Aloe Vera Juice For Dry, Rough Hair

I’ve read through a lot of the threads, and saw many complaints about dry ends that don’t look so hot with oil on them. I was suprised that nobody has mentioned aloe vera (juice, not the sticky gel). My ex-roommate swore by the stuff, so I thought I’d give it a try and report the results.

I have dry, thin hair that does not absorb oil, and after a round of drying henna, followed by 40V developing cream to lighten the results of  the henna, my ends were feelin’ a bit rough. I had some old aloe juice in the fridge for who knows what reason, and put it on my hair for a few minutes.

After I rinsed it out, I could barely tell where my virgin roots ended and my dyed length began- soft, moist hair was mine again ! I noticed that it also helped my itching as well, although not permanently (I’m not responsive to salicilic acid, which aloe and aspirin both contain). 

Because the aloe left my hair with that plasticy-stringy feel that I get when my hair is too squeaky clean, I decided to dilute it with a touch of oil, a tiny bit of honey, some distilled water so there’d be some moisture to transport into my hair shaft, and a squirt of my Aubrey conditioner.

This combo works better than any conditioner I’ve ever used, doesn’t have the cloying fragrance I’ve come to associate with hair products, and I can even use it to shave my legs. My ends feel like virgin hair, and the effect lasts until I apply something else to my hair.

The only downside is that my new “conditioner” removes a little bit of my hendigo color (I see it in the rinse water), but since mine took too dark anyway, it’s not a problem for me.

Hope this will be of benfit to someone, and if you’ve had experience with aloe on your hair I’d love to hear about it !

Source: http://dulcedelecher.livejournal.com/915.html

10 Top Uses of Aloe Vera

Its been called the “plant of immortality” and the “wand of heaven.” Its been used for hundreds of years to heal and cure. But to a lot of people it is little more than a spiny weed.

Science is really only now starting to understand the capabilities of this unassuming plant. They are now catching on to what the rest of us have known for years. Despite it’s cactus like appearance, aloe vera is actually a member of the lilly family.

There are well over 200 varieties of aloe yet only a handful are recognized as having any sort of nutritional value.

Just one leaf might contain almost 200 compounds including; 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins!

Below is my list of the top ten uses for aloe vera.

10. Burn care

From minor sunburns to more serious chemical burns, this is probably what aloe is most used and known for. While it has been used in this regard for hundreds and hundreds of years, I was really quite surprised to find very little studies have been conducted on this plant with regard to burn care.

There have been quite a few in Asia, including one where the healing time of patients with thermal burns was almost 9 days shorter than the control group not using aloe!

9. Constipation

There are three components to an aloe plant; the leaf (which is usually spiny and somewhat rubbery to the tough, the thick clear gel and a sticky bitter liquid (usually yellow or red) that coats the gel on the inside of the leaf.

This substance, commonly known as aloe latex, contains the anthraquinone glycosides aloin A and B, which are potent laxatives making it a good choice for those that suffer from constipation. Dried latex capsules can be found at most health stores or pharmacies over the counter. You can also use the gel straight from the plant blended with fruit juice.

8. Weight Management

Because aloe creates a strong cathartic response, aloe has been used for many years as a weight loss aid. Scientists are only now though beginning to study the effects of aloe in lowering cholesterol. Studies have found that aloe can significantly reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in patients!

7. Ulcerative Colitis

There is promising (albeit limited) research that suggests aloe vera (taken orally) can be effective in relieving symptoms of this disorder.*

A double-blind, randomized trial examined the effectiveness and safety of aloe vera gel for the treatment of mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis. Researchers gave 30 patients 100 milliliters of oral aloe vera gel and 14 patients 100 milliliters of a placebo twice daily for 4 weeks.

Clinical remission, improvement and response occurred in nine (30 percent), 11 (37 percent) and 14 (47 percent) respectively, of aloe vera patients compared with one (7 percent), one (7 percent) and two (14 percent), respectively of patients taking the placebo. It appeared to be safe.

