Aloe Vera
Aloe vera produces at least six natural antiseptic agents, killing mould, bacteria, fungi and viruses, so it’s little wonder aloe vera is one of nature’s most gentle, yet potent, digestive healers. This magical plant is so powerful that researchers and scientists are looking at its potential to fight AIDS, cancer and virus’.
If you use commercially prepared aloe vera, get certified organic juice. If using it fresh, split a large leaf down the middle and scrape out the flesh, avoiding the mildly toxic, yellow part closest to the leaf. Drink 30mls or aloe juice morning and night on an empty stomach.
As a topical moisturiser it’s fantastic also. I rub the gel (I buy in a pump bottle) all over my face and neck as soon as I wake up, after splashing my face with water, and again last thing at night.
While it has many topical uses, I’m a huge fan of its ability to soothe and heal the gut lining, which has a big effect on our skin, mood, weight and overall health. Here are just some of it’s other benefits:
- relieves gastrointestinal disorders such as leaky gut, indigestion, reflux, heartburn, bloating and constipation
- reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including bloating and discomfort
- eases stomach ulcers, colitis, haemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems
- reduces gum disease
- speeds up healing
- helps maintain healthy gut bacteria
- reduces cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart
- balances blood sugar levels and blood pressure
- reduces arthritis and rheumatic pain
- helps with detox
- fights viral, bacterial and fungal infections
Ginger, Lemon and Mint Aloe Jelly (makes 2 ice cube trays)
These jellies are useful for when you’re feeling nauseous, or feeling like you’re coming down with a cold or ‘flu, suffering with any gut pain at all, or reflux.
400ml aloe vera juice, unflavoured
2 tsp agar flakes
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp grated lemon zest, or 2 drops lemon essential oil
1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped or 1 drop peppermint essential oil
Sweetener, optional
Method: Squeeze the grated ginger over a small bowl, so you get the juice, then set aside. (Use the ginger fibre in your cooking.) In a saucepan over medium heat, gently warm your aloe vera juice, then whisk in the agar flakes until dissolved. This should take a minute or two. Bring to the boil then remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the ginger juice, zest and mint (or essential oil). Pour into ice cube trays and chill until set, about an hour.
