Difference between revisions of "Aloe Vera"

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==News About Aloe Vera==
==News About Aloe Vera==
'''Aloe Vera : The Magic Potion For Your Body '''
*Source:http://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2016/aleo-vera-the-magic-potion-for-your-body-098852.html
:By Niharika Choudhary
We face thousands of problems with our skin and hair and never think before rushing to get them sorted out, either at some expensive saloon or at a dermatologist's clinic. The remedy to most of our skin and hair problems lies in a pot that is in our balcony or our kitchen garden. Yes!
We are talking about the all-time favourite plant, Aloe Vera. Did you know that the Egyptians called aloe vera' the plant of immortality'?
Aloe vera is a magical remedy for all your health troubles. Be it skin problems, hair issues or any kind of a health disorder, aloe vera seems to have calmed down every such problem. Aloe vera can be used in the form of a cream, lotion, gel, serum, spray or with face and hair packs.
It can also be consumed raw or in the form of juice or tablets. Aloe vera works wonders for the body. When mixed with some other Ayurvedic or natural ingredients, its goodness increases manifolds.
Here, we are listing down the different uses and benefits of aloe vera, so that you make sure to bring this awesome garden plant to reap its maximum benefits for yourself and your loved ones.
:Best Skin Treatment
You just need to get in the habit of applying aloe vera on your skin, either in the form of a gel or cream; or the best one, take a stalk of aloe vera, slice it from the centre and rub it on your face and the other desired parts.
Aloe vera is the best moisturiser ever, it is non greasy in nature, it increases the water content in your skin and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soft.
It is also an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent and it reduces acne, heals sunburn as well as the redness that is brought about by the constant exposure to UV rays.
It helps in reducing the tan and lightens up the skin tone. Aloe vera removes the dead skin cells, improves the elasticity of the skin and makes it smoother and supple, thus preventing the early signs of ageing. It stimulates the growth of new cells, fastens the healing process and prevents the appearance of scars. It can also be used to treat small cuts, bruises and insect bites.
:Better Than All The Hair Spas
Aloe vera works as the best hair care treatment as well. It can be used with hair packs, mixed in oil, applied or rubbed on to the hair scalp in the form of juice or just raw.
The best benefit of aloe vera is that it maintains the pH value of your scalp, thus keeping the scalp moisturised and well conditioned.
It promotes hair growth, conditions the hair, removes the dead skin cells and also eliminates dandruff. Aloe vera has reserves of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help it to fight against all kinds of hair-related infections. The use of aloe vera moisturises your hair, leaving it smooth and glossy.
:Health Benefits
Aloe vera is the powerhouse with reserves of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. Its consumption helps to eradicate free radicals that cause damage to our body cells. When taken in the form of a juice, aloe vera helps to soothe the irritation in the stomach lining and oesophagus.
Studies have shown that aloe vera can reduce the concentration of cholesterol in your vital organs. Aloe vera also comes with oral benefits, as it helps fight the cavity-causing bacteria. Aloe vera thus boosts your immune system.
On the whole, aloe vera is the one-stop shop for almost all of your problems; however, pregnant and breastfeeding women should restrict the use of aloe vera, as it may cause complications to the mother and baby. Too much intake of aloe vera can be harmful for people with diabetes as well, as it lowers the blood sugar level. Similarly, it should also be avoided by people who are about to undergo a surgery.
----
'''Aloe vera helps prevent pollen allergy: Doctor'''
'''Aloe vera helps prevent pollen allergy: Doctor'''
*Source:http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/22-Feb-2016/aloe-vera-helps-prevent-pollen-allergy-doctor
*Source:http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/22-Feb-2016/aloe-vera-helps-prevent-pollen-allergy-doctor

Revision as of 08:42, 24 March 2016

  • Aloe Vera

The medicinal herb Aloe Vera as an alternative herbal remedy for burns, diabetes and osteoarthritis - aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall :

Latin Names--Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensisPicture of Alloe Vera

  • Red aloe (Aloe ferox) is known for its tonic effect on digestive functioning. It is also a natural remedy to support healthy bowel movements. Recent research and studies have shown Aloe to be particularly effective in maintaining healthy digestion and routine, healthy stools. (Odes HS, Madar Z. "A double-blind trial of a celandin, aloe vera and psyllium laxative preparation in adult patients with constipation". Digestion. 1991;49(2):65-71). (Langmead L, Feakins RM, Goldthorpe S, et al. "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis".

