Aloe vera is one of approximately 420 species of the genus Aloe; the botanical name of aloe vera is Aloe

barbadensis miller, and it belongs to the Liliaceae family. It’s a perennial, xerophytic, succulent plant
that’s green and has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges. The geographic origin of aloe vera is
believed to be in Sudan, and it was later introduced in the Mediterranean region and most other warm
areas of the world, including Africa, Asia, India, Europe and America.

Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes
from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole
crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex.

Aloe vera is considered to be the most biologically active of the Aloe species; astonishingly, more than 75
potentially active components have been identified in the plant, including vitamins, minerals,
saccharides, amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, lignin, saponins and salicylic acids. It provides 20 of
the 22 human-required amino acids and eight of the eight essential amino acids.

Aloe vera contains many vitamins and minerals vital for proper growth and function of all the body’s
systems. Here’s an easy explanation of aloe vera’s active components:

Aloe vera contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E — plus vitamin B12, folic acid and choline.

It contains eight enzymes, including aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase,

carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.

Minerals such as calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium
and zinc are present in aloe vera.

It provides 12 anthraquinones — or compounds known as laxatives. Among these are aloin and
emodin, which act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.

Four fatty acids are present, including cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sisosterol and lupeol — all
providing anti-inflammatory results.

The hormones called auxins and gibberellins are present; they help with healing wounds and have
anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera provides sugars, such as monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides.

Proven Aloe Vera Benefits

In 2009, a systematic review summarized 40 studies that involved using aloe vera for dermatological
purposes. The results suggest that oral administration of aloe vera in mice works effectively to heal
wounds, can decrease the number and size of papillomas (small growths on the skin), and reduce the
incidence of tumors by more than 90 percent in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. The studies also
showed that aloe vera effectively treats genital herpes, psoriasis, dermatitis, frostbite, burns and
inflammation. It can be used safely as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent.

By 1959, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of aloe vera ointment as an over-the-
counter medication for healing burns on the skin. When aloe vera gel is used on burns, it prevents UV-
induced suppression so the area can heal at a faster rate.

Heals Cold Sores

When aloe vera gel is applied to a cold sore a few times a day, it eases the discomfort and helps speed
the healing process. It’s also safe when consumed by mouth, so there is no need to worry about
swallowing this natural treatment. Aloe vera has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that
accelerate healing and reduce pain associated with cold sores — or any sores on the mouth.

The amino acids and vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin C are also extremely helpful. One of
the vitamin B6 benefits, for example, is it acts as a natural pain treatment and creates antibodies that
our immune system uses to protect us.

Moisturizes Hair and Scalp

Aloe vera is a great natural treatment for dry hair or an itchy scalp. It has nourishing properties, and the
tons of vitamins and minerals that are present keep your hair strong and healthy. Because of aloe vera’s
antibacterial and antifungal properties, it also helps with dandruff, and the gel’s enzymes can rid the
scalp of dead cells and promote the regeneration of skin tissue around the hair follicles.

Treats Constipation

The use of aloe latex as a laxative is well-researched; the anthraquinones present in the latex create a
potent laxative that increases intestinal water content, stimulates mucus secretion and increases
intestinal peristalsis, which are contractions that break down food and mix the chyme.

Helps with Digestion

Because of its anti-inflammatory and laxative components, another aloe vera benefit is its ability to help
with digestion. Aloe vera juice helps digestion, normalizes acid/alkaline and pH balance, lessens yeast
formation, encourages digestive bacteria and regularizes bowel processing.

One study reported in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that 30 milliliters of aloe vera
juice twice a day decreased the level of discomfort in 33 patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Flatulence also decreased for the participants, but stool consistence, urgency and frequency remained
the same.

Aloe vera has been used to soothe and heal stomach ulcers because it has antibacterial agents and
natural healing properties that can restore the stomach lining back to health.

Boosts the Immune System

The enzymes present in aloe vera break down the proteins that we eat into amino acids and turn the
enzymes into fuel for every cell in the body, which enables the cells to function properly. The
bradykinase in aloe vera stimulates the immune system and kills infections. Zinc is also an important
component in aloe vera — making it a great source to combat zinc deficiency — because it’s essential to
maintain immune function.

It helps us ward off diseases, kill bacteria and protect the function of our cell membranes. Zinc is also a
key structural component for a slew of hormone receptors and proteins that contribute to healthy,
balanced mood and immune function.

Aloe Vera is being called a miracle plant because it has proved to be be an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory,
antiviral and antifungal plant, and it’s very good in building up the immune system without causing
allergic reactions or side effects.

Aloe Vera is also being studied for its uses in dentistry .

Provides Antioxidants and Reduces Inflammation

We know that inflammation is at the root of most diseases. Aloe vera provides an amazing number of
vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage.

Treats Diabetes

Some evidence in humans and animals suggests that aloe vera is able to alleviate the chronic
hyperglycemia and perturbed lipid profile that are common among people with diabetes and are major
risk factors for cardiovascular complications. This add natural diabetes cure to the list of aloe vera
benefits.

Interesting Facts

Aloe vera was officially listed as a purgative and skin protectant by the U.S. pharmacopoeia in 1820 and
was clinically used in the 1930s for the treatment of radiotherapy burns to the skin and mucous
membranes. In fact, the manufacturing of aloe vera extracts is one of the largest botanical industries in
the world.

In 2004, the value of the aloe vera industry was estimated to be $125 million for the cost of the raw aloe
material, and $110 billion for finished aloe-containing products. Extracts of aloe vera are used as a
NATURAL fresh food preservative and for water conservation in small farms.

Precausion

Don’t take aloe vera, either gel or latex, if you’re pregnant or breast feeding. There are some reports of
aloe causing miscarriage and birth defects. Children younger than 12 years old may experience
abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhea, so I don’t recommend aloe vera for child use either.

If you have diabetes, some research suggests aloe might lower blood sugar, so if you take aloe by mouth
and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

If you have intestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease, hemorróidas, ulcerative colitis or obstruction,
don’t take aloe latex if you have any of these conditions because it’s a bowel irritant.

Stop taking aloe at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery because it can interfere with blood sugar
control .

High doses of aloe latex have been linked to kidney failure and other serious conditions, so don’t take
aloe latex if you have kidney problems.

Before taking aloe vera, consult your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Seguindo este guia, você vai fazer o suco de Aloe vera com segurança em casa e obter todos os seus
benefícios sem gastar quase nada.

1. Junte os ingredientes. Você vai precisar de:

1 colher de sopa (15 ml) de vinagre branco;

1 copo (200 ml) de água ;

1 copo (200 ml) de qualquer suco de frutas cítricas.

2. Corte uma ou duas folhas de uma planta Aloe barbadensis Miller.

3. Pegue uma faca afiada, retire a casca verde das folhas da planta com cuidado e descarte-as.

4. Remova a camada amarela enxaguando-a suavemente em uma solução de 1 colher de sopa (15 ml) de
vinagre branco e 1 copo (200 ml) de água.

Depois de remover a casca e as camadas amarelas, você deverá ficar apenas com o gel de aloe vera
transparente.

5. Após remover a camada amarela raspe até aproximadamente obter 2 colheres de sopa (30 ml) do gel
transparente de aloe vera .

6. Coloque as 2 colheres de sopa (30ml) de gel de aloe vera transparente em um liquidificador

imediatamente.

7. Adicione 1 copo (200 ml) de qualquer suco natural à base de cítricos, como laranja ou limão, ao
liquidificador.

8. Bata o suco e o gel até que tenham uma aparência uniforme.

9. Despeje o suco misturado em um copo e aproveite!