How beneficial is aloe vera juice for health and can it be harmful?

Aloe or “agave” has been familiar to many since childhood as a houseplant and as a home medicine cabinet. It is bred not only at home, but also on an industrial scale due to its healing properties. Aloe juice is a natural storehouse of numerous substances beneficial to the human body. People have long noticed the medicinal qualities of the plant and made friends with it. Over time, official medicine began to actively use preparations containing extracts from this representative of the succulent family.

What does it contain?

Aloe vera juice is nature's pharmacy. It contains about 30 microelements (K, Ca, P, Fe, Na, Mg, Zn, etc.), vitamins, amino acids, tannins, monosaccharides and polysaccharides, phytoncides, catechins, glycosides, plant steroids and other substances. Most of them are BAS (biologically active substances). The vitamin cluster contains the entire B group, vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A in the body. The remaining vitamins are present in microdoses.

An alcohol tincture containing 80% natural aloe juice is produced on an industrial scale. It is also available in the form of Aloe Vera Juice NSP dietary supplement from the Nature's Sunshine campaign containing 48.4 g of lower leaf pulp concentrate. A series of juices and gels with fruit fillings is produced by Forever Living Products.

Aloe juice is also produced in the form of crystals (sabur). This is the pulp of leaves boiled and dried to dryness, which has the maximum concentration of useful substances.

The healing properties of aloe juice are actively used in medicine

The healing effects of aloe vera

What are the healing properties of aloe? What beneficial substances does it contain?

1. Chemical composition. The plant contains many enzymes, phytoncides, microelements and vitamins. It contains a high content of organic acids, resinous substances, and antioxidants. The flower contains valuable allantoin and aloin, polysaccharides, phenols, bitterness, and glycosides.
2. Basic pharmacological properties. These include: bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing. In addition, the healing properties of aloe help in treating the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing digestion and improving appetite. The flower is famous for its tonic effect, helps the body cope with serious diseases, and strengthens the immune system.

Thanks to antioxidants, aloe removes toxins, waste, heavy metals from the body, prevents premature aging and cancer.

Benefit

For a long time, aloe juice has been used to treat skin wounds, eye problems, and inflammatory phenomena in the body. They used it to treat skin defects, add it to tea, and prepare vitamin mixtures. Women enjoy using aloe as a dietary supplement due to its laxative properties and use it to care for hair, hands and face. Pharmacology, having studied the composition of a natural medicine, uses it as an ingredient in many medicines.

Indications for use

For what diseases does aloe help and provide a therapeutic effect?

1. Stomach treatment. Agave is effective for chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. The plant is also used for infectious infections, for example, dysentery. Aloe is a powerful natural antibiotic; it kills E. coli and dysentery.
2. Constipation. Aloe vera products are known to have a strong laxative effect. It is best to use sabur - a yellow, bitter powder made from aloe. It is taken in small doses - 0.1 g, diluted with water. The medicine eliminates chronic and atonic constipation, increasing the tone of intestinal smooth muscles. For example, in Germany, aloe is recognized as a laxative by the national health service. In pharmacology, it is added to various laxatives. The flower also effectively treats colitis and enterocolitis - inflammation of the large and small intestines.
3. Pancreatitis. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the outflow of its secretions is often disrupted. Agave juice stimulates the secretion of the pancreas and gall bladder. However, in acute forms of pancreatitis, treatment with aloe can aggravate the disease. But for chronic forms with a lack of enzyme production, the flower can help.
4. Angina. The cause of sore throat is staphylococcus or streptococcus, which affects the mucous membrane of the tonsils. The plant prevents the proliferation of staphylococcus and streptococcus and promotes a speedy recovery. However, treatment of a real sore throat (not just a sore throat) is not complete without antibiotics. In this case, agave is included in complex therapy: the throat, tonsils, and pharynx are treated with diluted juice. The plant is also used for other throat diseases - tonsillitis and pharyngitis. In dentistry they treat gum inflammation and stomatitis.
5. Diabetes. Toxins, obesity, excess cholesterol, diseased liver and pancreas - all this “organizes” the onset of diabetes in the body. Agave contains many enzymes that break down fats, regulate liver functions, and cleanse the bile ducts, lymph and blood. Aloe restores the chemical balance in the body and normalizes impaired metabolic processes in diabetes mellitus.
6. Treatment of a runny nose. With ARVI, flu, and colds, a runny nose is one of the most common symptoms. Agave juice is used to disinfect the nasal passages. It must be diluted with water so as not to dry out the mucous membrane. Recently, information has appeared about the antiviral properties of aloe. The plant may be effective against viral respiratory infections.
7. Sinusitis. An otolaryngologist treats sinusitis. Of course, in traditional medicine, agave is not a first choice medicine. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which can be treated over a long period of time on an outpatient basis. The flower is used as an auxiliary antiseptic and antibacterial agent. Like sore throat, sinusitis is most often treated with antibiotics.
8. Diseases of the lower respiratory tract. Aloe is included in the complex treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis and bronchial asthma. Pork or goose fat and natural butter are added to the mixture to treat a severe, annoying cough. It is believed that agave helps with whooping cough.
9. Treatment of aloe wounds, burns and other skin lesions. Aloe can be used externally as an antiseptic. The flower heals well wounds, burns, ulcers, abscesses, dermatitis, any purulent inflammation of the skin, including bacterial ones.
10. Poor appetite. Fresh juice is recommended, but in small doses. The bitterness contained in the plant stimulates the production of enzymes and increases appetite.
11. Radiation exposure. Together with castor and eucalyptus oils, agave juice is taken to prevent or alleviate radiation sickness due to radiation exposure.

