Aloe Vera and high Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

According to the World Heart Federation there are at least 970 million people worldwide who suffer from high blood pressure. The World Health Organization estimates that this figure will rise to 1.56 billion adults by 2025 !

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure with which the blood is pumped through the arteries as the heart pumps the blood through the body. If the blood pressure is elevated over a longer period of time, it can damage the body by affecting the heart, kidneys, blood vessels and other parts of the body. Given that there are usually no signs or symptoms, it is advisable to check the blood pressure even when a person feels fine to prevent possible damage to vital organs. Some people experience headaches, dizziness or a feeling like a coffeine surge if their BP is too high. 

Blood pressure is measure in 2 numbers, the systolic (top number) is the pressure when the heart beats whilst pumping blood, whilst the diastolic or bottom number refers to the pressure between beats when the heart is at rest.  

The normal blood pressure for a a healthy adult aged 18 and older should be less than 120/80 for both numbers. Prehypertension, or slightly raised blood pressure is between 120 to 139 for the top number or 80 to 89 for the bottom number.

The next 2 stages of high blood pressure are 140 to 159 for the top number or 90-99 for the bottom number, whilst the 2nd stage refers to a top number of 160 or higher or a bottom number of 100 or higher. 

A person's blood pressure changes all the time. During sleep, the blood pressure drops and it rises again when a person wakes up. Other reasons for rising the blood pressure could be excitement, fear, nervousness or activity. Blood pressure also tends to rise as we get older and a healthy diet and lifestyle is of vital importance to prevent high blood pressure. 

If the BP is elevated above the normal levels over a prolonged period of time, it can cause the heart to enlarge or become weaker. This can lead to possible heart failure as the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to maintain the body's needs, but it can also lead to the formation of aneurysms, i.e. an abnormal widening or dilation (like a balloon) in the wall of an artery due to a weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. As the aneurysm grows, the risk of rupture becomes greater and can lead to severe hemorrhages and even sudden death.

High cholesterol levels mean that there is a build-up of fats (lipids LDL or 'bad cholesterol') on the inside walls of the blood vessels. When the vessels are restricted and the BP is too high, it can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, amputation or blindness depending on the location and type of ruptured blood vessel. 

The best prevention for high BP is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoiding 'bad cholesterol', reducing stress, exercising and being well balanced emotionally. There is a large variety of BP-reducing medications on the market but always seek a professional medical opinion before purchasing any medications. 

As a prevention for high BP, one of the best natural remedies is Aloe Vera obviously in combination with a healthy lifestyle!  

So why exactly is Aloe Vera beneficial to prevent high BP? 

The synergy of ingredients of Aloe Vera and the way they interact with each other is what makes this plant so unique and gives it its healing effects.  One of the compounds in Aloe Vera is Acemannan, a D-isomer mucopolysaccharide (a major carbohydrate) that has immunostimulant, antiviral, antineoplastic and gastrointestinal properties. Its immunostimulant properties help boost the immune system and  reduces inflammation and free radicals, which improves oxygen supply.  

The body's cells receive oxygen from the arteries in the lungs that branch out into smaller and smaller blood vessels until they turn into tiny capillaries (the smallest blood vessels). It is there where the oxygen passes over into the cells. Poor eating habits, environmental pollution and stress and increased physical effort weaken the immune system so that free radicals make the body more susceptible for micro inflammations to occur throughout the body that can damage blood vessels and lead to a thickening of the fine capillary walls. If the capillary walls are thickened,  the flow of blood slows down, hence limiting the oxygen supply.

Aloe Vera

The latest studies have revealed that taking Aloe Vera in conjunction with other natural substances can improve this effect even further. Silicon, Evening primrose and alkaline minerals together with Aloe Vera can be absorbed much faster into cells than any other known substance.  

Stinging Netlle

Silicon is a base material necessary for cell growth, it stabilizes the tissue, strengthens bones, hair, nails, connective tissues and the walls of the capillaries. With age the walls of the blood vessels have a tendency to lose their form and resilience, i.e. they can collapse and interrupt the blood flow, which in the worst case scenario can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Silicon is a base material necessary for cell growth, it stabilizes the tissue, strengthens bones, hair, nails, connective tissues and the walls of the capillaries. With age the walls of the blood vessels have a tendency to lose their form and resilience, i.e. they can collapse and interrupt the blood flow, which in the worst case scenario can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Evening Primrose

Aloe Vera reduces the swelling on the capillary walls so that the blood cellls can flow normal again and the improve the body's oxygen supply. By doing this it also removes toxins and impurities more quickly.

