Natural Health Article

 

Aloe Vera: The Ultimate Natural Soother
By Amy Phillips-Gary

What can ease the pain of a sunburn, help with digestion, lower cholesterol and even potentially cure cancer?

It's possibly sitting in a pot in your house right now.

That's right, the aloe vera. This spiky, green goo-filled plant has so many healing capabilities it's quite astounding!

I've always known about aloe vera's soothing effects after a day at the beach, but I had no idea how versatile and powerful it can be.

Aloe vera acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent for your body. It also helps de-toxify your body, strengthens your immune system and it can even help you lose weight.

This plant is non-toxic, so it is safe to use to address many health challenges of varying severity. While it is rare, some people have had allergic reactions to aloe vera, however, and pregnant or nursing women should consult with their health care practitioners or La Leche League leaders for advice before using it.

When taking aloe vera internally be sure to follow the label instructions or other advice from a health care practitioner to be sure you are not exceeding the recommended amount.

Where can you find aloe vera?
This succulent plant that originated in Northern Africa grows best in arid climates where it is drier and hotter. Some people who live in the Southwestern U.S. have entire aloe vera gardens in their yards!

But you can successfully grow aloe vera indoors or in a greenhouse just about anywhere.

I've found that watering my aloe vera plant only occasionally is helpful. A sandy, well-draining soil and a sunny spot by a window are also beneficial for this plant to thrive. Aloe vera is resistant to most pests.

You might come across various products such as lotions and creams that include aloe vera in the name at your local drugstore. Be sure you read the ingredients label before purchasing them.

Health benefits can come most effectively from pure aloe vera gel or juice.

Whether you purchase an aloe vera product from your natural foods store or another retailer or you harvest your own from the pot in your home, you can treat many irritations and maladies with this ultimate natural soother.

Here are few conditions that can improve from treating with aloe vera....

Topically
Sunburns
Minor kitchen burns
Bruises or bumps
Rashes
Blisters
Athlete's Foot
Eczema
Wrinkles or stretch marks

Internally
High cholesterol
Constipation
Digestive upset
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Arthritis
Candida (yeast infections)
Cancer


*Please note: This information is not meant as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or health care practitioner. Please consult a trusted source for more information before supplementing or replacing your current health care treatment with aloe vera.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy Phillips-Gary is a freelance writer, homeschool mom and personal growth practitioner.












 

===============================================
Susie and Otto Collins are Relationship Coaches and authors of 4 books on relationships and personal growth. To get their FREE weekly newsletter filled with practical tips and ideas for creating more connected, passionate and alive relationships send a blank message to mailto:collins@aweber.com 
or visit their web site at http://www.collinspartners.com 

===============================================