Aloe vera is commonly used for skin and hair. But there are so many health benefits of aloe vera it has medicinal properties. It is a succulent plant. Aloe vera was used as medicine in Ayurveda. Which was used as medicine in different types of problems. Aloe vera stores water in the leaves.
Aloe vera is rich in many nutrients. It contains active minerals, vitamins, enzymes, carbohydrates, amino acids etc.
Aloe vera has many medicinal properties including antioxidant, and antibacterial.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
1. Aloe vera juice to strengthen digestive action
- By drinking aloe vera juice, our digestive function remains strong. It digests food well, so that digestive problems are relieved.
- Drinking aloe vera juice with water in the morning does not cause constipation. Consuming aloe vera juice daily flushes out the impurities in the stomach, keeping the stomach clean.
- Aloe vera juice increases the metabolism of the body and strengthens the metabolism.
- Aloe vera is also very effective in gas and acidity problems. Removes impurities from the body and strengthens the intestines. Aloe vera stimulates bowel movement and bowel movements.
- Along with making the intestines healthy, it also increases the protein absorption capacity of the body. Aloe vera juice cleanses the body from within.
2. Heart health
The medicinal properties of aloe vera are very beneficial for our heart. Aloe vera is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage due to antioxidants. And keeps our heart healthy. Aloe vera works to lower cholesterol.
3. Diabetes
- Aloe vera works like a miracle drug in diabetes. Drinking aloe vera juice daily can keep diabetes under control. Aloe vera stimulates the sugar metabolism, and works to increase the production of insulin, due to which sugar levels do not increase and diabetes remains under control.
- Positive benefits are seen in people with pre-diabetes.
- Asthma patients get great relief from boiling aloe vera leaves.
4. Aloe vera works as a pain reliever
- Various pains occur in the body with age. Many times headache occurs continuously, then the reason for this is due to a lack of water in the body. This problem can be avoided by drinking aloe vera juice. There is great relief in headaches.
- A person with arthritis pain can get great relief by applying aloe vera gel on the affected area. Aloe vera works as a pain reliever in arthritis pain.
5. Helps in weight loss
- Aloe vera juice gets rid of digestive problems. Due to this the digestive function remains healthy, which is very useful in weight loss.
- Mix a spoonful of honey in aloe vera juice and drink this mixture regularly to increase metabolism, and burn fat. By which weight can be reduced.
- Adding a few drops of lemon to aloe vera juice and consuming it will speed up the weight loss process.
- Aloe vera keeps the stomach full for a long time. Helps lower glucose levels, and controls your appetite.
6. Energy booster and immunity builder
- Aloe vera juice is also known as an energy drink. Drinking it daily gives energy.
Increases physical energy and also increases immunity. - Regular consumption increases the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
- Aloe vera juice works to detoxify the body.
- Aloe vera juice contains vitamins like vitaminss A, B, C, and D and other minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. Which works to increase the efficiency of the body. Also makes our system very strong.
7. For dental health
- Due to the anti-bacterial properties of aloe vera, it gives relief in curing infections in the mouth.
- Aloe vera keeps the teeth germ-free and clean.
- Aloe vera juice rinse in the mouth can cure mouth sores, bleeding or any problem related to teeth.
- Aloe vera also works extremely well as a mouthwash.
- Aloe vera is also very beneficial in dental cavities.
How to Harvest the Aloe Vera From Plant
Harvesting aloe vera is a relatively simple process. Aloe vera plants are well-known for their soothing and healing properties, and you can harvest the gel from their leaves for various uses. Here’s how to do it:
Materials Needed:
- A mature aloe vera plant
- A clean, sharp knife or scissors
- A clean cutting board
- A container or bowl to collect the gel
- Latex gloves (optional, for sensitive skin)
Steps to Harvest Aloe Vera:
- Select a Mature Leaf: Choose a mature, healthy leaf from the outer part of the aloe vera plant. These leaves are typically thicker and contain more gel. It’s best to harvest leaves that are at least 8 inches long.
