Amazing Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis • The Healing Wonder

Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as Aloe Vera, is one of the most underrated healing herbs found in gardens worldwide. While many know its external benefits, its internal powers are equally remarkable.

Ayurvedic Wisdom: Kumari – The Young Girl

A rejuvenating rasayana for all doshas (tridoshic).

🌿 In Ayurveda it is called Kumari, which means young girl, or virgin. This is because aloe vera keeps us youthful, both outwardly on the skin, calming inflammation, burns and reducing fine lines, but it also takes care of our internal organs and digestive system. Traditionally the fresh aloe gel is used internally for balancing menstrual issues, and any disorders predominantly of a pitta nature that require soothing and cooling

💧 It is considered a rasayana in Ayurveda, which means it is a rejuvenating herb when taken internally. The fresh aloe gel is tridoshic, meaning it is great for all constitutional types, pitta, kapha and vata.

🦠 In natural medicine it is believed that all disease begins in the gut. Aloe vera is great for the digestive system. It contains many enzymes that help with the digestion of food and nutrient absorption. It balances beneficial intestinal flora as it is an excellent prebiotic.

It reduces hyperacidity, having a soothing and cooling effect in the stomach. It is very beneficial to take aloe if you suffer from reflux, or gastritis. If you suffer from gastric ulcers, aloe vera may be of benefit to you. It also has a mild laxative effect, so keeps everything moving as it should in the right direction.

❤️ It is very beneficial for soothing haemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis and any inflammatory bowel conditions, as it heals, sooths and hydrates the bowel.

🌱 Aloe vera is a natural detoxifier, not only as it aids elimination, but it also supports liver detoxification, and promotes the production of bile. It helps to balance the acid- alkali levels of the blood. Aloe vera has blood cleansing effects, so taking it internally will also help to improve any skin issues, as well as external application.

🛡️ Aloe vera has immune modulating effects, increasing lymphocytes, and increasing natural antibodies. It is both antibacterial, and antiviral. Regular intake of aloe vera helps to create a robust immune system.

It has anti-diabetic properties, and so helps to balance blood sugar. It has a hormone balancing action, good for both hot flushes in menopause, and regulating and balancing the menstrual cycle in younger women. For 3 or 4 days before the menstrual cycle commences, take one tablespoon of the fresh aloe gel with a pinch of turmeric. Take on an empty stomach. This can be continued until the cycle finishes.

🌟 Externally, when aloe vera is applied to the skin for cuts, and burns and blemishes, research has shown that is can penetrate through up to seven layers of tissues, creating a pain relieving effect. It can be applied for any bites, burns, itching or stings. Applying it to painful muscles may help reduce the duration of discomfort.

Application to the scalp is beneficial for dandruff, and may help to thicken hair. Some have reported that it helped to restore their natural hair colour. As aloe vera is both an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, as well as a mucilage, It is can  can be used for UTI’s, cystitis, and for any bladder pain.

🥬 Aloe Vera is high in vitamins, especially B vitamins, and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and many more. It is also high in essential amino acids. As aloe vera’s research continues, it would appear that this remarkable plant is beneficial for every system in the body.

✂️ To use aloe vera leaves from your garden, cut a nice thick juicy leaf close to the base from which it grows. This can then be put in a jar of water for an hour or so to remove the yellow bitter sap. Remove the leaf from the water, cut a 2cm slice and filet the skin off, eating the gel inside.

One can also cut a few 2cm pieces, place these pieces in a jar filling it up by one third. Cover with water, put the lid on the jar and leave in the fridge overnight. Drink half a glass in the morning and re-fill the jar with water. This can be used for about a week.

For a jar of the gel, pick large leaves and cut the skin off. Place in a blender, and gently pulse. Add 1tsp of ascorbic acid to 3 cups of gel as a preservative. Take 1-4 tablespoons, mixed in juice or preferred medium. Aloe vera gel mixed with honey is helpful for coughs, asthma, colds and flu.

Many store bought aloe vera juices and gel’s contain additives, so it is always better to use it pure and fresh. Always start with smaller doses to begin with to see how your body responds, and you can build from there, especially for any gastrointestinal issues. Do not take aloe vera internally if you are pregnant.

🌱 So why not start growing aloe vera today, and give it away to all your friends, family and neighbours. This amazing little plant may help you to stay healthy and happy .