I Love Aloe Vera!

Here's why I love aloe vera -

• It's all natural
• It has so many different uses - for the skin, hair, digestion, joints...
• Its an ancient remedy so has passed the test of time
• It doesn't have side effects
• I look better for using it
• I feel better for using it
• I can use it on my pets too

Nature provides us with so many wonderful plants & herbs of which aloe is just one - but its my personal favorite!

20 Most Popular Products for February

Here are the products you are enjoying most right now:

1. Aloe Vera Gel
2. Forever Freedom
3. Aloe Lips
4. Aloe Berry Nectar
5. Forever-Bright Toothgel
6. Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick
7. Aloe Propolis Creme
8. Aloe Liquid Soap
9. Aloe Vera Gelly
10. Aloe Heat Lotion
11. Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo
12. Aloe Moisturizing Lotion
13. Arctic-Sea
14. Fast Break Energy Bar
15. ARGI+
16. Bee Pollen
17. Avocado Face & Body Soap
18. Aloe-Jojoba Conditioning Rinse
19. Forever Aloe Bits n’ Peaches
20. Forever Bee Propolis

What's your favorite aloe product?

It would be great to have your comments and stories about aloe - perhaps you were given some on holiday for sunburn? Maybe you have an aloe plant in your kitchen and use it for burns?

Do you use Forever's products and if so which are your fav's and why? I'm sure this will help others who don't have much experience with aloe yet, so thanks in advance for sharing your experiences...

Natural Online Weight Loss Programme

Forever have just launched their amazing weight management program ONLINE:
 http://www.loseweight.myforever.biz/nutrilean/

As you can see via the link above, it has recipes, weight loss products and testimonials, plus a calorie counter and more!

I hope it helps you like it has helped so many others worldwide.

Free video all about aloe vera and it's benefits

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - a natural solution?

Do you have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?
It's a problem associated with the digestive tract, and typical symptoms include bloating of the stomach, griping pains and constipation or diarrhoea. It really affects your quality of life and is very unpleasant.

• Bloated stomach
• Griping Pains
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea

I had irritable bowel syndrome for over 2 years before I found a solution - in the form of Forever's Aloe Vera Gel drink (the one in the yellow tub). A close friend, Yvonne, had recommended the drink as she had found it helped her energy levels. I was very stressed and worn out at the time due to my job so I gave it a go. Interestingly, I didn't know that it might help the IBS so the results I had weren't down to positive thinking!

What I didn't know then was that aloe is a natural anti-inflammatory - and as IBS is an inflammatory problem, I found my symptoms (severe bloating and cramps) were almost completely relieved an a very short time (one week actually). The first thing I noticed was that I could easily do my jeans up, so assumed I had somehow lost weight.

I was so amazed that I did some research to see if it was the aloe drink that had helped me, as I hadn't done anything else different that week.

Now, 15 years later, aloe is well known to benefit digestive problems. It gently cleans the whole length of the intestines, removing all the stuff our bodies couldn't digest. It detoxes and provides us with a whole cocktail of nutrients that are present in aloe. It's natural anti-inflammatory properties mean that problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other problems associated with the digestive tract, may benefit. Always consult your doctor though with any health/medical problem.

I like the fact that aloe is all natural and has been used for thousands of years. I know I won't get any side effects as there are none! (NOTE: I can only speak about this brand, Forever Living, as it's the one I have used exclusively).

Two other products that are worth trying or researching if you have IBS are probiotics and garlic - Forever do these too by the way. Their probiotic doesn't need keeping in the fridge which is handy especially if you are going on holiday, and it's a unique 6-strain blend. I find I only need to take a probiotic about twice a week. We are all different, so you may find you need less or more than me.

Their Garlic is blended with Thyme to make the garlic even more effective. It still has the allycin intact which is so important as it is this which makes garlic effective. Many companies remove it because it can make the breath smell, but Forever have coated the capsule in such a way that the allycin doesn't get released till it's in the stomach so it won't affect your breath at all.

You can find out more in my online shop, where you can also buy this aloe vera gel drink and it will be delivered swiftly to your door!

Something else I recommend is to get an allergy test (homeopathic doctors may be able to do this for you). You will then know if there are certain foods you should be avoiding that could be causing or aggravating the IBS.

If you aren't sure if you have IBS make sure you see your doctor in case it's something more serious. 

Aloe Heat Lotion - Do you have aches, pains or do sport?

Aloe heat lotion is a luxury massage lotion providing blissful relief from everyday stress and strains. It's an excellent warming lotion, ideal for maintaining healthy joints and muscles, especially good for sports people.