Silicon strengthens and supports the capillary walls and thereby keeps the blood flow open which results in improving the oxygen supply. Silicon cannot cannot be absorbed by the human body in its original form, however, there are natural alternatives as for example stinging nettle which is rich in silicon.  

To achieve optimum oxygen supply also depends on the condition of the blood itself. Only when the blood is liquid enough can it pass through the narrow capillaries. Evening Primrose has polyunsaturaded fatty acids and basic alkaline minerals which thin the blood and prevent clotting of the blood and therefore improve the blood flow. The Alkaline minerals support the elasticity of the red blood cells by helping them to pass through the tiny capillaries more quickly and therefore improve blood flow. 

The combination of Aloe Vera, Silicon, Evening Primrose and the alkaline minerals improves the oxygen supply through Aloe Vera's decongestant effect whilst the Silicon strengthens the capillary walls and leads unrestricted blood flow, whilst the alkaline minerals reinforce both.

Aloe Vera and Gastritis

Gastritis is a combination of various conditions, including irritation, inflammation or infection of the inner stomach wall. 

It is a very common condition that affects people of all age groups.

The cause is generally due to various conditions like stress, bacteria, injury, regular use of particular pain medication, overeating on certain foods, drinking too much alcohol, and many more.  

The symptoms are upper abdominal pain but it can also occur without feeling pain and some people suffer from a burning sensation higher up in the chest. Some people notice that consuming certain foods or drinks worsens the pain and some people also feel cramping or vomiting and feeling less energetic. Gastritis can occur suddenly but it can also develop slowly over time and become chronic. It is linked to hyperacidity and can lead to acid reflux syndrome, stomach ulcers and even cancer.

Conventional treatment consists of acidity reducing drugs in combination with a change in diet to avoid certain foods that aggravate the condition like fatty and refined foods, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and carbonated as well as citrus drinks. Where the cause is due to bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) patients are also prescribed antibiotics.

There have been several studies on the efficacy of Aloe Vera for treating gastritis and stomach related problems. All of these studies suggested that Aloe Vera does have certain properties to alleviate the condition, however, not all studies have been conclusive.

Having been a long-term sufferer of Gastritis myself, I decided to do my own research by talking with fellow sufferers in person and via Internet, trying out various cures, studying various medical studies (I used to write for a medical publication) and so on.

One thing upfront, a change in diet IS necessary. It’s no good to take prescribed medicines and carry on eating or drinking the same foods. The symptoms might feel subdued or less obvious but you won’t get rid of the cause just by taking drugs if you continue eating and drinking as usual. Synthetic drugs are not a miracle cure and all pills have side effects.

If the main cause for gastritis is stress related you also have to find ways to reduce the stress somehow. I know it’s easier said than done but you’ll quickly figure out that if you don’t reduce the stress causing factors or at least accept them, you will feel a lot worse. Try and find something that works for you, whether its meditation, yoga and just accept what you can’t change… It’s tough I know but it’s not impossible!

Changing your eating habits is never an easy task but you will notice yourself that you instinctively start avoiding certain foods that you know will make you feel worse. That’s your body’s way of telling you what it needs and what you should avoid. Listen to your body, its not rocket science and the results are pretty much instant!

Most people I interviewed told me that they avoid processed, fatty, spicy foods and those with high sugar contents. Even for those who can’t cook or don’t enjoy cooking, swap that chocolate bar or the greasy hamburger for something natural. Instead of carbonated drinks or coffee drink herbal teas (for a lot of people hemp tea, chamomile tea and red tea works really well) water or certain smoothies that are gentle on the stomach. The great thing is that these days most super markets stock quite a large variety of natural and organic foods and most café’s and restaurants also cater to your needs if you ask them. 

Supplement your diet with natural cures, such as Aloe Vera juice or organic Aloe Vera capsules. One or 2 table spoons of natural organic Aloe Vera juice has helped countless people to cure their gastritis and in contrast to drugs that have a number of side effects, people found that it offers various other benefits, such as healthier skin, hair and nails, feeling more energetic and having a better metabolism. Admittedly the juice doesn’t taste very nice and the easiest way is to mix it into your food or a drink.  

Please note that Aloe Vera juice contains a small amount of Aloin and should not be used for people with liver problems. Higher doses of Aloin can also act as a gentle laxative and if you are in any doubt, consult with your doctor. None of the people I spoke to experienced any negative side effects apart from not liking the taste, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some people who might feel its not right for them.