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Cures for Diseases, Ailments & Illnesses that afflict Humans and Animals
Aloe Vera Astragalus Bankoro Bilberry Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) Bitter Orange Black Cohosh Cat's Claw Chamomile Chasteberry Coconut Cranberry Dandelion Echinacea Ephedra European Elder Tree Evening Primrose Fenugreek Feverfew Flaxseed Garlic Ginger Ginkgo Ginseng (Asian) Golden Seal Grape Seed Green Tea Hawthorn Hoodia Horse Chestnut Kava Lavender Licorice Malunggay Moringa Oleifera Milk Thistle Mistletoe Passion Flower Peppermint Oil Red Clover Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata Saw Palmetto St. John's Wort Tawa Tawa Turmeric Valerian Yohimbe
accept the bitter to get better


AloeVera 2.jpg
Giant Aloe Vera Plant
Aloevera03.jpg
Aloe Vera Plant

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.



Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Aloevera02.jpg
Aloe Vera Flowers
Aloevera01.jpg
Aloe Vera Plantation

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

What Alloe Vera Is Used For

  • Traditionally and herbal remedy for burns, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
  • Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
  • Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.
  • Aloe Ferox (Aloe) has been traditionally used in wound healing since ancient times. The Egyptians were using Aloe as early as 1500BC. Aloe contains a number of active compounds that have proven healing properties and an excellent effect on skin health, growth and repair. It is not surprising that Aloe has a history of being a common household remedy and is found in many commercial skin care preparations!

How Aloe Vera Is Used

  • Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.
  • The aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the wound. It can heal a new cut, abrasion, or an insect bite. The soothing effect of the aloe vera gel can be felt almost immediately.
  • The aloe vera gel if applied immediately to a cut or wound, prevents the onset of an infection. The common band-aid can be used over the wound to keep the aloe vera gel in place.

What the Science Says about Alloe Vera

  • Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
  • Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation therapy.
  • There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions about Alloe Vera

  • Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera. Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
  • People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Types of Aloe Vera Plants

  • Red aloe (Aloe ferox) is known for its tonic effect on digestive functioning. It is also a natural remedy to support healthy bowel movements. Recent research and studies have shown Aloe to be particularly effective in maintaining healthy digestion and routine, healthy stools. (Odes HS, Madar Z. "A double-blind trial of a celandin, aloe vera and psyllium laxative preparation in adult patients with constipation". Digestion. 1991;49(2):65-71). (Langmead L, Feakins RM, Goldthorpe S, et al. "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis". Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 4-1-2004;19(7):739-747.) One of the ingredients in Natural Moves™

How to grow Aloe Vera Plants

Aloe vera grows very well indoors and in pots.

Aloe Vera Products

Aloe Vera has been commercially distributed in many ways. Most of the products are extracts of the aloe vera gel.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Gel used for osteoarthritis, burns and sunburns, It is relatively easy to care for the aloe vera plant. The aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) plant is about 95% water therefore, Aloe vera prospers beautifully in frost-free climates. Well-drained sandy soil, or sandy loam with moderate sunlight is suitable for the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera plants are great as indoor or house plants. Make sure that you use quality pots with proper drainage holes. Wider pots rather than deeper pots are better because Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system. You should allow the potted aloe vera plants to completely dry out prior to re-watering. Aloe vera becomes dormant in winter, at which time very little moisture is required. Do not expose aloe vera plants to extreme cold temperatures.

There are over 150 species of Aloe Vera, and they are mostly native of South Africa. The aloe vera gel which is gathered from inside the leaf of the aloe vera plant has excellent healing properties especially when applied to cuts and burns. When the aloe vera gel is applied to skin which is sunburnt, the cooling effect of the aloe vera gel gives immediate relief.

Herbal Remedy Products with Aloe Vera as part of the ingredients

Natural Moves.jpg
  • Natural Moves™ - Herbal remedy helps maintain regularity and support healthy regular bowel movements
    • Maintains normal bowel movements and bowel regularity
    • Supports the body’s process of regular toxin and waste removal
    • Addresses non-recurrent and non-persistent constipation
    • Acts as an effective liver tonic
    • Supports healthy peristaltic movement through the digestive tract
  • One of the ingredients: Red aloe (Aloe ferox) is known for its tonic effect on digestive functioning. It is also a natural remedy to support healthy bowel movements. Recent research and studies have shown Aloe to be particularly effective in maintaining healthy digestion and routine, healthy stools (Odes HS, Madar Z. "A double-blind trial of a celandin, aloe vera and psyllium laxative preparation in adult patients with constipation." Digestion. 1991; 49(2):65-71). (Langmead L, Feakins RM, Goldthorpe S, et al. "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis." Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 4-1-2004; 19(7):739-747.).