Science suggests aloe is an acceptable aid in treating Ulcerative Colitis because it is anti inflammatory, contains wound healing properties, anti bacterial and analgesic.

6. Skin issues (such as acne and psoriasis)

A 1996 study published in Tropical Medicine and International Health found that after 16 weeks, a cream with aloe vera extract (30%) significantly helped to clear psoriasis in 25 of 30 patients, compared with 2 of 30 patients who were given a placebo.

Some of the reasons why aloe is so effective in aiding acne and other skin disorders are;

• Aloe aids in the absorption of other ingredients into the skin. Lignin is a component of aloe that actually helps other ingredients of topical creams or gels, penetrate into the skin. Using aloe vera in combination with other active ingredients would help to accelerate the absorption of those ingredients into the skin, killing the acne bacteria.
• Aloe is antiseptic. 3% of Aloe Vera gel is composed of saponins which are soapy substances that cleanse and have antiseptic properties. They also act effectively as anti-microbials against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast.
• Aloe is anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This makes it very useful against acne and is a common ingredient in topical acne creams.
• Aloe vera has enzymes. Enzymes like Bradykinase, help to reduce excessive inflammation and consequently reduce pain. Other enzymes help digest any dead tissues in wounds.

Aloe also contains substances called polysaccharides which stimulate skin growth and repair (which is one of the main reasons why it is so effective on scars.)

5. Diabetes

A study reported in Hormone Research found that when given 1/2 a teaspoon daily for up to 14 weeks, adults with non insulin dependent diabetes had their blood sugar levels lowered by 45%!! Among its many ingredients (such as enzymes, amino acids and various minerals), aloe contains a sugar called glucomannan.

A long-chain sugar molecule composed of glucose and mannose, glucomannan is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions in humans. Researchers suspect the compound interferes with virus replication and/or alters a process involved in the development of infection. Researchers at Tokyo Women’s Medical College have shown that certain proteins in aloe gel may stimulate the production of killer cells, which are naturally occurring white blood cells that defend against bacteria and other immune system threats.

Mannose opens blood vessels and generally aids blood flow while glucomannan promotes healthy levels of blood triglycerides.**

4. Digestive Disorders (such as ulcers, heartburn etc)

The juice of an aloe plant can be very effective in soothing irritations of the esophagus and is generally effective for relieving acid reflux. Aloe has a long history of use in this specific regard in Europe.

If you suffer from heart burn or ulcers, you can try taking a 1/4 to 1/2 cup aloe juice (which you can either make yourself or find in most health food stores) about 20 minutes before each meal.

3. Dandruff

A lot of the shampoos and treatments on the market for dandruff sufferers contain harsh chemicals and can further irritate the scalp. This leads people to ask “is the cure worse than the disease?” Early studies into aloe’s effect on dandruff*** (or seborrheic dermatitis) have proved quite promising.

The gel part of the plant can be used as a pre-treatment before shampooing. Simply massage aloe into scalp and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before using shampoo and styling as usual. This can be done as often as you wash your hair.

2. Yeast Infection

While there are a number of natural methods for healing yeast infections, including garlic (which I have personally used) and yogurt (not vegan though), aloe’s anti-inflammatory and antipruritic qualities can greatly ease the symptoms of a yeast infection, while at the same time it’s, bactericidal and fungicidal properties can actually heal it.

There are two ways to use aloe in this regard:

1. Use the juice as a type of douche once or twice a day.
2. Cut a sliver of the “gel” from the leaf and insert it vaginally.

And finally….

1. Oral Health

Most people are not aware that aloe can do a number of things to help with periodontal issues. There have been numerous cases of people who have used pure aloe gel in their mouths to actually regenerate receding gums!

There are eight main uses of aloe vera in dental practice:

1. Applications directly to the the sites of periodontal surgery.

2. Applications to the gum tissues when they have been traumatized or scratched by toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion, sharp foods, dental floss, and toothpick injuries.