The aloe is such a good carrier that the warming agents are taken down deep to where they are needed. You can try a tiny dab on your temples or on the back of your neck if you have a headache. Aloe heat lotion is one product I wouldn't be without.

Aloe Toothpaste - actually it's a gel!

Aloe toothpaste. Aloe vera has long been treasured for its quality and versatility - including dental care.  Forever Bright is one of the best toothgels on the market. It contains aloe vera and bee propolis, nature's antibiotic.


Created for the entire family to use, this aloe toothgel contains only the highest quality ingredients.  It is also suitable for vegetarians since it contains no animal by-products. And the natural peppermint and spearmint flavorings leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.


Years of research, development and collaboration with scholars and dentists have provided Forever Living with the optimum aloe-based formula for effective cleaning. Your family will love the flavor and the clean mouth-feel.

Here's a weird tip about this aloe toothgel - because it does NOT contain fluoride, you can swallow it to soothe a sore throat (the aloe vera and the propolis are a great combination for problems like this) and try cleaning silver jewelry with it, I have gotten amazing results!

Aloe Creams

 Forever do several aloe creams, here's one of my favorites - I use it on my face, body and hands.

It's actually one of our signature products. Aloe Lotion is a wonderful, all-purpose, skin lotion with a high content of pure, stabilized aloe plus Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to moisturize and soothe the skin. Collagen and Elastin are added to this fine mix to assist in keeping the skin smooth and supple. It is an ideal choice for applying to dry, chafed, wind-blown or weathered skin.

Light in scent but long on soothing dry, irritated skin, Aloe Lotion quickly restores your skin’s delicate pH balance to keep it supple and soft. Our improved formula takes advantage of the latest breakthroughs in skin care technology to make Aloe Lotion feel sensational all over your face and body!


• Moisturizer for face and body
•Excellent after-sun moisturizer
•Hand lotion
• Finer texture than Aloe Moisturizing Lotion
•Very soothing

Aloe Propolis Creme

Aloe Propolis Creme is one of our most popular skin care products.

Aloe propolis creme is superb as a skin moisturizer and conditioner. It is a rich blend of stabilized aloe vera gel and bee propolis, with other ingredients recognized for their contribution to healthy skin. Chamomile, one of nature’s best-known skin care herbs, is also added to the mix. Vitamins A and E complete the formula, recognized for their natural skin-conditioning properties.

•Benefits most skin conditions
•Provides soothing relief
•Excellent moisturizer
•Combines aloe vera and bee propolis

Aloe Juice - which one is best for you?

Which aloe juice is right for you? Forever Living do 4 different aloe vera drinks, here are some facts about each to help you decide.

1. ALOE VERA GEL DRINK
   
I have taken this for 13 years! In spite of the taste!

Aloe is a natural healer that balances the immune system and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Favored by people with arthritis, skin complaints and digestive/bowel disorders.

Use as a daily nutritional tonic for better health and well-being.

2. ALOE BERRY NECTAR
   
All the benfits of Aloe Vera Gel coupled with a sweet blend of apple and cranberry juice - high in antioxidant vitamin C and A, potassium and pectin to aid in cleansing the digestive system.

May benefit urinary tract problems.

3. ALOE BITS 'N PEACHES

Pure nutritious pieces of Aloe Vera bathed in the flavour of sun-ripened peaches, a naturally fruity drink ideal for children.

With added carotenoids which are valuable antioxidants and a source of vitamin A, essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

4. FOREVER FREEDOM    

All the nutrients of the Aloe Vera Gel combined with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM, all natural elements shown to maintain healthy joint function and mobility.

This drink is ideal for sports people and those with joint problems.

Please visit my Aloe Store to see more about the 4 aloe juice drinks or to buy.

My Favorite Aloe Products

I love all the Forever aloe products but thought I’d share my top favorites here with you. These are in no particular order.

ALOE DRINK
I use all the drinks at different times as it stops me getting bored of the taste! I have to put these as a favorite because they are the reason the IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) I used to suffer with, went.

ALOE BATH GELEE
I use a little of this on a loofah a couple of times a week head to toe for a wonderful exfoliation. I’ve tried others but this for me is by far the nicest. It’s also great as a bubble bath.

R3 FACTOR SKIN CREME
I like this purely for vanity reasons! It makes such a visible difference to my skin ( I use it on my face day and night) and actually DOES what most skin creams only promise.
I’d used all the main brands for years before using this and for me there’s no comparison. Cleopatra used aloe for her skin so that’s good enough for me!