Historical uses of Aloe Vera

Historical use of various aloe species is well documented. Documentation of the clinical effectiveness is available, although relatively limited.

Of the 500+ species, only a few were used traditionally as a herbal medicine, aloe vera again being the most commonly used species. Also included are A. perryi and A. ferox. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used aloe vera to treat wounds. In the Middle Ages, the yellowish liquid found inside the leaves was favored as a purgative. Unprocessed aloe that contains aloin is generally used as a laxative, whereas processed aloe vera juice does not usually contain significant aloin.

Some species, particularly aloe vera, are used in alternative medicine and first aid. Both the translucent inner pulp and the resinous yellow aloin from wounding the aloe plant are used externally to relieve skin discomforts. As an herbal medicine, aloe vera juice is commonly used internally to relieve digestive discomfort.

There have been relatively few studies about possible benefits of aloe gel taken internally. Components of Aloe may inhibit tumor growth. There have been some studies in animal models which indicate that extracts of Aloe have a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect, and may be useful in treating Type II diabetes. These studies have not been confirmed in humans.

Herbal remedies in zamboanga.PNG

News About Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera : The Magic Potion For Your Body

By Niharika Choudhary

We face thousands of problems with our skin and hair and never think before rushing to get them sorted out, either at some expensive saloon or at a dermatologist's clinic. The remedy to most of our skin and hair problems lies in a pot that is in our balcony or our kitchen garden. Yes!

We are talking about the all-time favourite plant, Aloe Vera. Did you know that the Egyptians called aloe vera' the plant of immortality'?

Aloe vera is a magical remedy for all your health troubles. Be it skin problems, hair issues or any kind of a health disorder, aloe vera seems to have calmed down every such problem. Aloe vera can be used in the form of a cream, lotion, gel, serum, spray or with face and hair packs.

It can also be consumed raw or in the form of juice or tablets. Aloe vera works wonders for the body. When mixed with some other Ayurvedic or natural ingredients, its goodness increases manifolds.

Here, we are listing down the different uses and benefits of aloe vera, so that you make sure to bring this awesome garden plant to reap its maximum benefits for yourself and your loved ones.

Best Skin Treatment

You just need to get in the habit of applying aloe vera on your skin, either in the form of a gel or cream; or the best one, take a stalk of aloe vera, slice it from the centre and rub it on your face and the other desired parts.

Aloe vera is the best moisturiser ever, it is non greasy in nature, it increases the water content in your skin and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soft.

It is also an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent and it reduces acne, heals sunburn as well as the redness that is brought about by the constant exposure to UV rays.

It helps in reducing the tan and lightens up the skin tone. Aloe vera removes the dead skin cells, improves the elasticity of the skin and makes it smoother and supple, thus preventing the early signs of ageing. It stimulates the growth of new cells, fastens the healing process and prevents the appearance of scars. It can also be used to treat small cuts, bruises and insect bites.

Better Than All The Hair Spas

Aloe vera works as the best hair care treatment as well. It can be used with hair packs, mixed in oil, applied or rubbed on to the hair scalp in the form of juice or just raw.

The best benefit of aloe vera is that it maintains the pH value of your scalp, thus keeping the scalp moisturised and well conditioned.

It promotes hair growth, conditions the hair, removes the dead skin cells and also eliminates dandruff. Aloe vera has reserves of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help it to fight against all kinds of hair-related infections. The use of aloe vera moisturises your hair, leaving it smooth and glossy.

Health Benefits

Aloe vera is the powerhouse with reserves of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. Its consumption helps to eradicate free radicals that cause damage to our body cells. When taken in the form of a juice, aloe vera helps to soothe the irritation in the stomach lining and oesophagus.

Studies have shown that aloe vera can reduce the concentration of cholesterol in your vital organs. Aloe vera also comes with oral benefits, as it helps fight the cavity-causing bacteria. Aloe vera thus boosts your immune system.

