Will the Aloe Vera Gel protect from Digestive Relief and Smoothen Indigestion?

Introduction

Each herb possesses unique properties with profound benefits. In today's world, treating digestive problems can be challenging. The prevalence of fast food and high-fat diets has driven a need for diverse solutions. People consumed regional, easily digestible foods in simpler times, leading to better digestive health.

Improving digestive health often focuses on enhancing bowel habits, such as avoiding constipation and straining during bowel movements. Common digestive symptoms include constipation, bleeding, bloating, diarrhoea, heartburn, pain, nausea, and vomiting. While not all digestive disorders can be cured, some can be addressed with a remarkable herb called Aloe vera.

Aloe vera boasts a rich history of medicinal use dating back to 1500 BC. Countries like Greece and China have traditionally employed it for centuries to treat various ailments. Some cultures even use aloe vera as a traditional remedy for skin problems. Interestingly, Egyptian queens famously incorporated aloe vera beyond internal health benefits into their beauty routines.

Will the Aloe Vera Gel protect from Digestive Relief and Smoothen Indigestion?

Yes, consuming Aloe vera pulp can improve digestive health. Aloe vera is considered one of the best natural remedies for our digestive system. Drinking Aloe vera juice helps to cleanse and soothe the digestive tract, potentially benefiting it in several ways.

As mentioned in our previous blog, Aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly helpful in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Additionally, it supports regular bowel movements, preventing constipation.

A glass of fresh Aloe vera juice can promote overall digestive health. Aloe vera also acts as a laxative, aiding in detoxification and the removal of unwanted toxins from the body.

Consuming aloe vera juice on an empty stomach removes unwanted toxins from the body and cleanses the digestive system. This natural process effectively detoxifies the body, as supported by a 2018 review that found aloe vera improved IBS symptoms compared to a placebo.

Only aloe vera can be used internally for digestive issues, while other aloe plants must not be consumed internally. Other aloe plants like Aloe arborescens, Aloe aristata, Aloe polyphylla, Aloe ferox, Aloe variegata, Aloe mitriformis, and Aloe plicatilis are poisonous and should not be ingested.

Does Aloe vera inhibit H. pylori bacteria?

Yes, some studies suggest that Aloe vera can inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria. H. Pylori is commonly found in the human stomach and can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva, vomit, stool, and contaminated water or food.

However, the exact mechanism through which H. pylori causes peptic ulcers or gastritis in some people is still under debate. Although present in the digestive tract of many individuals, not everyone develops these conditions.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a recognized herb with many health, beauty, skincare, and medicinal applications. This is a succulent plant which has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Aloe Vera has a total of 420 different plant species, and it has an intellectual use in Indian medicine. 

The plant, revered in ancient times in certain regions, takes its name from two words: aloe and vera. The Arabic word "Alloeh" is derived from Aloe, meaning "shining bitter particle," while the Latin word "Vera" is derived from "Vera", meaning "true." The Aloe Vera plant is classified under the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. Its habitat is mainly found in dry regions in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa. Some countries, like Mexico, Egypt, Greece, China, and Japan, have used Aloe Vera for centuries. In India, Aloe Vera is traditionally used to remove evil eyes and call positive energies into space. Its structure is very similar to a cacti plant. Aloe vera is a herbaceous perennial plant with fleshy, thick, and long leaves.

Nutritional Chart of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera juice is rich in antioxidants, which fight against free radicals. This gradually decreases the oxidative stress on the human body and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Here is a list of nutrient content in aloe vera. 

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Beta-carotene
• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Calories 
• Protein
• Fat 
• Carbohydrates
• Fiber 

What does Aloe Vera juice contain?

Rich in magnesium, Aloe vera juice is a valuable source of nutrients for muscles and nerves. This essential mineral also plays a role in controlling the heart rhythm and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

One 8-ounce giving of pure aloe vera juice contains: 

• Protein: Less than 1 gram
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Calories: (including the actual calorie count)
• Sugar: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams

How to prepare aloe vera juice at home?

Making fresh juice at home is always best. Aloe Vera juice preparation follows only straightforward steps.

Ingredients:

• 1 aloe vera leaf (fresh, green, and plump)
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel (optional if using fresh leaf)
• 1 cup water (filtered or spring water is best)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, can adjust to taste)
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated (optional, can adapt to taste)
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for taste and vitamin C)

Instructions:

• Wash the aloe vera leaf under clean water. Dry it with a clean paper towel.
• Cut the leaf off the base as close to the stem as possible. Stand the leaf upright and let any yellow sap drain out.
• Cut off and remove the spiky edges of the leaf with a sharp knife.
• Lay the leaf flat on a cutting board and carefully slice off the outer green skin, exposing the clear gel inside.
• Scoop out the aloe vera gel with a clean spoon or knife. Discard the remaining skin and latex. You can use the commercially available aloe vera gel if you prefer.

