to be ideal for treating burns and skin infections and removing dead tissue. Aloe helps to rid the body of toxins, lower the risk of sickness or infection and lower the symptoms of allergies and inflammatory diseases.

2.Improves Digestive Health

Aloe has been shown to improve the health of the digestive tract in the same manner in which it improves skin health. By repairing and strengthening the tract, the body is able to become more resistant to bacteria and pathogens. Aloe helps to decrease inflammation from inflammatory disorders of the gut and also works as a probiotic to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut.

3. Improves Skin Health

High in vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, aloe has the ability to slow down the aging process of the skin. Aloe Vera works as a natural moisturizer and can help to hydrate the skin and keep it supple. In addition, aloe contains ingredients which have anti-inflammatory effects on skin and be used to treat conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

4. Aids in Weight Loss

It’s been shown that the aloe vera plant can also help with weight loss efforts. Due to its high amounts of vitamins and minerals, it provides the body with a faster rate of nutrient absorption. This can help speed up weight loss efforts. It also helps to improve body composition and lower abdominal fat and can be helpful to diabetics and pre-diabetics who need to reduce their weight.

5. Boosts Dental Health

Studies have shown that aloe vera can be of use for the treatment of peridontal conditions. Aloe can used in the treatment of gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. It also helps to reduce bleeding, infection and inflammation of the gums.

Aloe can be easily grown and maintained indoors and makes for a lovely touch to one’s home. Individuals can also purchase aloe leaves from health food stores or purchase it as a ready-made topical product. By slicing and peeling back the skin, you’re able to get to the gel-like substance that can be used to attain these benefits and more.

One of the best ways to use the gel is to apply it directly to the skin as a nourishing moisturizer. If you are looking to create your own aloe juice, you can blend 2 tablespoons of aloe with 1 cup of water to receive more internal benefits of the plant. If you don’t have a plant, invest in products that sell packaged aloe juice and health products containing aloe.

Take a moment to learn more about the aloe vera plant and see in which way it can be incorporated into your health and wellness practices.

Rashida A. Marshall is the editor-in-chief of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health & wellness publication for black women. She is also the owner of Skillfully Sculpted Health and Fitness, which offers fitness training and nutritional coaching.