On the whole, aloe vera is the one-stop shop for almost all of your problems; however, pregnant and breastfeeding women should restrict the use of aloe vera, as it may cause complications to the mother and baby. Too much intake of aloe vera can be harmful for people with diabetes as well, as it lowers the blood sugar level. Similarly, it should also be avoided by people who are about to undergo a surgery.


Aloe vera helps prevent pollen allergy: Doctor

(Agencies, The Nation)

Islamabad - Balanced diet and use of aloe vera with empty stomach daily is the best prevention for the pollen allergy contraction as it boosts one’s immune system. One table spoon gel of aloe vera with empty stomach daily is the best prevention against pollen allergy, said doctor Syed Hasnain Ali Johar while taking to APP.

He said that those having weak immune system are more likely to fell victim to pollen allergy.

Dr Johar said that pollen allergy symptoms include sneezing and runny nose, itching and watering of eyes, coughing, and difficulty in breathing, wheezing and eventually attacks of asthma.

In addition, there may be itching on the skin and sometimes gastro-intestinal problems, he added. He said that main plants causing, this allergy, are mulberry in March-April while cannabis in June-July.

Replying to a question, he said pollen allergy is not infectious but a seasonal disease.

He advised pollen allergy patients to avoid the spicy food and pulses, potatoes, cauliflower and banana adding that they must avoid soft drinks.

He forbade use of perfumes, frequently going out in the evenings and suggested to wear face mask, use wet cloth for dusting, avoid the use of floor carpets, not to open the window of car, use vacuum cleaner instead of broom, use sun glasses in outdoor and apply fresh water in eyes and nose and avoid using hot water, are the measures which can control it to a limited extent.”

He advised the use of any oil including mustard oil for oiling the inner nostrils with finger as the best remedy to prevent pollen allergy. Director General Pakistan Meteorological Department Ghulam Rasool said that average Pollen Count for Islamabad today is 27.

He, however, said that during current season, intensity of pollen allergy would be low due to decrease number of paper mulberry trees and green grass in the capital.

He said rain is also expected in the last week of February and first week of March it will also help to reduce magnitude of the pollen allergy. To a question, he said that pollen allergy is expected from March 9 to March 25 with low intensity during current season. Red meat compound linked to worse outcomes in heart failure patients: Study

A new study finds that worse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure are linked to higher levels of TMAO - the major source of which is thought to be L-carnitine, a compound that is metabolized by gut bacteria during the digestion of red meat.

Previous studies have linked TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) with higher risk of death in chronic heart failure, note the researchers, but their study appears to be the first to find such a link in patients with acute heart failure.

The results showed that acute heart failure patients who had higher levels of TMAO at the start of the period were the ones most likely to die or be rehospitalized with heart failure in the following 12 months.

Prof Suzuki said, “Higher levels of TMAO, a metabolite of carnitine derived from red meat, is associated with poorer outcomes associated with acute heart failure, one of the main diseases of the heart. This metabolic pathway provides a possible link between how red meat is associated with heart disease.”

Red meat is not the only dietary source of carnitine - for example, milk, cheese, whole-wheat products and asparagus also contain it, but in much smaller concentrations. It is also a common ingredient of energy drinks. Some research suggests the effect of bacteria metabolizing carnitine into TMAO and influencing heart risk appears to be more pronounced in people who consume meat than in vegans or vegetarians. But it is early days, and the implications of these findings are not well understood and require more research.


Aloe Vera : The Magic Potion For Your Body

By Niharika Choudhary

We face thousands of problems with our skin and hair and never think before rushing to get them sorted out, either at some expensive saloon or at a dermatologist's clinic.

The remedy to most of our skin and hair problems lies in a pot that is in our balcony or our kitchen garden. Yes! We are talking about the all-time favourite plant, Aloe Vera.

Did you know that the Egyptians called aloe vera' the plant of immortality'?

Aloe vera is a magical remedy for all your health troubles. Be it skin problems, hair issues or any kind of a health disorder, aloe vera seems to have calmed down every such problem.

Aloe vera can be used in the form of a cream, lotion, gel, serum, spray or with face and hair packs. It can also be consumed raw or in the form of juice or tablets.

Aloe vera works wonders for the body. When mixed with some other Ayurvedic or natural ingredients, its goodness increases manifolds.

Here, we are listing down the different uses and benefits of aloe vera, so that you make sure to bring this awesome garden plant to reap its maximum benefits for yourself and your loved ones.

