With its roots in Northern Africa, the first known documentation of aloe vera leaf used in medicine was the ancient Egyptian Papyrus Ebers, which provided twelve different recipes for healing with aloe. There are more than 300 species of the aloe plant which belong to the lily family, but the Aloe barbadensis species shows the most proven medicinal properties. Today, aloe vera leaf is known for its many health and healing properties both topically and orally — from reducing wrinkles to soothing digestive tract concerns.
When taken internally, aloe vera leaf works wonders for assimilation, circulation, and elimination. In fact, we would probably find that many have aloe vera in some form or fashion in their medicine cabinet. Aloe vera leaf is a very simple plant to grow, and rather than purchasing an aloe vera product, many decide to buy aloe vera leaf plants and grow them in their garden or on their patio.
Healing Nutrients in Aloe Vera
There have been 75 nutrients identified in the gel of the aloe plant. These nutrients include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, choline, folic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene. Additionally, aloe gel and whole leaf extracts improve vitamin C and vitamin E absorption. Although Aloe vera leaf is not a natural vegetarian source of Vitamin B12, as many sites indicate, it does seem to have the ability to enhance the absorption of B12 for older people, according to some studies. (1)
Aloe vera provides 19 of the 20 required amino acids and seven of the eight essential ones. It also contains digestive enzymes like amylase to break down starch, sugar, and lipase to help break down fats.
One of the many healing compounds of Aloe vera leaf is Acemannan, a D-isomer mucopolysaccharide in aloe vera leaves. This compound is known to have immunostimulant (2), antiviral, antineoplastic, and gastrointestinal properties. (3)
Aloe vera helps lower blood glucose levels. In one study of five patients with non-insulin diabetes, subjects were given half a teaspoon of the dried sap of the aloe plant (aloes) per day for 4 to 14 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels fell an average of 122 points in every patient with no change in body weight. The researchers concluded that aloes contain a hypoglycemic agent that lowers blood glucose.
Aloe Vera and Skin Health
Aloe vera is a respected topical skin remedy. Aloe vera is also often added to fruit juice or smoothies in gel form. A 2009 study found that taking aloe orally reduced facial wrinkles. Thirty healthy women over age 45 took aloe vera gel as a supplement, with one group taking a low dose of 1,200 milligrams (mg) a day and another taking a high dose of 3,600 mg a day. (R)
The researchers concluded that aloe gel significantly improved wrinkles in both groups after just 90 days. Additionally, the lower-dose group had enhanced skin elasticity. Why? Aloe increased collagen production, improving skin structural support and fewer wrinkles.
A separate study suggested that constant intake of aloe sterol contributed to maintaining healthy skin, as shown in “statistical differences” in areas like skin moisture, skin elasticity, and collagen score. (R)
The above info is just one reason we included Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) in our Purely Ageless Excellae′ age-defense cream. In fact, aloe is the first ingredient listed in the Excellae′ ingredient list!
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Leaf
- helps heal skin wounds
- stimulates cellular rejuvenation of the skin
- hydrates the skin
- reduces the pain of canker sores
- increases stomach mucosal production
- supports digestion & detoxification
- anti-obesity effect
- hypoglycemic activity
- powerful antioxidant
- helps with pre-diabetes & metabolic syndrome
- helps with high blood pressure
- helps with burning mouth syndrome
- anti-fungal properties
- anti-bacterial & antiseptic properties
- useful with burns – repairs skin tissue
- helps with joint & muscle pain
- anti-inflammatory properties
- high in essential amino acids
- boosts oxygenation of the blood
- anti-aging properties
- helps with digestive disorders
Strawberry Aloe Juice Refresher
Ingredients
1 cup of organic frozen or fresh strawberries
1/2 Freshly juiced lemon
1 cup cold coconut water or purified ice water
2 teaspoons raw honey
1-2 ounces R PUR Aloe whole leaf aloe vera concentrate
Instructions
Wash strawberries thoroughly. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
References
1. Devaraj, S., Patel, S., Jialal, R., Jialal, I. Aloe supplements enhance bioavailability of vitamin C and B12 in older adults. The FASEB Journal: Experimental Biology 2007 Abstracts 8.1-701.35. Washington, DC; April 28-May 2, 2007.
3. http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?sid=596005&loc=es_rss
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