There have been several controversial statements and studies in terms of Aloin and Aloe Vera. Take them with a pinch of salt unless you have studied the subject and you know exactly what parts of the plant have been used, in what context and so on…

Some studies only investigate isolated properties of the Aloe Vera plant but it is a well-known fact it is the overall combination of the plant’s ingredients, its synergy, that cause the plant’s beneficial effects. If a study only researches one or two properties without taking the others into account, of course the results can be totally different! If you look into various studies of the entire plant, there is overwhelming evidence that Aloe Vera has numerous proven benefits. I am not saying dismiss any study results but do your own research and compare that with thousands of testimonials of people who have used Aloe Vera for thousands of years!

For those who now yell ‘But it’s not FDA approved!’ Please!!!

I’m not even going there, here is a link that explains just a few reasons Why is Aloe Vera not FDA approved?

To clarify matters, Aloin only occurs in the outer green part of the plant and because most juices are not extracted by hand the Aloin content might be slightly higher but still minimal. If you find a source that harvests and produces the juice by hand, the content of Aloin is so low that it can hardly justify as a health risk.

In contrast to Aloe Vera juice, Aloe Vera gel is made only from the inner part of the plant and does generally not contain any Aloin. It can also be used instead of Aloe Vera juice for those who prefer it.

Taking Aloe Vera in capsule form is another alternative. There are various capsules on the market, however, I only trust in companies that retail strictly organic Aloe Vera, such as Aloe Vera and Aloeride. 

If you want to be absolutely certain about what you put into your body, get some Aloe Vera plants and make your own juice or gel…

As with all natural products, be sensible and don’t overdose, just because its good for you doesn’t mean the more you take the better it is for you… Always do your research and preferably buy organic Aloe Vera juice, such as Aloe Vera D-Gest or Aloe Vera D-Tox, and if you can from sources that harvests and extracts by hand. The price is slightly higher but the quality is definitely better.

Animal Study Shows that Aloe Vera Enhances Memory and Learning and Alleviates Depression

Aloe Vera for better learning and memory and to combat depression 

The Nutritional Neuroscience Journal reports that tests revealed that Aloe Vera improves memory in mice and also alleviates depression. 

The researchers wanted to research the effect of Aloe Vera on learning, memory, locomotion and depression and discovered that, "Aloe Vera enhances learning and memory and also alleviates depression in mice."

The authors of the study conclude that further studies are required to determine whether the same benefits apply to humans.  

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23394255

Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel in Healing Burns

Aloe Vera Gel is superior to treat Second Degree Burns than SSD Cream

The Journal of Pakistan Medical Association reports that a research team of plastic surgeons carried out a study to test the effectiveness of Aloe Vera Gel to 1% silver sulphadiazine cream (SSD) to treat second degree burns. 

The researchers found that burns of patients treated with Aloe Vera healed significantly quicker and experienced much better and earlier pain relief than those treated with the silver sulphadiazine cream. 

According to a statement from one of the study authors, "Thermal burns patients dressed with Aloe Vera gel showed advantage to those dressed with SSD regarding early wound epithelialization (the process in which a wound is covered with or converted to cellular tissue) or, earlier pain relief and cost-effectiveness." 

A second degree burn

Source Wikipedia

First Degree Burns

The most common degree of sunburn and the easiest to recognize on fair-skinned people. 

Skin is pink to bright red and feels painful.

Second Degree Burns

In second degree burns the skin is burned to such an extent that the body's defense mechanism tries to protect the skin by sending fluid into the affected area to stop the burning process, which causes blisters to develop. 

Skin starts to blister 

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns are often deadly because the body is out of fluid and the patient's cells have been deeply damaged. 

Cracked open skin that may look like small fissures

"Dried-looking" skin 

Aloe Vera helps to keep Teeth and Gums Healthy

The medical journal GENERAL DENTISTRY reports that Aloe Vera in tooth gels is equally effective in the fight against cavities as toothpaste and in some instances even superior in regulating oral bacteria that cause cavities than ordinary brand toothpastes.





The study tested Aloe Vera gel with two common commercial brands of toothpaste. Aloe gel contains anthraquinones that have natural anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used to reduce pain and for healing. 

According to the study, compared with commercial toothpaste Aloe Vera gel is extremely beneficial for people with sensitive gums and teeth as it is not abrasive and therefore much more gentle on teeth and gums. Although the researchers added that the study results only apply to tooth gels that contain stabilized Aloe Vera gel, i.e. gel that contains no Aloin and is taken only from the center of the plant. 

Dr. D. George, MDS added that the gel "must not be treated with excessive heat or filtered during the manufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effects of certain essential compounds, such as enzymes and polysaccahrides." 

