Aloe Vera is rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene which provides its nourishing and anti-aging qualities
Aloe Vera or “Lalwa” in Haitian Creole, is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat various health conditions for thousands of years.
An evergreen perennial, Aloe Vera originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses and can be successfully grown indoors as a potted plant.
In Ayurveda, the 3000-year-old Indian alternative natural system of medicine, Aloe Vera is known as one of the oldest plants to provide numerous benefits for your skin, health, weight loss, and more. It has been recommended to treat flesh wounds, dry skin, minor burns, cuts, skin irritations, inflammation, constipation, and more. Ayurveda describes Aloe Vera as having healing properties, so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the miracle plant.
Can you Ingest Aloe Vera
Gel from the Aloe Vera plant is safe to eat as long as it is prepared properly to carefully remove the inner skin. My mother used to make a detox drink with Aloe Vera gel when she felt in need of a cleansing, although if overused the laxative effect can lead to dehydration. Mum believes, and I agree, that drinking Aloe Vera juice early in the morning, on an empty stomach, can help to improve digestion along with aiding various kinds of stomach trouble. It is not very tasty on its own but can taste wonderful when mixed with water and fruits for a nutritious drink.
However, there are safety concerns regarding the inner skin due to the latex coating containing the natural laxative Aloin. Aloin is a yellowish substance with a bitter taste, present in the peel and on the outer layer of the gel. Studies suggest ingesting excessive amounts of Aloin can cause diarrhoea and cramps, although small amounts are used in some cultures as a homemade laxative
Medicinal
Additionally, I have on occasion, used my Aloe Vera plant along with jojoba oil (more times than I care to admit) in order to provide instant cooling and for the healing of burns caused by a kitchen mishap. What I love about my little concoction is that the results produce zero scarring when applied correctly. Talk about a miracle!
Skincare
While Aloe plants are best suited to warm tropical climates, you can nurture these plants at home. I have two thriving Aloe Vera plants that I have been growing for a while. They are huge and have taken over the windowsill in my kitchen. And I would not have it any other way.
Momma’s Recipe
Below is a recipe that my mother has shared with me from her stash of home remedies. Give it a try and please share your opinions.
Finally, it is important that you remove the latex layer from the leaf. learn more here. Aloe Vera latex can be harmful, especially to pregnant women, people with digestive disorders and people on certain medications. learn more here
Momma’s Aloe Vera Respiratory Recovery Drink:
Ingredients
1 Medium Aloe Vera leaf Extract gel and cut into cubes
· 2 cups of milk (almond or coconut for dairy free)
· 1 stick of cinnamon
· 1 thumb of ginger finely grated
· 2-3 cloves
· 1 tsp turmeric
· 2 tbsp of honey
Instructions
Step 1: To prepare the gel, cut off the spiky edges on the top and alongside the aloe vera leaf. Next, slice off the skin off the flat side, remove the clear gel and dice it into small cubes. Make sure to wash the gel cubes thoroughly to remove all the traces of dirt, debris and residue. Latex residue can give the gel a bitter taste. Set the gel aside once extracted. A useful guide on extracting aloe gel can be found at healthonline.com
Step 2: Boil all ingredients together except honey and Aloe Vera for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Remove cloves and cinnamon stick before blending!
Step 4:Cool down for a few minutes then add honey and Aloe Vera gel and blend.
I hope you enjoy this tasty nutritional drink that will also help clear excess mucus in your lungs.
If you have an Aloe Vera based recipe that you’d like to share, then please let us know by leaving a reply below or contacting us here