My full facial regime is:
Exfoliate twice a week with the Aloe Scrub.
Splash on the Rehydrating toner.
Put on the R3 (a little goes a long way - the tube lasts ages).
Put on either the Firming foundation lotion or the moisture lotion or the aloe lotion (which is lighter than the moisture lotion). Stop Press: Now that the Forever Aloe Sonya skin range is available I use that as it's even better than the products just mentioned - more on this in a future post but you can find out more in my shop).

ALOE LIPS
I’m always applying lip salve (it’s a bit of a problem really!) and I like this one because it’s much softer and more moisturising than others. It also doubles as a first aid stick which is handy, for insect bites, cuts, stings etc.

ALOE TOOTHGEL
I like this because it’s non-abrasive. It seems to polish the teeth and leave them feeling so smooth. On the rare occasion I use a different brand my teeth feel yuk! (Technical term!)
It’s also good for the gums due to the high aloe content - my Mum’s dentist buys it for his customers by the box-load!

ARCTIC SEA OMEGA
This is on my favourites list because it makes a big difference to my concentration levels. Without it I can’t focus on one subject for long. The added benefits are that it’s good for joints and cholestrol.
I use this product rather than other brands because it’s from the arctic sea oily fish, rather than from more polluted seas.

FOREVER LITE
This is really a meal replacement shake, but I take it if I’m feeling unwell or a bit run-down. It just makes me feel better!
My friend’s son loves the chocolate one and that’s now his breakfast. It’s full of good nutrients and no bulking stuff so he’s really benefiting.

MULTI MACA
I (used to) get raging PMT so when Forever brought this product out everyone who knows me was pleased! I take it for just 10 days a month (prior to a period) and it has made a huge difference. In fact I realized how big a difference last month when I forgot to start taking it in time...
It’s ideal also for all the symptoms of the menopause.
A friend of mine said it got rid of ALL her menopause symptoms. (She reckoned she had about 12 symptoms!)
It’s been used in Peru for 2000 years for enhancing libido, maintaining stamina and preventing fatigue.

Aloe Product Tips

These aloe vera product tips are based on ways I personally use these aloe vera products, and I thought you may find them useful too! NB The tips only apply to this brand of aloe vera i.e. Forever Living. Always consult your doctor if you have a medical condition.

ALOE TOOTHGEL
Apart from the obvious use for this product, I also swallow a little if I get a sore throat. The combination of the aloe and the propolis just seem to do the trick. Please note; it can be very dangerous to swallow regular toothgel due to the fluoride content.

I also use it to clean silver jewelry. It’s non-abrasive so doesn’t scratch and the silver looks amazing afterwards! Strange but true!


ALOE MPD (multi-purpose detergent)
I not only use this for cleaning dishes and surfaces and the bathroom; I also use it as screenwash in my car - you only need a TINY amount as it’s so concentrated. I also clean the car with it and use it on the carpets.


BEE POLLEN
I take this before doing any kind of exercise as I can then keep going without feeling exhausted. So, before I go mountain biking or skiing or doing martial arts I chew a few! If you have a hectic job or family life, running after the kids, you may find it useful. Hubby a bit tired in the evenings? .......


AFTERSHAVE BALM
Ok, this is really for the guys after they shave, but I tell you something - it’s amazing on the legs ladies, after shaving! They feel incredibly silky and the scent is gorgeous!


ALOE LIPS
I have one of these in every hand bag and pocket!
That’s partly because I’m a lip-salve addict (!) and these are very moisturizing, but also because they are so handy as a first aid stick for minor things like paper cuts, stings etc.


ALOE ACTIVATOR
This was really intended as a skin product but because it’s so pure we call it the eyes, ears, nose and throat doctor as I use it for eye infections (diluted 50/50with purified water), blocked sinuses, earache or other ear problems, and you can gargle with it for throat problems, although I prefer to swallow the tooth gel for a sore throat. 

ALOE GELLY TUBE
I put one of these tubes in the fridge and dab a little under my eyes if they are tired, puffy or for dark circles. I put it on at night usually as a preventative measure!

ARCTIC SEA OMEGA
This is one of the supplements that Forever do. It a high potency fish oil product, importantly from OILY FISH (unlike cod-liver oil!) from the ARCTIC SEA (as opposed to oceans full of pollution!).
Now, most people take this for their joints or to lower cholestrol, but I take it for CONCENTRATION. My mind just flits about otherwise and I find it difficult to focus and get things done. So, this is one of my top favorite products. I SO notice the difference if I don’t take it. Quite scary actually.

Here’s another interesting use for it that I discovered recently - for varicose veins. My friend has had CHRONIC varicose veins in one leg for decades. She was told they were too far gone to operate on (and anyway her friends who have had that op said the veins just come right back some time later).

