Tag Archives: Aloe Vera

4 amazing uses for aloe vera – NaturalNews.com

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4 amazing uses for aloe vera

Wednesday, July 09, 2014 by: Michael Ravensthorpe
Tags: aloe vera, sunburn, skin care

(NaturalNews) Aloe vera (“true aloe”) is the best-known species of the aloe genus, which is native to Africa and certain parts of the Middle East. Renowned for its medicinal properties, aloe vera has been utilized for thousands of years to treat numerous medical conditions ranging from skin irritations and herpes to constipation and diabetes. Indeed, this succulent and mucilaginous plant was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

For the most part, aloe vera remains just as popular in the 21st century. Its green, spear-shaped leaves are a rich source of disease-fighting vitamins and minerals, and it is a common ingredient in countless cosmetic products. Due to its incomparable versatility, however, aloe vera has far more uses than most people realize.

Shaving gel

Aloe vera is a perfect natural substitute for those awful, chemical-laden shaving gels and creams found in drug stores. Firstly, the plant consists of approximately 95 percent water, so it provides a nice, slippery surface that allows for a pleasant, close shave. Secondly, it is packed with anti-inflammatory enzymes, making it good for treating shaving nicks and rashes. Lastly, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft and rejuvenated. You can use aloe vera gel alone for this purpose, or mix it with other skin-friendly ingredients, such as almond oil or eucalyptus oil, for an even more luxurious shave.

Treats bad breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common medical condition that affects an estimated 1 in 4 people on a regular basis. Though commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes can help treat it, their aggressive and unnatural ingredients often leave a lot to be desired. Instead, consider aloe vera. Aside from being a potent antibacterial, aloe contains an anti-inflammatory compound named beta-Sisterol that is known to soothe acid indigestion, which (along with oral bacteria) is a common cause of bad breath.

Though aloe vera does work alone as a mouthwash and toothpaste, mixing it with baking soda seems to have a particularly powerful effect. Aloe vera oil can also be used for oil pulling, the ancient Ayurvedic practice of cleansing the mouth by swishing oil around it for between 15 and 20 minutes.

Makeup remover

Unlike commercial makeup removers, which often contain harsh chemicals that dehydrate the skin, aloe vera gel is a natural and gentle way to remove makeup (including makeup around the eye, where the skin is most delicate). Simply squeeze a dollop of the gel onto a cotton ball and gently rub the makeup from your face. Incidentally, refrigerated cotton balls soaked in aloe vera make an excellent compress for tired and puffy eyes.

Treats sunburn

Aloe vera’s benefits as a skin moisturizer are well-known, but it is often overlooked as a sunburn remedy. Yes, due to its cooling and hydrating properties, aloe vera is very effective at treating sun-damaged skin. Apply the gel or oil onto the affected area and leave it to soak. The aloe will act as protective layer atop the skin and allow it to replenish its moisture (hydrated skin recovers faster from sunburn than dry skin).

Sources for this article include:

http://www.twineagles.org/medicinal-uses-of-aloe-vera.html

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5880/5-Awesome-Uses-for-Aloe-Vera.html

http://science.naturalnews.com/aloe_vera.html

About the author:
Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website, Spiritfoods, through which he promotes the world’s healthiest foods.

5 Foods and Herbs for Healing Cancer » Natural News Blogs

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5 Foods and Herbs for Healing Cancer

Much research has been done on cancer treatments in recent decades to improve therapies for the millions of Americans who are fighting this disease. What some may not be aware of, however, is that many foods and herbs have demonstrated potent anti-cancer properties and can improve both longevity and quality of life. Five of these are discussed below.

Sea Vegetables
Popular in Asia, sea vegetables such as kombu, kelp and nori (the seaweed best known in the preparation of sushi dishes) have all demonstrated remarkable abilities to fight cancer. They are a rich source of natural iodine, a deficiency of which has shown up in many ovarian and breast cancer patients. They also alkalize the body with high levels of calcium and potassium: the alkaline environment is very unfriendly to cancer cells.

Algae
Consumption of algae has been commonplace in Africa and Asia for generations, and the publicity received in recent years for the remarkable properties of algae like chlorella and spirulina has introduced it to the West. Algae are wonderful detoxifiers that can remove heavy metals from the body and strengthen the immune system by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. They are also rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K as well as minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium. In addition, they contain incredibly potent antioxidants like beta-carotene which are renowned for their cancer-fighting power.

Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables include cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower and are another powerful and natural way to fight cancer. Vegetables from this family all contain sulforaphane, a phytochemical that is able to detoxify cancer-causing agents before they are able to damage healthy cells; it also contains chemicals which believe help activate enzymes that detoxify the body. Inclusion of these vegetables in the diet is believed to lower the risk for cancer and halt the growth of tumors in the breast, female reproductive tract, colon, liver and lung.

Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms like reishi and chaga also have the ability to fight cancer; this is due to the fact that they contain a rich array of active compounds including polysaccharides (a complex carbohydrate which can boost the immune system), polyphenols (molecules that are strong anti-oxidants), as well as flavonoids, folates, carotenoids and various enzymes and organic acids. This combination packs quite a powerful punch and have drawn the interest of researchers and oncologists. One recent study showed that regular inclusion of reishi in the diet did in fact prohibit the growth and proliferation of tumors.

Aloe Vera
Most people are aware of aloe vera as a topical medicine only, but when taken orally, its polysaccharides have been proven to modulate the immune system and fight the formation and growth of cancerous tumors. One study published in International Immunopharmacology found that these polysaccharides were able to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which inhibits tumors. Aloe vera is also rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids and phytochemicals that can eliminate bacteria, viruses and fungi from the body. This can make it a powerful tool for the body to use when fighting cancer.

A diet which includes any or all of the following foods does more than just boost the health. It nourishes the immune system and can help those battling cancer to live longer and have a better quality of life.