For those unsure which toothpaste to use and which have achieved the seal of quality, Dr. George recommends to check with non-profit organizations like the International Aloe Science Council. 

You can also take Aloe Vera as a supplement in capsule form but make sure you use trustworthy 100% organic companies such as Aloe Vera or Aloeride. 

DIY Aloe Vera Face Masks and Skin Treatments

We have compiled some of the, quickest, most popular and easy-to-make Face Masks and Skin Treatments for you: 

Aloe Vera Facial Scrub

Aloe Vera Mask to Relieve Sensitive, sun-damaged and dehydrated skin

Aloe Vera Mask for Radiant Skin

Aloe Vera Treatment for Age spots, Blemishes, Skin Whitening & Pigmentation marks 

Aloe Vera Skin Detox Mask

Aloe Vera Facial Scrub - The perfect cleanser for morning and night

You will need:

• 3 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel
• 2 inches of cucumber
• 2 - 3 tbsp of almonds 
• 1 tbsp of oatmeal

To make your face mask:

Blend almonds in a blender until they turn into a thick paste,

add the cucumber, Aloe Vera gel and oatmeal and blend again until mixture is smooth but not too smooth

Apply to face, neck and chest and gently massage into the skin or use a facial scrubber to apply the mixture

If you want to use this as a scrub, rinse off and then pat dry 

For use as a facemask leave on for about 15 minutes before you rinse off and pat your skin dry

Note! 

Although it is better to make the scrub/mask fresh each time you want to use it, you can also make a larger batch and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days!

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Aloe Vera Mask to Relieve Sensitive and/or sun-damaged and dehydrated skin

You will need:

§       2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel

§       2 inches of cucumber (with or without skin)

§       2 tbsp of natural full fat bio yoghurt

§       A few drops of Rose or Witch hazel Water

To make your face mask:

Blend all ingredients together into a paste and apply to your face. If the mixture is too runny you can add some wheat germ. Apply to face, neck, chest or affected areas and leave on for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with water and tap dry the area

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Aloe Vera Radiant Skin Mask:

You will need:

§       1 - 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel

§       1 tsp Honey

§       Pinch of Turmeric

§       1 tsp Milk 

§       A few drops of Rose Water

To make your face mask:

Mix 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of milk with a few drops of rose water and a pinch of turmeric to form a paste

Add the Aloe Vera gel to the paste and mix well (If you have a strip or cubes of Aloe Vera you have to blend it first)

Apply evenly to face and neck for approx. 15 to 20 mins before rinsing it off with water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel

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Aloe Vera Treatment for Age spots, Blemishes, Skin Whitening & Pigmentation marks 

You will need:

§       Juice of 1 Lemon 

§       2 - 3 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel

§       A few drops of Rose water 

To make your face mask:

Mix all ingredients together and apply with a cotton ball or clean make up brush to areas you wish to whiten and gently massage into the skin

Leave on for 20 to 30 mins before rinsing the mixture off with cold water

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Aloe Vera Skin Detox Mask

You will need:

§       2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel

§       1 Mango

§       1 banana

§       Juice of 1 Lime 

§       Wheat germ (optional)

To make your face mask:

Blend all ingredients together into a paste and apply to your face. If the mixture is too runny you can add some wheat germ

Leave on for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with water

Why is Aloe Vera not FDA approved?

I recently had a discussion with a lady who was adamant to query the healing properties of Aloe Vera by entirely dismissing the proof of millions of people who have successfully used this magical plant to find relief for various conditions or cure themselves of different illnesses for thousands of years.

Her argument was and is that if Aloe Vera would indeed be a healing plant, surely it would be FDA*(US Food and Drug Administration) approved....

Whilst I am not denying that the FDA does sometimes - but not ALWAYS - protect the public from dangerous substances, one should nevertheless not fail to realize that the FDA has recalled numerous substances (medicines, foods, cosmetics, etc.) that it previously passed through its system as being safe. The second and very important point is that the FDA is a profit making organization... If you apply to have a product approved by the FDA go and check for yourself, it is a very long winded process that costs thousands of dollars. (There is a fast route but that only applies to certain pharmaceutical products after fulfilling certain conditions being approved!)

It is not in the FDA's interest to test and pass substances that are freely available to everyone as it is not profitable. Anyone can buy an Aloe Vera plant and use it for whatever purpose they want and no money would exchange hands - so what would be the FDA's interest in approving a natural substance that is freely available? Just let me give you another example if you are still not convinced....