She took 2 of the arctic sea three times a day (not a cheap product but hey, if it works...) She also rubbed on, gently, the Forever Aloe MSM Gel and took Lecithin (from the health shop).

After just weeks she proudly showed me her bad leg. The first shock for me was that her leg was no longer black, green and purple from the ankle right up her calf. It was white. But on top of that no bulging veins. No exaggeration, I have never seen such a result, in 15 years of using these products. I thought she was mistakenly showing me the wrong leg. So I made her show me both... To say she is over the moon is an understatement.

Now, there’s no saying whether these 3 products would have the same effect on others, but I had to share that with you just in case.

What is in Aloe Vera?

Studies have found that there are 75 ingredients contained in the Aloe leaf. These ingredients have a variety of medical benefits. They are divided into the following categories:

• Ligin – This cellulose substance is found in the gel has no known medical properties except it posses the property of penetrating the human skin.

• Saponins – These form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water. They have been used in detergents, foaming agents and contain antiseptic properties.

• Anthraquinones – There are 12 of these contained in the sap of Aloe Vera: Aloin, Isobarbaloin, Anthracene, Emodin, Ester of Cinnamonic acid, Chrysophanic acid, Barbaloin, Anthranol, Aloetic acid, Aloe Emodin, Ethereal oil and Resistannol. These act as natural laxatives, painkillers and analgesics, and they contain powerful antibacterial, antifungal and virucidal properties.

• Minerals – Aloe Vera contains the following minerals:
- Calcium (essential for proper bone and teeth density)
- Manganese (a component of enzymes necessary for the activation of other enzymes)
- Sodium (ensures that the body fluids do not become too acidic or too alkaline)
- Copper (enables iron to work as oxygen carriers in the red blood cells)
- Magnesium (used by nerves and muscle membranes to help conduct electrical
impulses)
- Potassium (regulates the acidic or alkaline levels of body fluid)
- Zinc (contributes to the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats)
- Chromium (necessary for the proper function of insulin, which in turn controls the
sugar levels in the blood)
- Iron (controls the transportation of oxygen around the body via the red blood cells)

• Vitamins – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins:
- Vitamins A, C, & E (crucial antioxidants that combat dangerous free radicals in the body)


• Enzymes – Some of the most important enzymes in Aloe Vera are: Peroxidase, Aliiase, Catalase, Lipase, Cellulase, Carboxypeptidase, Amylase and Alkaline Phosphatase. Enzymes help to break down food and assist in digestion. Some enzymes help break down fats while others break down starches and sugars.

• Sugars – Aloe Vera contains both monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the most important types of sugars. They aid in proper digestion, maintain cholesterol levels, improve liver functions and promote the strengthening of bones.

• Sterols – Sterols are important anti-inflammatory agents. The ones found in Aloe Vera are: Cholesterol, Sitosterol, Campesterol and Lupeol. These sterols contain antiseptic and analgesic properties. They also have pain killing properties similar to aspirin.

As Aloe Vera is comprised of approximately 99% water, all of these chemicals
are contained in the remaining 1% of the plant. Although this may seem like a small percentage to contain so many ingredients, its helpfulness has been proven to be significant. Dr. Atherton claims that this is due to synergistic actions.

He writes;
“Synergism is defined as, ‘the working together of two or more drugs, muscles, etc.,to produce an effect greater then the sum of their individual effects.’”

What is Aloe Vera?

I like the fact that aloe isn't some new fad.
For centuries, Aloe Vera has been used by many different cultures. The ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Babylonians, Indians and the Chinese have all used Aloe Vera as a medicinal plant. Throughout the years, Aloe Vera (Aloinae) has been called many things: Potted Physician, Wand of Heaven, Wonder Plant, Heaven’s Blessing, and Plant of Life.

It is now well known that Aloe Vera has been used for thousands of years for it's healing properties. Cleopatra attributed her beauty to it, and Gandhi drank aloe vera juice while he was fasting to maintain his health and energy levels. Alexander the Great used to tow wagons into battle that carried aloe vera plants so that his soldier's wounds could be treated with the gel from inside the aloe leaves!


The aloe family of plants includes over 200 varieties. Out of all these it is the aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera) that has been of most use to man. It is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves. People usually think that aloe is a cactus but it is actually a member of the onion, lily and garlic family.


It is the clear thick gel inside the aloe leaf which contains all the goodness and is now widely used in everything from drinks to shampoo, toothpaste and even toilet paper!

