Aloe Vera Uses: How to Use Herbal Remedies to Heal

The aloe vera plant is one of nature's miracle plants. Its extract is commonly used as a major ingredient in commercial beauty products, but sometimes it is not as effective as the 100% natural extract.

 The best choice for aloe vera is to choose the organic variety, which is free of pesticides and residues you want to avoid. Many people choose natural aloe vera gel extracted straight from the leaves to heal a variety of ailments. Aloe vera uses continue to increase daily due to superfood status. So what is aloe vera and how can it benefit you?

Aloe vera is a plant believed to have originated in the Sudan. It grows in dry climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India, and other dry areas. The plant's leaves are long and prickly, much like a porcupine. 

The greatest gift from the aloe plant is in its leaves. When cut from the plant and peeled, the leaves reveal a thick, clear jelly-like substance. This is called aloe vera gel. The gel can also be processed to make juice, which many people drink on a daily basis because of the health benefits. Aloe is also known as a miracle ingredient and has been used for centuries because of its healing properties. More benefits of this incredible plant have been uncovered such as: 

• Helps heals wounds and burns
• Treats skin infections, acne, and rashes
• Heals cysts
• Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
• Decreases sugar levels (great for diabetics)
• Cure colds
• Reduce menstrual cramps

What makes this plant, specifically the gel, so curative? The answer lies in its make up. The key ingredient in is mucopolysaccharides [MPS] (long-chain sugars) which have very strong anti inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti- tumor properties. MPS supports the immune system and passes directly into cells and the circulatory system. The other biologically active compounds in the plant have medicinal properties and include: 

• acetylated mannans
• polymannans
• anthraquinone C-glycosides
• anthrones
• anthraquinones
• lectins

These compounds work together to help heal the body both internally and externally. 

• Here are more uses for this magical plant:
• Can be used as a laxative
• Brings relief to insect bites
• Heal ulcers
• Calm a queasy stomach
• Reduce inflammation and discomfort from denture pain
• Good for dandruff

Moisturizing natural ingredient in cosmetics and facial masks

One thing to remember when choosing aloe is to purchase the organic variety since commercial formulations can be 90% water. The best thing to do is to choose the actual aloe leaf that you can extract the gel from. It's easy to do once you get the hang of it. Be sure to refrigerate the leaf to keep it fresh. There are many aloe vera uses and if you decide to drink it or apply it to your skin, you will reap the benefits.

Robin Adler is a self professed beauty guru. For years she used toxic cosmetics without knowing the risks. Now shes uses organic beauty products and eats superfoods to stay healthy. She's passionate about teaching other about aloe vera uses and how this powerful plant heals.

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