What is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice?

The Aloe barbadensis leaf, or aloe vera as it is more commonly known, can be crushed down to form a liquid. This liquid is called aloe juice. The aloe plant has long been regaled for its medicinal properties, and the juice that comes from its leaves known to soothe and help speed healing of a variety of conditions and ailments.

Types

• There are two different types of aloe leaf juice -- pre-packed juice that is available at most health food stores or fresh juice that you make at home. Of course, the pre-made juice has the benefit of convenience, but the juice can also lose some of its healthful properties from the heat added during the pasteurizing process. For this reason, some people choose to make their own juice by chopping up the leaves of the aloe plant then blending in a food processor to create a juice.

Internal Benefits

• Just two to four ounces of aloe juice each day are all it takes to reap results (see Reference 1). The health benefits of drinking aloe juice include regular eliminations (bowel movements), better circulation, regulated blood sugar and blood pressure, and a stronger immune system. Like most alternative therapies, the benefits of aloe juice are not substantiated by the FDA, but many individuals swear by the healing properties of the drink.

External Benefits

• When used topically, aloe vera juice can soothe skin and serve as an anti-inflammatory. Most often, the juice is dabbed onto sunburned skin or used as a soak in a bathtub for relief from burning and pain. Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, aloe juice can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes on the skin. If the area is small, such as on a finger, you can soak the area in the juice. If the affliction is on a larger section of the body, simply use a cloth soaked in the juice to apply.

Weight Loss

• Aloe juice can help stabilize the metabolism so that the body is more effective at burning energy. This energy comes from the store fats and carbohydrates in the body, and therefore leads to weight loss. In addition, aloe has a high amount of collagen protein, which the body must use extra energy to break down and absorb into your system. The juice may also act as a colon cleanser, which can aid weight loss by emptying the intestinal tract.

Warning

• Although side effects as a result of drinking the juice of the Aloe barbadensis leaf are rare. They can occur. When they do, they may include intestinal discomfort such as cramping, loss of electrolytes, and a fluid imbalance in the body. As with any herb or naturally extracted plant material, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning a regular routine of drinking aloe juice.