Aloe Vera – gut health support

🌵 Aloe Vera… one of my daily gut-love rituals!

For a long time now I’ve used and trusted Aloe Vera juice both morning and night. It’s just another little tool in the toolbox to keep me feeling well and healthy.

🌿 A plant with a LONG history

Aloe has been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality”, and it’s been part of traditional medicine in India, China and the Mediterranean for centuries.

The magic is in the clear, cooling gel inside the leaf. It’s around 99% water, plus vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and special sugars called polysaccharides that give it that soothing, slippery texture.

⭐️ Why I love it for my gut

– Soothing: that gel is beautifully calming to the lining of the digestive tract.
– Supports digestion: I find it helps keep things comfortable and moving, with less of that heavy, burning feeling after meals.
– Calms irritation: aloe has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which is why so many people with sensitive tummies love it.
– Feeds the good guys: those polysaccharides act like a food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
– Hydrating: a lovely way to add extra hydration to your day.

✨ And for your skin

What you put in shows up on the outside! Aloe’s hydrating, soothing properties support skin elasticity and a clearer, calmer complexion. The gel straight from the leaf is also wonderful on sunburn, little burns and irritated skin.

💧 How I take it, step by step

1. Choose a pure, inner-leaf aloe vera juice (more on this below!).
2. Start small, with about 10ml once a day for the first week, to see how your tummy likes it.
3. Then work up to 20ml in the morning and 20ml at night, which is what I do.
4. Have it straight, or mix it into a glass of water or a smoothie, ideally before meals.
5. Keep the bottle in the fridge once it’s opened.

🔍 What to look for when buying

– “Inner leaf” or “inner fillet” on the label. This is the clear gel only.
– “Aloin free” or “decolourised”. Aloin is in the yellow layer just under the skin and it’s a strong laxative, which you don’t want every day!
– Minimal added ingredients, with no added sugar or artificial flavours.

⚠️ A few notes

Aloe isn’t for everyone. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, are taking medication (especially for blood sugar, or diuretics) or have a bowel condition, please check with your doctor or practitioner first. And if you’re growing your own, rinse off that yellow sap before using the gel!