Aloe vera is one of the ancient medicines used by mankind to solve a lot of health problems; the use of this herb is even recorded in history. It is still used till date and they are many studies that have proven the effectiveness of the aloe vera plant. It is one of the most used plants in naturopathy and it tops the list of home remedies of most medical conditions.

This herb is rich in many vital nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Aloe Vear is rich in vitamin A, B12, C, and E. It is also rich in folate and choline and other antioxidants. It has many enzymes and essential minerals like calcium, zinc, potassium and magnesium. The plant also contains laxatives or anthraquinones like emodin and aloin; these are powerful antivirals, antibacterial and analgesic compounds. It also contains hormones like auxins and gibberellins; these hormones help in wound healing and preventing or reducing inflammation in the body.

Health Benefits of the Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera is rich in natural sugars (monosaccharides and polysaccharides) that fight allergies and inflammation in the body. It also contains fatty acids which fight infections. Below are the top 10 health benefits of Aloe Vera you can use.

1. It Treats Burns

This is the number one home remedy for burns; it stops the pain immediately and prevents it from getting worse. Fresh aloe vera gel is more effective than most OTC gels and medications for burns; when used directly on the affected skin part, it prevents infections and helps the wound to heal faster.

Get fresh aloe vera leaf and cut it open using a knife; then use a spoon to scoop out the fresh gel and apply it directly on the affected skin part. Do this daily till you see improvement.

2. It Boost the Immune System

There are many important compounds in aloe vera gel which helps in boosting and fortifying the immune system; they supply the body with nutrients which help all cells of the body to function optimally. Aloe vera gel is rich in an enzyme called Bradykinase; this enzyme stimulates the immune system and helps the body fight infections, it is also rich in zinc which helps in maintaining a strong immune system.

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Its rich content of wonderful nutrients helps the body to kill diseases and parasites; it also enhances immune response and boosts the general defense mechanism of the body. Take at least one teaspoon of aloe vera gel daily to boost your immune system, or you can add the teaspoon of aloe vera to fruit juices and smoothies.

3. It Prevents Diabetes

Aloe vera gel is capable of reducing the amount of sugar in the bloodstream; it also reduces high content of lipid which is common in people with diabetes. Take at least one teaspoon of aloe vera gel daily to prevent or treat diabetes, or you can add the teaspoon of aloe vera to fruit juices and smoothies.

4. It Fights Digestive Problems

Aloe vera gel has adaptogenic properties which help the body digest food well; it also help nutrients to be properly absorbed from foods and aids smooth excretion so that toxins and waste products of metabolism can be effectively removed from the body. it also treats digestive problems and disorders like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, piles, and other gastrointestinal problems that damage the digestive system and affects one’s thoughts and actions.

It is also rich in polysaccharides which help in curing ulcers and digestive disorders; many studies even find it effective in treating crohn’s disease, peptic ulcers and digestive problems in general. Take aloe vera extract for at least four weeks if you have any digestive problem or disorder and you will notice an improvement.

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It also helps in alleviating the symptoms of nausea which is caused by stomach disorders or problems in the digestive tract.

5. It Heals Wound

Aloe vera has been used to heal wounds for thousands of years; it hastens healing, nourishes the skin and prevents infection of wounds. The gel seals the wound and restricts the flow of blood to the wounds; this speeds up the process of healing and restores the skin. It is even effective in third degree burns; large quantity of aloe vera gel is even used to treat gunshot wounds and injuries affecting the tissues.

6. It Prevents Rapid Aging

The gel of aloe vera is rich in powerful nutrients that keep the skin young and healthy. The plant is used in making many natural skin products because of its ability to keep the skin young and glowing. It prevents wrinkles, clears spots, scars, fine lines and saggy skin. It has lots of anti-aging compounds that keeps the skin fresh, supple and glowing. The rich content of antioxidants prevents rapid aging by disrupting and preventing the activities of free radicals.

7.   Aloe Vera Fights Cancer

Its immune boosting properties also help in preventing and fighting cancer; it can effectively destroy cancer and tumor cells, its polysaccharides contain powerful macrophages that release high volume of nitric oxide, this helps in fighting tumors.

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Aloe vera is one of the most used plants to fight cancer in the natural world; and it has a high success rate and it does not give side effects. It even helps cancer patients overcome the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer medications.

8. It Lowers Triglycerides and Cholesterol

High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides have been implicated in many chronic diseases; they can lead to hypertension, stroke, heart disease, arthritis and so on. When you take aloe vera gel internally, it helps to lower the levels of these compounds in the bloodstream; it brings them down to their normal levels and also brings down the levels of glucose.

9. It Aids Proper Growth of Hair

This promotes hair growth naturally; it helps to also retain voluminous and healthy hair. Aloe Vera also prevents scalp problems and hair loss and hair breaking. It is rich in enzymes that stimulate hair growth; it is also used by males to treat baldness. Apply the gel to your scalp and leave it for sometimes before washing it off. Do this three times a week consecutively till you get your desired result.

10. It Treats Menstrual Problems

This is an old age treatment for menstrual cramps and problems and it is still used in our day; the gel stimulates the uterus and it reduces pain and cramps during menstruation. It also prevents heavy bleeding and it helps one to effectively manage the symptoms of painful menstruation.

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Take at least two tablespoons of aloe vera gel or extract when on your period.