Best Skin Treatment

You just need to get in the habit of applying aloe vera on your skin, either in the form of a gel or cream; or the best one, take a stalk of aloe vera, slice it from the centre and rub it on your face and the other desired parts.

You just need to get in the habit of applying aloe vera on your skin, either in the form of a gel or cream; or the best one, take a stalk of aloe vera, slice it from the centre and rub it on your face and the other desired parts.

Aloe vera is the best moisturiser ever, it is non greasy in nature, it increases the water content in your skin and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soft.

It is also an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent and it reduces acne, heals sunburn as well as the redness that is brought about by the constant exposure to UV rays. It helps in reducing the tan and lightens up the skin tone.

Aloe vera removes the dead skin cells, improves the elasticity of the skin and makes it smoother and supple, thus preventing the early signs of ageing.

Better Than All The Hair Spas

It stimulates the growth of new cells, fastens the healing process and prevents the appearance of scars. It can also be used to treat small cuts, bruises and insect bites.

Better Than All The Hair Spas Aloe vera works as the best hair care treatment as well. It can be used with hair packs, mixed in oil, applied or rubbed on to the hair scalp in the form of juice or just raw.

The best benefit of aloe vera is that it maintains the pH value of your scalp, thus keeping the scalp moisturised and well conditioned. It promotes hair growth, conditions the hair, removes the dead skin cells and also eliminates dandruff.

Aloe vera has reserves of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help it to fight against all kinds of hair-related infections. The use of aloe vera moisturises your hair, leaving it smooth and glossy.

Health Benefits

Aloe vera is the powerhouse with reserves of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. Its consumption helps to eradicate free radicals that cause damage to our body cells. When taken in the form of a juice, aloe vera helps to soothe the irritation in the stomach lining and oesophagus. Studies have shown that aloe vera can reduce the concentration of cholesterol in your vital organs.

Aloe vera also comes with oral benefits, as it helps fight the cavity-causing bacteria. Aloe vera thus boosts your immune system.

On the whole, aloe vera is the one-stop shop for almost all of your problems; however, pregnant and breastfeeding women should restrict the use of aloe vera, as it may cause complications to the mother and baby. Too much intake of aloe vera can be harmful for people with diabetes as well, as it lowers the blood sugar level. Similarly, it should also be avoided by people who are about to undergo a surgery.


Ways To Use Aloe Vera To Treat Acne And Scars

(Bindu)

Acne and acne scars are one of the major skin problems that we all face most often. Acne and scars make the skin appear dull. The skin also looks blemished because of the scars. Acne is caused when the skin pores get blocked. This gives a favourable condition to the bacteria to live and thrive on the skin, which eventually makes the skin look worse. The reasons behind several acne breakouts could be hormonal imbalances, poor diet, dehydration, body heat and an improper skin care. There are many natural remedies that can treat acne. However, aloe vera tops the list of the ingredients that can cure acne. Aloe vera possesses antibacterial and healing abilities that can reduce the presence of acne. Its natural astringent quality keeps the pores clean, giving less scope for the pimples and acne to develop. Aloe vera gel reduces the inflammation and clears the skin. There are different ways by which aloe vera gel on the skin can be used to cure acne, and therefore, in this article, we at Boldksy will be listing out some of the ways to use aloe vera to get a clear and acne-free skin. Have a look:

Aloe Vera With Turmeric: Aloe vera gel soothes the skin. Turmeric has antibacterial property that can treat acne and pimples. Take half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Add 2 pinches of turmeric to it. Apply this mixture on to the affected area and rinse after sometime.

Aloe Vera With Lemon Juice: This mixture is best suited to heal the scar marks on the skin. It reduces the dark spots that are left behind when the pimples get healed. This fades the acne marks and pimples effectively. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to one teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture on to the acne-prone areas every night and rinse it off the next morning.

Aloe Vera And Tea Tree Oil : Tea tree oil is known to reduce pimple and scar marks with its regular usage. A mixture of aloe vera and tea tree oil renders the skin free from bacterial infection and makes the skin clear. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil to 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply this on to the skin and rinse after sometime.

Plain Aloe Vera Extract: Extract the fresh aloe vera juice. Apply it on the entire face and rinse thoroughly after sometime. Aloe vera gel contains ingredients that kill the bacteria, which cause acne. Use aloe vera for a period of one month to get the desired results.

Aloe Vera With Honey: Aloe vera and honey are the best ingredients that one can use to get rid of acne and acne scars. Mix aloe vera gel with a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture on the skin. Leave it for sometime and later rinse.


