Most of the supplements of today that are advertised heavily cost an arm and a leg. All natural, holistic supplementation of some very basic ingredients that have been around since the beginning of time are often overlooked. They either don't have "miracle cure" tied to them or they were not on the latest episode of the latest talk show. Aloe vera is one of the world’s most-used natural plants, with a market worth an estimated $13 billion a year. It’s also one of the oldest. Historical documents make mention of aloe vera as medicine circa 65 AD, when it was used to treat soldiers’ wounds and bleeding. But those benefits were only a peek into what this magnificent plant could really be used for. All of the nutrients in aloe vera juice are perfectly balanced in a way that is ideal for the body in terms of healing and repair. Although it is not a miracle cure, it contains enough nutrition to significantly help with healing the body, as well as provide other benefits.
Some of the earliest uses of aloe vera involved the use of its sap, which is different from the gel. The sap, found just beneath the leaf’s epidermis, was used as a powerful purification supplement during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fresh aloe vera gel is rich in enzymes and has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it useful for soothing a number of digestive complaints.
When taken internally, you’ll get the benefits of aloe vera’s 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active plant compounds. In addition, aloe vera has been found to be helpful for: * Ulcers * Crohn's Disease * Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) * Relieving Constipation * Stabilizing Blood Sugars * Protecting Kidneys * Oxygenating the blood and protecting the body from oxidative stress * Providing electrolytes * Helping improve physical performance and recovery * Reducing high blood pressure
If you want to give it a try, add 1/2 to one ounce of aloe vera gel into a daily smoothie. It does have a bitter taste, which is why lemon or lime juice works well to mask it. If you intend to use aloe internally, be sure you’re using a certified, purified version. This is one supplement that belongs in your pantry.