3. Chemical burns are relieved quickly from accidents with aspirin.

4. Extraction sites respond more comfortably and dry sockets do not develop when aloe vera is applied.

5. Acute mouth lesions are improved by direct application on herpetic viral lesions, aphthous ulcers, canker sores, and cracks occurring at the corners of our lips. Gum abscesses are soothed by the applications as well.

6. Other oral diseases chronic in nature respond with Lichen Planus and Benign Pemphigus. Even gum problems associated with AIDS and Leukemia patients receive relief. Migratory glossititis, geographic tongue and Burning Mouth Syndrome are improved.

7. Denture patients with sore ridges and ill-fitting dentures and partials can benefit as fungises and bacterial contamination reduce the inflammatory irritations.

8. Aloe vera can also be used around dental implants to control inflammation from bacteria contamination.

Source of this article: http://thecoconutchronicles.com/?p=81

Studies cited:

* Langmead L, Feakins RM, Goldthorpe S, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 4-1-2004;19(7):739-747.

** Glucomannan minimizes the postprandial insulin surge: a potential adjuvant for hepatothermic therapy. Medical Hypotheses , Volume 58 , Issue 6 , Pages 487 – 490 M . McCarty

*** Vardy AD, Cohen AD, Tchetov T. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. J Derm Treatment 1999;10(1):7-11.

Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Does Not Contain Harmful Aluminum Salt

When the weather is hot and the pressure is on, it is real confidence-booster to maintain that fresh feeling from the start of the day. Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick provides effective, all-day protection against underarm odor, and can be applied directly after showering or waxing without stinging or irritation. Forever Living Products has formulated a product that glides on smoothly, does not stain clothes, and maximizes the deodorant properties of Aloe Vera while eliminating ingredients that could be harmful to your health.

Made with stabilized Aloe Vera gel, this gentle blend of ingredients contains none of the harmful anti-perspirant aluminum salts found in many other deodorant in the market.

Other Benefits of Aloe Ever-Shield

• Whitens underarm
• No irritating chemical ingredients
• Effective protection against underarm odor
• Long lasting pleasant fragrance.

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Sodium Stearate, Stabilized Aloe Vera Gel, Fragrance, Triclosan

Contents: 3.25 oz (92.1 g)

Directions: Apply Aloe Ever-Shield under your arms everyday for a fresh and clean feeling all day long.

Skin Health and Aloe Vera

Source: Dr. S. Anand Kasula

Skin health can be maintained with the regular usage of aloe based products. Aloe Vera has been accepted all over the world as the best to rectify and maintain good skin condition.

The skin is the largest organ and the body’s first line of defense against infection. It also prevents excessive loss or absorption of moisture. The skin also regulates body temperature.

The main four layers of skin are the outer layer or epidermis, below it, the basal cell layer, the inner layer or the dermis and the underlying fatty layer.

New cells are made by the division of cells in the basal layer and move slowly towards the outer body surface, due to the pressure of the new cells being produced below. The cells generally have a life cycle of about 20 to 28 days.

Due to the deep cleaning and penetrating action of Aloe Vera, the blocked skin pores open up. Aloe Vera

increases the blood flow, which results in smoother skin and an improved appearance. It clears up the dead cells also in the process.

Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts – aluminum chlorhydrate, in the aerosol sprays. These salts can block the skin pores and prevent sweat from reaching the surface, upsetting the natural process.

It is said to be one of the causes of breast cancer in women by affecting the lymph nodes and possibly of

Alzheimer’s disease due to the inhalation of the aluminum contents in the spray. A natural product like Aloe deodorant stick(see picture) is healthy and serves the purpose.

Care should be taken while selecting cosmetics. The number of products and brands available are mind-boggling. People assume that when they use a top brand or an expensive product, they would be getting good quality too. This sadly is not true.

Take the case of lipsticks, for example. Some top international brands of lipsticks have been found to contain lead, a cancer-causing chemical. Here is a simple test to determine the presence of lead in lipsticks.