Another property of the flower that is less frequently mentioned is that it is a natural aphrodisiac. It is used to stimulate sexual activity and enhance potency in men.

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What does it help with?

As mentioned above, agave pulp is used as a medicine and as a cosmetic product. Let's take a closer look at what aloe juice helps with.

What does it cure?

This gift of nature can be called a panacea, because... The list of healing qualities is quite extensive.

List of things that aloe juice treats:

• regulates metabolism;
• saturates the body with vitamins and biologically active substances, strengthens the immune system;
• eliminates constipation;
• helps with gastrointestinal diseases;

The substance is used as a prophylactic and tonic.

Application in cosmetology

Aloe juice has found wide application in cosmetology.
In industrial conditions, it is introduced into cosmetic preparations in the form of an extract. They are used to care for problem skin. In addition, creams with aloe rejuvenate and whiten. Aloe vera gel in cosmetology. Hair products are very popular. Shampoos and balms improve the quality of hair follicles, reduce the formation of dandruff, moisturize the scalp, and add shine to the hair. Soaps, shower gels, body lotions soothe inflamed skin and reduce dryness. Hygienic lipstick eliminates chapped lips and softens them.

Self-produced aloe juice has positive reviews for use in skin and hair care. At home, you can freeze ice cubes with its additives and wipe your face with them. You can also wipe the skin with a cut of an agave leaf. It is good to rub the pulp of the leaves into the scalp: this will give your hair shine.

The homeland of aloe, plant propagation rules and selection of suitable soil for replanting.

pharmachologic effect

Pharmacological action - general tonic, adaptogenic.

Aloe juice enhances bile secretion, the secretion of digestive glands, has a laxative effect and bactericidal activity against pathogens (internally), anti-inflammatory, wound-healing effect (externally).

Aloe syrup with iron contains easily digestible iron for the formation of hemoglobin and normal hematopoiesis, replenishes the lack of iron in the body associated with poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, blood loss, malnutrition, increased need for iron (pregnancy, active growth in children and adolescents).

Aloe liniment accelerates epithelization, increases skin tolerance to X-ray irradiation, has an analgesic effect, reduces burning sensation and tightness. In experiments on rabbits, it was found that when used prophylactically, it reduces the reaction and significantly shortens the healing time of radiation damage to the skin.

Aloe coated tablets are used as a biogenic stimulant.

Instructions for preparation, administration and storage

Succulent juice is extracted industrially and at home. The instructions for the pharmaceutical preparation (95% alcohol tincture) contain the following recommendations:

• use in complex treatment for enterocolitis, gastritis, chronic constipation orally 30 minutes before meals, a teaspoon (5 ml) 2-3 times a day for 15-30 days;
• for purulent skin manifestations, irrigate the affected areas or apply lotions to them.

Aloe juice in the form of sabur has the following instructions for use:

• use small doses (0.03-0.1 g) as a laxative; they can be combined with rhubarb preparations - after 6-12 hours a gentle, complete bowel movement will occur;
• for rapid emptying (drastic effect), doses of 0.2-0.5 g are used, repeating large doses is allowed no more than 3-5 days;
• as a choleretic agent for liver and gastrointestinal problems, it is used in doses of 0.01-0.015 g.

