It is no wonder that aloe has been used for medicinal purposes in Egypt since 3,000 BC. Aloe has over 75 nutrients, 12
vitamins, 200 enzymes, 20 minerals, and 18 amino acids- quite a bit more than your average succulent! Raw aloe,
straight from the leaf, is the best way to get all the benefits out of
the super plant. This extraction method can be used for internal and external purposes. If you have ever gotten a sunburn, you know that soothing sunburnt skin is one of the most common ways to use aloe. But, there are some equally beneficial and slightly more unexpected ways to use this super plant that rank as high on the super foods list at blueberries and pomegranates.
Ulcers
One of the greatest uses for aloe is to sooth burnt tissue, but this use is not for our skin alone. Aloe works the same on our internal tissue as it does externally. When digested, it aids in healing any burnt tissue of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The healing property along with it's cooling effect make it great for combating heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. Aloe also aids in long-term recovery of burnt tissue by increasing the rate of healing and the pH levels in the stomach. This means that burnt tissue from ulcers or acid reflux will heal faster and be less likely to occur since there is less acid to combat.
Digestion
The intense amino acid and enzyme cocktail in aloe vera does a great deal for regulating our digestive tract and keeping down the bad bacteria count in our intestines. Aloe has over 18 amino acids and 200 enzymes. Combine this with the high mineral and vitamin count and you have a winning combination. This winning combination also does a great deal for cleaning our digestive tract. These de-clogging and bacteria killing qualities make it easier for our bodies to absorb more nutrients and, well, keep everything in proper working order... I think you know what I mean...
Colitis
Colitis
is a disease that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the large intestines. Most cases of colitis result in discomfort
alone, but some cases lead to nutritional deficiencies that can cause that can cause anything from skin and eye problems to liver dysfunction and anemia- yikes. Aloe works against this in the same way it decreases acid levels and heals tissue in our stomach and esophagus. In a recent study at the University of Michigan, participants
who drank aloe gel twice per day found improvements in the symptoms of
colitis including lowered inflammation and regular bowl movements. These results were found after 4-6 weeks use.
Energy
One of the vitamins aloe is over-flowing with is vitamin B12, a natural energy booster that creates energy but does not have that pesky sugar crash. When it comes to energy, B12 is the best way to get it. There are far fewer side effects than any other energy source and our bodies actually need it for proper function! Way better than caffeine.
Thank goodness, there are some great energy drinks on the market that use only B12 as there energy source because of how great it works. If you are a big energy drink fan, I highly recommend finding some of these, if you are not into energy drink but an extra kick sounds heavenly, grab some aloe water and have a ball! By increasing your vitamin B12 intake, you will also be aiding your brain. That's right, vitamin B12 has also been found to increase brain function. A better brain and higher energy, yes please!
Psoriasis
It is pretty amazing, but aloe helps more with psoriasis than topical steroid cremes. Studies have shown aloe to reduce PASI scores by 7.7 points. This is much higher than the 6.6 points found with tradition steroid cremes. Although the plant leaves are most effective, you can also buy 70% aloe cream in most drug stores.