Apply the lipstick on the back of your hand or wrist, wait for a minute and then scratch the applied area with a gold ring. If the color of the lipstick turns black, it indicates lead content.

Watch out for products that claim that their lipsticks stays longer. This means that a higher amount of lead is used. Do not let the usage of a poor quality lipstick be the cause of cancer.

Many companies are now advertising about the Aloe Vera content in their shampoos, soaps, detergents etc. The amount of the Aloe Vera content in these products varies from brand to brand.

Select a product with high content of Aloe Vera, as it can ensure that your skin health is optimized and damaging side effects avoided.

Aloe Vera for Weight Management

The benefits of Aloe Vera for weight loss and detox, especially seeing that obesity has reached near epidemic levels in our time…

The use of Aloe Vera for weight loss has never been more necessary. In the UK for instance it is reported that 1,000 people cross the border line from overweight to obese daily. Most weight loss remedies in the past had numerous problems. They used to involve distressing diets and workouts that involved a major disruption of normal daily living.

And an even greater problem was to maintain one’s ideal body weight for any length of time.

An increasing appreciation of nature’s potential and relentless research into age-old wisdom has now led to more and more people discovering and embracing the power of Aloe Vera for weight loss.

Firstly, Aloe Vera gel facilitates digestion by aiding the immune system. It helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a soothing, balancing effect helpful to the stomach, small intestine and colon.

Aloe Vera gel is also an effective agent not only to reduce but also to stabilize the body mass index.

The action of Aloe Vera gel on body weight is multi-pronged, making it suitable for varied population groups and individuals. It has something to offer to everyone regardless of age or sex.

Aloe Vera stimulates the metabolic rate in the liver cells helping you to burn more energy.

The activity of each cell rises and more heart is generated. The increasing amount of fuel required for this task is derived from fat and carbohydrate stores of the body.

This has a direct effect on the body mass index. Thus consuming Aloe Vera gel and other Aloe Vera supplements is akin to doing multiple workouts over any period of time!

Aloe Vera also has a high content of Collagen protein. Supplementing aloe Vera in the diet increases protein intake. Proteins are naturally difficult to digest and the body spends more energy assimilating them into the system.

This additional expenditure of energy is well suited for someone who wants to exchange flab for brawn. Imagine a weight loss supplement that builds up while burning your fat stores at the same time!

That’s what employing the power of Aloe Vera for weight loss can do for you!

Aloe Vera decreases the transit time that food spends in the intestine. The faster food moves the less is absorbed, enhancing the actions of Aloe Vera on the body mass index.

Using Aloe Vera for weight loss also serves to simultaneously detoxify your body giving you a ‘double’ benefit.

Aloe Vera has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties against a broad range of microbes.

Amino acids methionine, serine and thereonine – all components of Aloe Vera – provide powerful detoxifying activity.

They detoxify heavy metals, help in proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein thus preventing buildup of fat in the liver and arteries.

These detoxifying properties of Aloe Vera help the colon to work most efficiently.

Highly processed and refined foods that are common in today’s diets lack fiber and pass through the system slowly, allowing toxins in the waste to be reabsorbed into the body.

However, the action of Aloe Vera causes food to pass through the system more quickly and easily.

Less obvious problems due to an inefficient colon like lack of energy, respiratory issues, bad breath, non-cystic acne and dry skin are also avoided.

Aloe Vera helps expel excess water in the cells. It works wonders in people with failed kidneys.

One of the main reasons for hair loss is toxins in the small intestine. The detoxifying action of Aloe Vera leads to the removal of these toxins which helps remedy this problem.

Aloe Vera is definitely your herb of choice for a clean, lean and healthy lifestyle.

You can also learn how the powerful antioxidant properties of Aloe Vera can protect you from harmful activities of ‘Free Radicals’!

Source: http://www.aloeverabenefits.com/category/aloe-vera-for-weight-loss

Avoided By-pass Surgery Suresh Ganpat! How? Read on…

Chemical Free, Fluoride Free “Forever Bright Toothgel”

Aloe vera has long been treasured for its quality
and versatility – including dental care. Your
teeth will gleam with Forever Bright, one of the
best toothgels on the market.

