Researching the health benefits of aloe vera gel, a long varied list is compiled. The best way to find out if it is a cure for what ails you is to try it for a few days or a month. See if eating it provides relief from your symptoms or you feel more energized.
Some possible side effects mentioned were it may turn your urine a pink color, or you may experience intestinal cramps, fluid imbalance or electrolyte loss if you eat the bitter yellow part just under the leaf skin. Some other contraindications are found on sites such as the dangers of drinking aloe vera juice. Discuss it with your doctor first before you try it. Also, the ASPCA says aloe vera plants contain saponins which are toxic to dogs and cats so keep the plants away from them.
Here are some of the healing claims made for aloe vera:
- it stops cancer tumors from growing
- it lowers high cholesterol
- it alkalizes the body, balancing against acidic foods
- it helps with inflammation and arthritis pain
- it prevents kidney stones and protects the kidneys
- it helps balance electrolytes, especially important for sports and dehydration
- it cures digestive disorders such as ulcers, Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
- it reduces high blood pressure
- it reduces triglycerides and stabilizes blood sugar
- it provides minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients for the body
- it helps the body heal from physical and radiation burns
- it prevents and helps heal candida infections
- it oxygenates the blood and protects the body from oxidative stress
- it protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea
- it is an excellent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal for skin cuts and abrasions even on pets
- it alleviates cuts, scrapes, burns, bites, stings, punctures, sprains, and sunburns
- it accelerates wound healing without scarring by sealing the wound and attracting increased blood flow to the wound
- it can be packed inside gunshot wounds and shrapnel wounds to kill bacteria and seal the would, preventing infection and nourishing traumatized tissue
- it lubricates the digestive tract, healing the intestines and stopping colon cancer
- it stops constipation
- it increases blood flow to the brain
- it heals gums and eliminates periodontal disease
- it alleviates acid reflux and heartburn
- it improves cardiovascular performance
- it increases physical endurance
- it speeds up injury and physical exertion recovery
- it hydrates skin and speeds up regeneration of new skin tissue
- it boosts circulation to extremities, relieving numb hands and feet
- it enhances the effects of vitamins C and E and other antioxidants
- it saves humans and animals from severe hemorrhagic shock from blood loss
- it is a natural food preservative
The method is to grow your own aloe vera plant, slit the leaves open to get the clear gel inside, and eat the gel with a spoon or drink it in a smoothie. Use the bitter outer part of the leaf only as a topical rub on the body topically for burns, wounds, facials. When making a smoothie, add the aloe vera gel at the end to disturb the polysaccharides in it as little as possible. Try a very small amount at first to be sure your body has no allergic reaction to it.
See the attached photo from Homestead Survival on freezing the gel in ice cube trays to have it ready to use. Watch the attached video on how to pick, cut and eat aloe vera. To learn a lot more about the plant and its history, read Marian Campbell's Aloe Vera Story.