Sabur crystals are dissolved in water before use.

How to cook at home?

In many families, aloe is grown on the windowsill, so there is no point in purchasing pharmaceutical preparations. You need to remember a few rules on how to prepare aloe juice at home.

The juice is extracted only from the lower leaves, which reach 15 cm in length. Before squeezing juice, the plant should not be watered for 8-14 days.

To treat wounds, apply a fresh cut of aloe leaf to the wound. Those who plan to use the juice internally as a general tonic or vitamin supplement are advised to add the pulp of freshly cut leaves to salads. This advice is also suitable for those who are on a diet to lose weight.

Ways to squeeze

We can recommend several ways to squeeze juice from aloe at home:

• the washed leaves are finely cut with a knife, passed through a meat grinder or crushed in a blender, then squeezed through cheesecloth;
• the leaves are processed using a press or juicer.

Another preparation option is to scrape the pulp from the leaves and mix with citrus juice (orange, grapefruit). It stabilizes the composition and improves the taste. You can mix by hand or with a blender.

How to use?

There are many traditional medicine recipes for taking aloe juice.
The easiest way is to stir a spoonful of juice in water and drink. Because This product has a bitter taste, it is advisable to add fruit juice or fruit drink. The preparation can be added to tea and seasoned with honey, resulting in a vitamin antimicrobial drink. This tea is useful during flu or ARVI epidemics. The following recipes are used for medicinal purposes:

• irrigate the oral cavity with juice or its solution for stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.;
• rinse your mouth with juice and massage your gums with your fingers soaked in it for periodontitis;
• for a runny nose, drop 2-3 drops into the nostril; the mixture can be prepared in advance by mixing a teaspoon of onion juice and honey with a few tablespoons of aloe juice;
• If you have a cold, drink a mixture of juice and honey (a teaspoon).

In folk medicine, most recipes use crushed aloe leaves to prepare a mixture with Cahors, vodka, lemons, and honey. They are used as immune stimulants, vitamin supplements, and medicine for colds and coughs.

How to store?

It is more correct to use aloe juice immediately after preparation. If you plan to make the preparation for future use, you should know how to properly store aloe juice. The period should not exceed a week. The pomace should be placed in a sterile container or airtight container, then refrigerated.

It is believed that cut aloe leaves, when stored in a cool, damp place, increase their bioactivity and trigger the synthesis of biologically active substances.

Features of Aloe Vera

The medicinal properties of aloe vera have been studied the most. It is this type of succulent that is actively used in pharmacology, cosmetology, perfumery, and folk medicine. This particular species is an unpretentious houseplant and at the same time a useful “home healer”.

Origin and range

Aloe is native to North and East Africa. In the wild, this plant is found in Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in tropical Africa, Madagascar. Aloe is widespread in Asian countries, India, and South America. The island of Socotra is famous for its variety of species of this succulent. Here, by evaporating the juice, the world-famous dry extract of the plant, sabur, is obtained, which can be stored for a long time. In the wild, aloe can withstand arid and hot climates. Some species, such as aloe vera, can reach a height of up to 6 meters. The plant contains a lot of moisture, which it retains by closing the pores on the leaves.

Types of aloe

There are about 500 species of this genus of succulent plants. What medicinal types of aloe can be grown as indoor plants?

1. Aloe Barbados, also known as aloe vera, real aloe.
2. Aloe variegated.
3. Aloe spinosa, or tiger.
4. Aloe tree, or agave.

Aloe variegated and spinous are often bred as ornamental indoor plants. They have an "attractive appearance" with beautiful leaf colors and bright flowers. But agave and real aloe are more readily used for medicinal purposes.

Botanical description of aloe vera and care features

What does tree aloe, or agave, which is most often bred as a houseplant, look like? Botanically, it looks the same as its wild relatives, but is much smaller in size.

1. Root and stem. The root system is underdeveloped. Traces of dead leaves remain on the woody stem - scars.
2. Leaves. They are a leaf rosette that can reach 60–80 cm in diameter. The leaves are greenish-gray, smooth, fleshy, juicy, with jagged edges, slightly convex, pointed at the end. Leaves can grow up to 1 m tall.
3. Flowers. In nature, aloe blooms only in the fifth or sixth year of life. In indoor conditions, aloe rarely blooms, and only in the winter months. The flower has the shape of a long raceme, on which bell-shaped, tubular flowers of bright orange color are collected.