Top 10 Benefits of Aloe Vera - by Dr Peter Atherton

Imagine slicing open an Aloe leaf and consuming the Gel directly from the plant. Forever’s signature product,
Aloe Vera Gel, is as close to the real thing as you can get. The first of its kind to receive certification by the
International Aloe Science Council, this rich blend of pulp and liquid gives us a product as near to nature as
possible. The proof is in the Aloe - after reading the top 10 reasons why I think you should drink Aloe Vera Gel, you will definitely see why Aloe Vera has earned the nickname ‘the medicine plant’.


10. Effect on the gut
Aloe Vera has a wonderfully beneficial action on bowel function which results in a smooth and efficient transit of contents, often eradicating inconvenient, colicky pain.


9. Assists in healthy digestion
A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the food we eat are absorbed into the bloodstream. There is clear, clinical evidence that by drinking Aloe Vera Gel the bowel is able to absorb these nutrients more efficiently, especially protein. I also suspect that many other substances are much better absorbed under its influence. The next of the benefits of aloe vera is;


8. Effect on gut flora
Aloe Vera is a natural balancer in many areas and nowhere more so than inside the gut where it tends to regulate the proportion of bacteria and yeasts that inhabit it. At various times in life people can develop an imbalance through a variety of causes which can lead to problems and, as with probiotics, Aloe may often help to normalise the situation.


7. Effect on the skin
When they are first produced deep in the epidermis skin cells are rather large and very much alive, but by the time they reach the surface after 21–28 days (in normal skin) they are a shadow of their former selves and are transformed into just thin flakes of keratin which eventually fall off. Aloe Vera Gel provides the essential nutrition to feed the basal cells and therefore the skin remains healthy and is able to perform its vital functions more efficiently - as well as looking much better!


6. Increases the activity of Fibroblasts 
This is the 6th of the benefits of aloe vera. Fibroblasts are specialised cells found in the skin and their job is to
produce fibre such as collagen and elastin. These fibres give the skin its structure and, of course, make it look plump and elastic. This is fine from a cosmetic point of view but they are also extremely important in wound healing, as these fibres create a mesh or network over which the new skin cells advance to close the wound. The effect of Aloe Vera is to stimulate them to reproduce faster and therefore, being more of them, they make
more fibre. The time taken for wounds to heal under the influence of Aloe Vera can be reduced by up to a third.  

5. Antiviral activity
Within the mucilage layer of the leaf which surrounds the inner gel there is a long chain sugar or polysaccharide. This has the capability of being able to help defend us against attacks by various viruses from the simple ones causing every day illnesses to the more complex ones. This sugar has actually been extracted from Aloe Vera in the USA and made into a drug but it is actually not necessary to extract the magic bullet.
Drinking the Gel is just as effective. What is aloe vera good for? Read on!

4. Anti-inflammatory and pain killing effect
Among the substances that have been identified in Aloe Vera are several that are anti-inflammatory and pain killing which are very helpful for people experiencing these symptoms.

3. A useful source of minerals
Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera include calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. This is because the plant tends to grow in areas where soils are rich
in these minerals and its roots are able to absorb them and deliver them to us in a very available form.

2. A useful source of vitamins
Aloe Vera Gel contains a large range of vitamins - even trace elements of vitamin B12 which is rarely found in plants. Apart from vitamin A, it contains B-group vitamins, vitamin C,vitamin E and folic acid.
Many of these vitamins cannot be stored by the body so we need to constantly top them up from the food that we eat. What better way than by drinking a daily amount of Aloe Vera Gel while at the same time
building up the body’s defence system against oxidative stress naturally?


And my number one reason for drinking Aloe Vera Gel is...

1. A general tonic for good health
By drinking the Gel with all its important ingredients (often now deficient in our food) including 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by the human body, and seven of the eight essential ones that just cannot be made, the body is able to get enough to allow complex enzyme systems to work really well. This means the body can function at 100%. The net result to the individual is a wonderful feeling of well-being which tends to go with an improved ability to withstand and even
fight illness.

As you can see from these 10 great reasons about ‘what is aloe vera good for’, taken daily - either alone or mixed with fruit juice or our other wonderful antioxidant Product Pomesteen Power - Aloe Vera Gel is one of the best nutritional supplements available!

Note: An aloe vera drink can only be called a GEL if it has more than 90% aloe content. Hence most aloe drinks are only allowed to be called Juice.
 

WELCOME TO THE ALOE BENEFITS BLOG!

Aloe Benefits.
Hi! I'm Jo! A very warm welcome to my aloe benefits blog. I will be sharing not only all the benefits of aloe vera, based on my 15+ years experience but also I will tell you all about the aloe vera product I use. Plus find out all my aloe vera tips and tricks. I hope you enjoy my aloe benefits blog!