Formulated for the entire family to use, Forever
Bright contains only the highest quality ingredients.
It is also suitable for vegetarians since it
contains no animal by-products. Natural peppermint
and spearmint flavorings leave your
mouth feeling fresh and clean.

The combination
of stabilized aloe vera gel and bee propolis
soothes gums and mouth linings, and can be
applied directly when brushing is too painful.

Years of research, development and collaboration
with scholars and dentists has provided
Forever Living with the optimum formula for
effective cleaning. The result is an aloe-based
formula that keeps breath fresh and whitens without bleaching. Your family will love the flavor
and the clean mouth-feel.

Note: This product does not contain
fluoride.

INGREDIENTS
Aloe Barbadensis Gel (Stabilized Aloe Vera
Gel), Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Glycerin,
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Carrageenan, Flavor,
Bee Propolis, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium
Benzoate, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex
CONTENTS
4.6 oz (130g)
DIRECTIONS
Brush teeth after meals, have regular dental
check-ups and avoid between meal treats.

Sufficient Vitamin E Intake Prevents Physical Decline During Aging

by David Gutierrez (source: www.Naturalnews.com)

Older people with more adequate blood levels of vitamin E appear to experience less physical decline, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Yale University School of Medicine and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Researchers measured vitamin E blood levels of 698 people over the age of 65 who were living in or around Florence, Italy. Over the course of three years, participants were periodically tested on their balance, how well they performed when asked to take a short walk, or to stand up from a sitting position.

“The odds of declining in physical function were 1.62 times greater in persons with low levels of vitamin E compared with persons with higher levels,” said lead researcher Benedetta Bartali. “Our results suggest that an appropriate dietary intake of vitamin E may help to reduce the decline in physical function among older persons.”

The researchers did not find any connection between physical performance and blood levels of other vitamins, including folate, B-6, B-12 or D. There was also no connection found between performance on the tests and energy intake. This suggests that the protective benefit comes from vitamin E specifically, and not from general nutritional status.

The study was not designed to determine exactly how vitamin E affected the physical decline associated with aging, but the researchers hypothesized that vitamin E’s antioxidant properties might be part of what protects the body. In addition, vitamin E is known to play a role in the formation of red blood cells.

Good dietary sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, whole wheat, soy, seeds and nuts, and olives. Bartali noted that it is not clear whether vitamin E supplements provide the same protective benefit as dietary sources.

“Since only one person in our study used vitamin E supplements, it is unknown whether the use of vitamin E supplements would have the same beneficial effect,” Bartali said.

Bee Propolis: Nature’s Healing Balm With Immune Boosting Properties

by Katherine East

Bee propolis is a remarkable natural substance collected and produced by honeybees. It is often referred to as a natural antibiotic and has many diverse uses. I love it when nature clearly has the upper hand over the frailty of our human science. Bee propolis is one such substance and has even been described as having anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties with immune modulating effects. These may sound a little too good to be true but you can’t go wrong with a bottle of bee propolis in your medicine cabinet. As a natural remedy it will be incredibly useful for at least it’s anti-viral effects.

What is Bee Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from trees and plants. Bees use it as a natural antibiotic to protect their hive and as defence against disease in the hive. They do this by using it as a seal over foreign matter so that it does not pollute the hive as well as for creating doorways. It is made up of waxes, resins, fatty acids and amino acids. Hundreds of chemical properties have been identified in propolis and this differs from hive to hive as well as with the environment the bees live in and the time of day the propolis was collected. This makes propolis exceedingly complex which is why no one has attempted to synthesise the product. It is natural and cannot be patented and therefore research into the substance is limited regarding its clinical benefits.

Propolis has long been used as a natural remedy and it is thought that it’s the numerous flavonoids which it contains that account for its wound healing benefits. Some studies suggest that it may be used against bacteria and viruses and other microorganisms when applied to infected areas topically. Propolis has anti-microbial action on both gram-positive and gram-negative micro-organisms. It contains constituents that increase membrane permeability and inhibit bacterial motility. It is commonly used for wound infection and other illnesses.