The FDA is also involved in tobacco products... According to their own website they 'regulate' tobacco products, as they put it in their own words 'FDA regulations have the full force of law'... In other words, they can pretty much decide whatever they wish to do, whatever information or research they decide to pass on as they are the ones that make the laws!!!

It is a well known fact how dangerous cigarettes are to one's health. If the FDA is concerned about people's health, how come they allow products to be legally sold on the market with their official approval that is known to cause cancer, lung disease and various other deadly illnesses?
How come that the FDA has not intervened on behalf of the general public's health to 'regulate' cigarettes despite studies conducted as these by Harvard specialists, entitled 'Reanalysis of Cigarette Content Confirms Tobacco Companies Have Increased Addictive Nicotine 11 Percent Over Recent Seven-Year Period ( http://archive.sph.harvard.edu/press-releases/2007-releases/press01182007.html)??? Are we really that naive to believe this is for our own good?? I strongly beg to differ, the only vested interest is to make more people dependent so that more money can exchange hands - legally!

We know that we need air in order to survive but is the air we breathe FDA approved? The answer is no because its freely available and there is no way it could be monitored or be sold as a profit...

Nestle recently tried to patent the use of camomile to calm babies down and help with indigestion and stomach cramps. (see http://www.globalresearch.ca/nestle-is-trying-to-patent-the-fennel-flower/5332329) The decision caused an uproar and rightly so! It is a well known fact that camomile is a natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years for that very same purpose. My question is how can you patent something that is freely available, that you can grow in your own garden? The way around it is to con consumers and come up with synthetic camomile that can be patented and FDA approved because then it becomes a commodity that is profitable.

Don't be fooled! The big corporations that are advertised as putting people's health first is not the entire true story! There's another agenda behind it that is the real purpose and that is to make money!!!

So the next time someone throws in the argument of whether a natural remedy is FDA approved or by another official government body, think before you make up your mind and weigh up whether millions of people's experiences over thousands of years or the profitability of certain bodies speak the truth! I rest my case....

* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency within the U.S. department of Health and Human Services. It consists of the Office of the Commissioner and four directorates overseeing the core functions of the agency: Medical Products and Tobacco, Foods and Veterinary Medicine, Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, and Operations.

FDA is responsible for

• Protecting the public health by assuring that foods (except for meat from livestock, poultry and some egg products which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) are safe, wholesome, sanitary and properly labeled; ensuring that human and veterinary drugs, and vaccines and other biological products and medical devices intended for human use are safe and effective
• Protecting the public from electronic product radiation
• Assuring cosmetics and dietary supplements are safe and properly labeled
• Regulating tobacco products
• Advancing the public health by helping to speed product innovations

ALOE VERA AND ITS USES

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed, succulent plant that grows in sub-tropical to tropical climates. Its thick and fleshy leafs contain a juicy, slightly sticky plant extract, which is widely used as a home remedy for numerous skin allergies, acne, fungus infections and as a beauty aid. In Mexico and Latin America, Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine for successfully treating burns, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and heartburn to name just a few. In India, Aloe Vera is also often used in the ancient studies of Ayurvedic treatments. Various world-wide studies have proven that Aloe Vera may reduce inflammation and promote healing. Internal intake of Aloe Vera has been linked with improved blood glucose levels in diabetics and aids in healing acute hepatitis patients. Compounds extracted from the plant have also been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs, however, this treatment has not been scientifically tested in humans! Aloe vera is generally non-toxic and has no known side effects. Its healing properties and anti-aging potential make Aloe Vera a popular natural ingredient for many cosmetic treatments. Aloe Vera is also starting to establish itself in the gastronomic industry for its perfect gelling properties. It can be safely used by Vegans and is a perfect choice for the health conscious consumer who prefers natural products.

is a daughter company of Creaciones Kulkulcan SA de CV, founded in 1983 in Cancun, Mexico. The company specializes in Mexican and imported cosmetic products.

Nectar Maya's owner, a German Cosmetic Therapist who has lived in Mexico since the early 80's, became aware for the increasing demand in natural beauty products and made it her mission to develop a range of natural Aloe Vera products of the highest possible quality.

She spent years researching and developing her natural beauty products together with a professional team of selected chemists and biologists right down to personally visiting several plantations. An environmentalist and purist, she eventually settled on choosing an organic farm in Valladolid, Yucatan (Mexico) which is located in the jungle, close to the famous Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, and therefore is in perfect spiritual and geographic harmony with her products. The fields are worked by Mayans who are very close to their culture and rituals and who still call 'Yum Kax' (God of nature) to keep their fields fertile and healthy. The farm is a certified ecological farm and undergoes strict yearly inspections by the USDA and the OCIA.