How to care for agave?

1. Place it on the sunny side, as it is a light-loving plant.
2. Turn regularly so that the plant develops evenly.
3. Large leaves are tied up.
4. The plant is afraid of the cold.
5. It likes abundant watering, but the water should not remain in the pan.
6. The flower is prone to rotting if there is excess moisture.
7. Replanted every three years.
8. Active feeding is not recommended, otherwise the flower will grow too quickly.
9. When planting, drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pot.
10. The soil is formed from turf, garden soil, sand.
11. The flower propagates well by cuttings, which quickly take root in water.

Procurement of raw materials

The leaves of the plant are used for treatment. Healing substances accumulate in the pulp of the leaves only in the second year of growth. It’s even better if the agave is at least 4 years old.

1. Which leaves should I cut? It is recommended to remove the lower and middle, large and fleshy leaves, at the very base of the stem. Their length should be from 18 to 45 cm. You can also make medicine from the side shoots of aloe, which should be at least 15 cm long.
2. How to store aloe leaves? Cut leaves should not be used immediately. The raw materials are kept in the refrigerator for 2 weeks (the leaves are first washed and dried well), tightly wrapped in paper. After aging, you can prepare juice, tincture, ointment, and other forms of medicine from the leaves.

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When industrially harvesting aloe raw materials, they are dried in special drying ovens. After which the leaves become wrinkled and brown. They can be stored for 2 years. Fresh raw materials are processed no later than after 24 hours, otherwise the beneficial properties of aloe are lost. Industrially, fresh juice is made from the plant, then it is evaporated and sabur is obtained, which is then used in pharmacology in powder form.

Contraindications

The main contraindication for any products and drugs is individual intolerance.
Aloe juice also has specific contraindications, because... has high bioactivity and a pronounced laxative effect. IMPORTANT! If the uterus is toned in pregnant women and starting from the seventh month of pregnancy, the use of aloe juice is prohibited due to the threat of miscarriage.

Taking juice, and especially sabur, is strictly contraindicated for patients with the following anomalies:

• tendency to bleeding, incl. too heavy menstruation;
• haemorrhoids;
• cystitis;
• acute phases of gastrointestinal diseases,
• exacerbation of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• sudden jumps in blood pressure.

For people with chronic diseases, especially during their exacerbation, the use of recipes with aloe juice must be agreed with a doctor.

Features of using aloe vera for women

Aloe is used in gynecology to treat inflammatory diseases. However, these prescriptions belong to the field of traditional medicine. For example, not all gynecologists support the idea of ​​auxiliary treatment of cervical erosion with tampons with aloe and honey. But in modern gynecological practice, injections (subcutaneous and intramuscular) with aloe vera are widely used. This remedy acts as a general tonic, increases resistance to infectious agents, and stimulates metabolic and regenerative processes in the female body. Injections are prescribed for cervical erosion, inflammation of the appendages, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, infertility, as well as for chronic genitourinary infections (mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia).

Aloe during pregnancy is used only on the recommendation of a doctor. A strict contraindication is the internal use of the medicine, despite all the undeniable benefits of aloe. The cause is the substances anthraquinones. They provide a powerful laxative effect for constipation, but can also tighten the muscle tone of the uterus and provoke premature labor or early miscarriage. The juice stimulates a rush of blood into the pelvis, which can also cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Pregnant women are only allowed to use this plant externally as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent.

Is there any harm from this plant?

The high level of biologically active substances in aloe juice determines its benefits and harms. Caution must be exercised in case of unclear diagnoses, exacerbations of chronic pathologies, diseases of the central nervous system (epilepsy, abnormal excitability), while expecting a child and breastfeeding.

In large doses, the juice can act as a toxin and cause intestinal irritation. accompanied by pain and uncontrollable diarrhea (sometimes with blood). It should not be taken for cracks and ulcers in the intestines.

The biological activity of the substance accelerates internal metabolic processes, and therefore can cause the growth of benign and malignant neoplasms, especially if the plant extract contains leaf skin. Aloin contained in it becomes a carcinogen in large quantities.