- Prepare Your Work Area: Set up a clean cutting board and a clean, sharp knife or scissors. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear latex gloves to avoid contact with the aloe latex, which can be slightly irritating to some people.
- Cut the Leaf: Using a knife or scissors carefully cut the selected leaf as close to the base of the plant as possible. Make a clean, straight cut. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding leaves or the plant itself.
- Drain the Yellow Resin: After cutting the leaf, you may notice a yellowish substance seeping from the cut edges. This is the aloe latex, which can cause skin irritation for some individuals. To remove it, hold the cut end of the leaf downward and allow the latex to drain out for a few minutes. You can also rinse the cut end under running water to help remove it.
- Peel the Leaf: Lay the leaf flat on the cutting board, and use the knife to carefully remove the thorny edges on both sides. You want to be left with a flat, rectangular piece of aloe vera leaf.
- Extract the Gel: To access the gel, gently slice through the top layer of the leaf lengthwise. Then, use the knife or a spoon to scoop out the clear, jelly-like gel from the leaf. Collect the gel in a clean container or bowl. Be careful not to include any green parts or yellow latex, as they are not as beneficial.
- Store the Gel: Store the harvested aloe vera gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically last for about a week when refrigerated.
You can use the harvested aloe vera gel for various purposes, such as soothing sunburn, treating minor burns and skin irritations, or as an ingredient in homemade skincare products. Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions before using aloe vera gel more extensively.
How to Make Organic Aloe Vera Juice
Making organic aloe vera juice at home is a simple process. Here’s a basic recipe to make organic aloe vera juice:
Ingredients:
- 1 large organic aloe vera leaf (make sure it’s organic and free of pesticides)
- 1-2 cups of water
- Lemon or lime juice (optional)
- Honey or another natural sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Select an Organic Aloe Vera Leaf:
- Look for a mature aloe vera leaf from an organic plant. Organic aloe vera is preferred to avoid chemicals that might be present in conventionally grown plants.
2. Wash the Leaf:
- Rinse the aloe vera leaf thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
3. Prepare the Leaf:
- Trim off the spiky edges of the leaf using a sharp knife.
- Cut the leaf into smaller sections, making it easier to handle.
4. Extract the Gel:
- Lay the leaf sections flat on a cutting board.
- Use a knife to gently slice off the green outer skin, exposing the clear gel inside.
- Collect the gel in a clean bowl. Be careful not to include any green parts, as they can be bitter and may cause stomach discomfort.
5. Blend the Gel:
- Put the aloe vera gel into a blender.
- Add 1-2 cups of water to the blender, depending on how concentrated you want your juice. You can adjust the water quantity to your taste.
6. Optional Flavoring:
- If you find the taste of plain aloe vera juice too strong, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to enhance the flavor.
- You can also add a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
7. Blend Thoroughly:
- Blend the mixture on high until it’s well combined and has a smooth consistency.
8. Strain (Optional):
- If you prefer a smoother juice, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining bits of aloe vera gel.
9. Store:
- Pour the aloe vera juice into a clean, airtight container or a glass bottle.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
10. Serve Chilled:
- Serve your organic aloe vera juice chilled. It’s best to consume it within a few days for maximum freshness and potency.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before adding aloe vera juice to your regular diet, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions, as it may interact with certain medications or cause allergies in some individuals.
Questions & Answers
Can anyone drink aloe vera juice?
Aloe vera is very beneficial in terms of confidence. But since the effect of each person is different, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using it.
How to use aloe vera juice?
Always drink aloe vera juice fresh to preserve the nutrients in it. We make juice and fill it in bottles and use it as needed. But always use fresh juice as it contains no nutrients.
Can I drink aloe vera juice on an empty stomach?
Yes
Can pregnant women drink aloe vera juice?
Aloe vera juice or any products made from it should not be consumed by pregnant women due to the hot effects of aloe vera. It has an adverse effect on the fetus.