Anti-viral and Immune Boosting Effects

A study was done on the effects of bee propolis on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) — also known as canker sores — at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Canker sores are an ulcerative disorder of the oral cavity. They have no cure and medicine used to prevent further outbreaks and relieve pain comes with its own set of dangerous side-effects. Bee propolis was evaluated as a potential remedy to reduce the number of mouth ulcer outbreaks. There were two groups of patients, one group who took a placebo capsule and the other group who took a propolis capsule. Patients who took the propolis capsule showed a significant decrease in the number of outbreaks of mouth ulcers. Another great effect of the propolis was that the patients reported a definite improvement in their quality of life. This would likely be due to the immune boosting effects that propolis has with its high levels of B-vitamin complex and notable quantities of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.

Propolis had shown anti-inflammatory action and has been used to treat arthritis as well as allergies and asthma. It has even been shown to be effective against MRSA, the antibiotic resistant bacteria that is affecting many hospitals. People who are allergic to bees should however use propolis with caution as an allergic reaction to the substance could occur. Recent studies have shown that there may be a place for trying propolis on skin cancer but these were test tube studies and not done on humans so trying this as a remedy for skin cancer should be done with the co-operation of your preferred health practitioner.

Propolis is available in a wide assortment of products found in pharmacies and health food stores, including tablets, capsules, powders, extracts, ointments, creams, lotions, and other cosmetics. If you are allergic to bee venom (bee stings) then caution should be used when trying bee products. Seek advice from a health practitioner first.

Study Reference:

((http://www.springerlink.com/content/d86…)

About the author

Katherine Oosthuis manages and writes for a health and nutrition website Detox For Life . Her passion is to make research available to those who are looking to improve their well-being and revolutionise their health through better nutrition and alternative medicines.

Why Drug Companies Do Not Want You to Take Supplements

by Flora Stay, D.D.S. (see all articles by this author)

Supplements like Coenzyme Q10, amino acids, even a daily multiple vitamin can provide your body with natural health benefits. So why would the pharmaceutical companies have a problem with this? Think about it. If nutritional supplements worked for even a small portion of the people currently bound to their prescription medications for heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other degenerative diseases, the drug companies would stand to lose a lot of money!

That’s why they spend tons of money trying to discredit anything that may even hint of helping you. Americans more than ever before realize the importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in not only preventing disease, but also in promoting good health.

For example, nonprescription guaifenesin works well to clear phlegm from the chest. Guaifenesin has also been used to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The aging baby boomer generation is becoming skeptical about drugs and turning more to supplements. According to the Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Association, calcium, glucosamine, coenzyme Q 10, and women’s multi-vitamins are some of the supplements most preferred and purchased.

This makes sense since women are most at risk of developing osteoporosis and their physicians will likely prescribe hormone replacement therapy. However, reports indicate multiple side effects to these types of treatment. Women are therefore looking at nutritional supplements as an alternative, such as calcium magnesium supplements or glucosamine.

Stress, according to current medical research, depletes our bodies’ level of vital nutrients. With air pollution, junk foods and the high level of stress most Americans function under, nutritional supplements should be part of everyone’s daily routine.

Today, more than ever, augmenting your diets with dietary supplements makes good sense. But more than that, you also need to be open to the idea that these vitamins and minerals may help you escape the ravages of some of the diseases that many of us as we age fall prey to. That being said, it’s important to do some homework and choose the right supplements for you in the proper dosages.

About the author

Flora Stay, D.D.S. has been a practicing dentist for over 30 years. She is the author and contributing author to books as well as magazines such as Total Health, Prevention, Men’s Health and others. She is currently an Associate Professor at U.S.C. School of Dentistry Dept. of Diagnostic Sciences. Visit her website for a free e-book “Product Labels: a cautionary tale” at www.cleure.com