To avoid problems with bowel movements in infants, breastfeeding women need to be careful. In addition, increased doses of biologically active substances in milk disrupt the formation of the infant’s immune system.

ATTENTION! Children under 3 years of age should not be given oral medications containing aloe juice or extract.

Composition and release form

in dark glass bottles of 50 ml; 1 bottle in a cardboard pack.

in dark glass bottles of 100 g; 1 bottle in a cardboard pack.

in dark glass jars of 30 g; in a cardboard pack 1 jar.

in a blister pack 10 pcs.; 2 packs in a cardboard box.

Features of storage of the product

If you are preparing aloe juice at home and need it to be stored for a long time, before doing so you need to infuse the plant for 10 days in a cool place. Carefully cut off the largest parts of the plant, store them in airtight containers or bags, and place them in the refrigerator. After 10 days, you can safely remove all the leaves from the bags and wash them, then pat them dry with a towel. After extraction, the juice is ready for consumption, but without preservatives it will not live longer than 3 days. If you need long-term preservation, you need to turn to medical alcohol, the juice needs to be diluted in proportions of 1 to 1. Find dark-colored containers, sterilize them, and pour the resulting mixture into these containers, close and hide in the refrigerator. The most important point in storing juice at home is to prevent air from entering, it will kill all the medicinal properties in it.

Chemical composition of aloe

Aloe (agagave) contains up to 200 different beneficial components. Including amino acids, anthraquinones, resins, minerals, vitamins and other elements that promote the absorption of nutrients. In addition, the plant contains more than 20 amino acids, including important vitamins B, A, C, E.

The mineral complex of this plant is represented by such elements as:

• manganese;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• copper;
• potassium.

The chemical composition of agave includes 12 anthraquinones, which have a powerful laxative effect.

The leaves contain carbohydrates and acids, presented in the form of mono- and polysaccharides. In addition, aloe contains another group - growth-stimulating hormones auxins and gibberellins, which promote wound healing.

Add honey to the mixture

Aloe is often mixed with honey to obtain greater benefits from the medicine.
The sweet product complements the bitter, unpleasant taste of agave and increases its properties many times over. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.

For throat diseases, take fresh aloe juice and honey in equal quantities. The mixture is good for coughs and can be stored for 12 hours, after which it should be made again. Take 3 times a day after meals.

A composition of butter, agave leaves and honey will help remove waste and toxins:

1. Take all ingredients in equal proportions.
2. Chop the leaves and place everything in a dish.
3. Stir and heat in a water bath for 20 minutes.
4. The cooled composition is stored in the refrigerator and taken 5 grams 3 times a day until it runs out. To achieve the best effect, take the medicine with milk.

If you take aloe juice and honey mixed in equal proportions on an empty stomach, they will have a good laxative effect.

Recipe with honey and Cahors

The tincture of Cahors, honey and aloe plants helps with many diseases.
It is easy to prepare and can be used for:

• Pulmonary diseases (inflammation, asthma);
• Prevention of tuberculosis;
• For the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.

Honey in the tincture:

• Fights infectious diseases;
• Restores metabolism;
• Has anti-inflammatory effect.

And Cahors will increase hemoglobin in the blood, which is why it is used for anemia.

You need to prepare the medicine in the following way:

1. Take an agave plant (preferably the lower leaves and more than 3 years old), rinse it in boiled water and dry it.
2. Then grind the leaves in a convenient way to obtain a paste.
3. Take real Cahors from a trusted seller, otherwise it will not have any beneficial properties, but you need liquid honey or melted in a water bath.
4. Place all the ingredients in a bowl, keeping the proportions: one part honey and aloe – 2 parts Cahors. Honey should cover the aloe pulp by 5 mm, and only then add wine.
5. The mixture should be left for 9 days in a cool, dark place and then placed in the refrigerator.

The tincture is stored for about 2 weeks in a glass container. Take it half an hour before meals, one tablespoon at a time.

Agave in combination with honey and Cahors is able to fight tumor diseases:

1. To do this, take a glass of aloe leaves, having previously crushed them.
2. Add one and a half glasses of honey and 2 glasses of Cahors.
3. Mix all ingredients and leave in a cool place for 5 days.

Take the tincture half an hour before meals for a month. It will not work miracles, but it will increase immunity, which is important in the treatment of cancer.

Aloe is a useful plant that can replace many medications; before using it internally, you should consult a doctor to avoid consequences.