Aloe Vera to Fight Swine Flu and Influenza

Immune boosting benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has long been praised for it's medicinal health benefits. Aloe contains numerous minerals that are vital to the growth and health of the body's system. It's no wonder that this beautiful prickly plant scores high as an influenza and swine flu buster.

Studies show that Aloe Vera is a wonderful tonic for immune system health and helps with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Aloe is also antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. This is the key to it's being able to stimulate the immune system. Consuming Aloe Vera in high concentrated dosages, can stimulate the production of white blood cells that help to fight influenza viruses and other illnesses. Therefore, it can be useful for the treatment and prevention of influenza due to the content of acemannan found in Aloe.

The great thing about Aloe is that it is commonly available. Whether you choose the plant form (which is superior) or buy it in bottle form as juice or gel is up to you. One word of caution. Not all bottled Aloe Vera is beneficial. Make sure its preservative free, organic and contains a full range of valuable aloe polysaccharides. Go for the bottled Aloe that comes in a dark bottle. Vital minerals are light sensitive and will diminish in clear or opaque bottles. Remember to keep your Aloe refrigerated. Since it's the good stuff, it will go bad if you don't.

For good health 2 ounces can be taken per serving. If you are sensitive to the diuretic properties of Aloe, consume the inner fillet (clear part) of the plant or bottled form. The green skin, although is nutritious, can cause diarrhea in some individuals. If you still have diarrhea with the inner fillet part, simply decrease the dosage to an amount you are comfortable with. I drink Aloe juice every day by adding it to my smoothies, or home made fresh lemonade, or other beverages. I use Lily of the Dessert Organic Aloe Vera Juice Inner Fillet when I don't have a plant on hand.

Aloe Vera is safe for adults of all ages, pregnant or nursing mothers and children. If you're taking oral corticosteroids medications, like prednisone, beclomethasone, or methylprednisolone do not take it while using Aloe. You could develop a potassium deficiency and other toxic symptoms that those medication may trigger.