Aloe Vera is a highly nutritional and medicinal succulent plant that is part of the lily family (Liliaceae) and has been around for thousands of years. Various parts of the plant have different uses ranging from your smoothie’s next best friend to your lifesaver of burns. Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 (niacin) and B6. It even contains B12 (which is rare in plants) and choline.

Minerals that are present in the Aloe Vera plant includes calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese. And to add to the list, Aloe Vera also contains a high amount of amino and fatty acids!

Let’s look at some of the benefits of this thriving plant:

• Detoxification

Aloe Vera can aid in detoxification due to its gelatinous nature. Toxins are absorbed whilst the gel glides through the intestines and is eliminated through the colon.  

• Aids in Digestion

Aloe Vera is said to decrease irritation and increase healing and repair of ulcers in the intestines and stomach. It also helps to decrease inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory disorders in the gut. Aloe Vera can also increase healthy bacteria in the intestines that assist with digestion.

• Relieves Constipation

Aloe Vera can be used as a laxative in various forms, such as gel, tablets or capsules. However keep in mind to use it sparingly as it can be fairly potent when used as a laxative.

• Natural Antiseptic

If Aloe Vera doesn’t appear to be a lifesaver to you yet, listen up! It’s also a natural antiseptic! The properties in Aloe Vera are able to kill mould, fungi, viruses and bacteria. You can use it for athlete’s foot, burns and bruises.

To use topically, slice the Aloe Vera lengthwise and apply the slimy gel onto the surface of your skin. Aloe Vera can also be blended up in your favourite smoothie and you won’t even know it’s there (predominantly tasteless)! Just slice away the external skin and only use the inner gel that appears clear and pop in it your blender along with your favourite smoothie recipe.

Next time you’re at Bunnings or your local nursery, be sure to check out the Aloe Vera! It could very well become your next miracle plant.

References:

• “Top 12 Benefits Of Aloe Vera – Laura Dawn – Happy & Raw”. Laura Dawn – Happy & Raw. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 May 2016.
• “Health Risks & Benefits Of Taking Aloe Vera Juice Internally”. Healthyeating.sfgate.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
• “How To Use Aloe Vera To Treat Constipation”. wikiHow. N.p., 2016. Web. 27 May 2016.
• “40 Amazing Uses For Aloe Vera!”. HowStuffWorks. N.p., 2012. Web. 27 May 2016.