Aloe vera and autoimmune disease

(All Woman With Donovan Grant)

Dear Donovan,

Can you tell me if aloe vera is good for autoimmune diseases and if consuming it will improve my skin tone?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant which belongs to the same family as onion and garlic. Historical evidence has pointed to the origin of aloe vera in Africa. It is also called the miracle plant. It contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides and fatty acids.

It is very important to note that aloe vera is only one of a few plants which contain vitamin B12. The bulk of the aloe vera stem is filled with a gel-like substance which is about 99 per cent water. This plant has been used therapeutically by many for over 4000 years.

The therapeutic use of aloe vera is still very popular in Jamaica and worldwide. A study was carried out in Jamaica to determine the prevalence of herbs used for medicinal and other properties in randomly selected communities, (Grant and Meeks Gardner, 1999). This study has shown that the use of aloe vera is very prevalent, both in urban and rural communities. Aloe vera was mainly reported to be used to purge (detox) the blood.

Among its many therapeutic properties, several studies have shown that the plant is very helpful in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Basically, autoimmune disorders cause either low activity or over activity of the immune system. Under these conditions, the body attacks its own tissues. These disorders decrease the body’s ability to fight foreign organisms. This results in the person becoming susceptible to infection.

Examples of autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and type 1 diabetes. Aloe vera contains a very important substance called acemannan which is a polysaccharide. This substance in aloe vera helps to stimulate the white blood cells which fight against foreign microorganisms in the body. In addition, aloe vera is also an immune booster because of the high level of antioxidants which help to eliminate free radicals.

Overall, there are compounds in aloe vera which can act as immune modulators. This means that these compounds have the ability to slow down or speed up the immune system response, thus protecting the body against itself.

Aloe vera is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry because of its healing properties. Also, the plant is very useful to hydrate, moisturise, soften, smooth and rejuvenate the skin when applied topically because of its high water content. In addition, aloe vera increases the elasticity of the skin, making it more flexible. The plant will also help to improve the blood flow to the skin, which helps to nourish and improve the formation of skin cells.

When aloe vera is taken internally, the gel goes through the intestinal tract, absorbing toxins along the way. These toxins usually become eliminated through the colon. The fact that aloe vera alkalises the body, the proper elimination of waste and toxins will definitely improve skin tone. In addition, aloe vera contains many antioxidants which will help to remove free radicals which can damage the skin. However, it should be noted that aloe vera is a potent medicinal plant and its medicinal uses should be respected and not abused. Therefore, some consideration must be taken, especially with the internal use.

Studies have shown that the long-term use of aloe vera can lead to a loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. Overall, it is generally thought that the use of aloe vera with periodic breaks is relatively safe.


Home remedy for mouth ulcers: Aloe vera gel

By Poorva Chavan

Forget rubbing toothpaste on your mouth ulcer. Here's what you should actually do!

Mouth ulcers are very common and almost everyone suffers from them at least once in a lifetime. Spicy food, citrus fruits like strawberries, oranges, poor oral hygiene are a few triggers of mouth ulcers. Many a times stress and conditions like constipation can also cause mouth ulcers. Here are a few more reasons you could be suffering from recurrent mouth ulcers.

Mouth ulcers do go away over a period of time but if they are treated at the right time, the pain and discomfort they cause can be avoided. There are various natural remedies you can use to treat mouth ulcers, but one of the best ways is to use aloe vera gel.

Aloe vera gel is known to be a cooling agent and can tackle mouth ulcers because many a times they are caused because of body heat. Aloe vera gel also has wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The pain associated with mouth ulcers is mainly due to the inflammation and hence, its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the pain. Also, aloe vera gel contains a mucopolysaccharide called acemannan which has the ability to alter the immune response of the body and help the wound to heal.[1] Here’s how you can use honey to treat mouth ulcers.

How to use aloe vera gel for treating mouth ulcers–

Aloe vera gel is the transparent gel-like substance in the centre of the leaves. You can simply cut open an aloe vera leaf and scoop the gel inside the leaf. Apply the gel on the ulcerated area in your mouth at least twice a day.

Reference:

1. Babaee N, Zabihi E, Mohseni S, Moghadamnia AA. Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of aloe vera gel on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis.Dental Research Journal. 2012;9(4):381-385.

Photos of the Aloe Vera Plant