How to prepare aloe vera juice?

Here are the simple steps to prepare the Aloe Vera juice. 

• To produce natural aloe juice, take two tablespoons of aloe gel or juice and put them in a blender.
• Now pour some water onto it. 
• Add honey and a little piece of ginger to this mixture. 
• Add a small amount of lemon juice without lemon seeds. This step is optional. This step is used to enhance the flavour of the aloe vera juice. 
• Also, the addition of these items will aid in weight loss. Ensure you drink this blended juice when you prepare it to absorb its full potential. 
• Try this simple aloe vera juice recipe at home and share your health experience with your friends.

However, you can store any residue in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Other Health Benefits of Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera has several benefits that will encourage you to consider it at a time of a few health risks. 

Helps with Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Aloe vera gel is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders. People suffering from Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease might experience symptoms like heartburn, flatulence, food regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, etc. The consumption of Aloe vera syrup has reduced the frequency of GERD symptoms. 

Boosts immunity level

Aloe Vera is a powerful immunity booster which protects from various infections. It eradicates bacteria, viruses and fungi by use. Other than being an antioxidant, it is anti-inflammatory, so it also reduces inflammation.

Improves Oral Health

Aloe Vera is used as a component in some mouthwashes. It helps in lowering the bleeding in the gums. It has antimicrobial properties. So, aloe vera aids in decreasing the plaques and swelling in our gums. It also helps to prevent the oral cavity from infections. 

Blood Sugar Levels

Aloe Vera helps to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus effectively. Drinking an aloe vera drink (without added sugar and honey) helps to lower blood sugar levels. 

Treatment for Anal Fissures

Some other uses of aloe vera gel include providing relief from anal fissures. An anal fissure is a tearing in the anal canal or anus near the lining. Anus is the part where the stool exits the body. An anal fissure will be so painful. If it is not treated at a proper time and correctly, it demands surgery.
To treat the anal fissure, try using aloe vera gel. To use for anal fissures, extract aloe vera gel from the stem and apply the gel directly to the affected area several times every day. You can continue this until the anal fissure heals. 

Treats Skin

Aloe vera has many skin applications. It keeps the skin hydrated and prevents wrinkles. Applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the face could reduce sunburn and improve the skin's overall radiance. Aloe Vera quickly heals the sunburns. According to research, aloe vera gel effectively treats first and second-degree burns. 

Strengthens your Hair

Aloe vera gel used on your hair helps to make it solid and glowing. Aloe vera gel is used for styling the hair. The Aloe gel boosts hair growth by increasing blood circulation. It is effective in reducing dandruff. Therefore, for such reasons, it is used in many shampoos and conditioners. 
However, aloe vera has some unproved side effects on hair, like dry scalp and allergic reactions. 

Psoriasis Treatment

Aloe Vera gel helps to lower the redness and scaling lines in psoriasis patients. It also keeps the skin moisturized.

Triggers Wound Healing

Aloe vera is good for wound healing and increasing blood circulation in the affected body area. This treats insect bites, burns, cuts, and eczema.

Helps with Weight Loss

Drinking aloe vera juice in the morning after you wake up will help you to lose weight. It boosts metabolism by burning fat. This clears toxins from our body and cleanses our digestive system. Thus, aloe vera juice helps in weight loss. 

Increases Shelf Life of Vegetables and Fruits

If you like to protect certain vegetables and fruits for some more time, then coat those particular fruits and vegetables with the help of the aloe vera gel. It protects those vegetables and fruits from being spoiled by preventing bacteria growth and fungus. You can also refer to our website to learn more about Aloe vera. 

Conclusion

The digestive health of the human body could be improved using Aloe vera. But, still, the oral consumption of aloe vera latex could result in conditions like abdominal pain and cramps. This oral consumption has been connected to many severe cases of acute hepatitis. Consumption of Aloe vera, both in gel and latex form, through the mouth is considered to be unsafe during pregnancy. In those cases, you can consult your doctor and take their advice before using Aloe Vera. 
So, it is the mere duty of people to make sure that they use Aloe Vera only in a limited amount to solve their digestive issues. 

FAQs

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The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.