7 Uses For Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent species of plant found in the aloe family. It grows naturally in warmer climates and grown purposefully for agricultural and medicinal reason. It is a beautiful succulent potted plant for indoors as well. The most common use for it in supermarkets is Aloe vera juice and Aloe vera gel. Aloe vera juice is drunk for its potential health benefits to the digestive tract and immune system. When applied to the skin, Aloe vera gel relieves pain and itchiness associated with burns and rashes. History shows the benefits of the plant with the Ancient Egyptians referring to Aloe vera as the “plant of immortality.”Although the FDA has not approved Aloe vera for medical purposes, it is a natural and holistic approach to medicine with studies showing the benefits of the plant on many ailments in the body including heartburn relief, skin issues, constipation and dental health issues. Keep reading to see some of these benefits highlighted below with explanations on how Aloe helps with them. Please be sure to consult your doctor for treatment to any health issues you may have so that they can check you out for any underlying major problems if needed.

1. Heartburn Relief

Heartburn manifests itself when stomach acids go back up the food pipe. Every time you swallow food or drink the LES (lower esophageal valve) opens, when it fails to close or fails to stay closed, acid rises. Acid builds up in the stomach for various reasons and escapes the LES to cause heartburn, which occurs because the esophagus does not have a lining that protects it from acid like the stomach does.Aloe vera is a proven natural heartburn relief remedy, working by lining the whole esophagus, reducing inflammation and improving the digestion of food. It differs from conventional antacids in the approach that it takes to relief. Antacids only treat the acids in the stomach by neutralizing them and in turn causing temporary relief from acids reaching the food pipe. Aloe vera takes a more holistic approach. When it coats the entire esophagus, it helps prevent symptoms of heartburn if acids do reach the food pipe. By reducing inflammation it is helping to heal the damage caused by heartburn. Finally, aiding in the digestion of food it helps keep the pH of the stomach naturally balanced, which in turn helps keep the acid from building up and entering the food pipe.Next