Aloe Vera is fun to use with kids because it’s gentle and it works fast! With all the scrapes, cuts, bites, sunburns and digestive upset that kids get growing up - every herbal medicine chest needs Aloe Vera. This ancient herb has been used for thousands of years by families around the world and it is safe and soothing for the inside and the outside of the body from toddlers to teens.
Highlights of Aloe - Inside & Out
- Works Fast
- Fruit Juice Aloe Flavors (Kids Love)
- Digestive & Skin Support
- Occasional Gas & Daily Regularity
- Body Wellness
The only challenge with Aloe Vera is it can soften the stool and detoxify (see Detox article). This is good news for most people yet for some people Aloe Vera may bring on a little diarrhea or loose stool (1). Always reduce the daily amount taken if this occurs and it will not cause any other health challenge sometimes listed as low electrolytes. Note: Best used over the age of 12 months.
All six of my grandchildren used a quality liquid Aloe Vera to support constipation as infants (just a tiny amount as on a clean fingertip or a cc measuring syringe), as toddlers the parents increased the quantity and now as older children they take an ounce or two which may support Body Wellness. This is especially great when life gets extra busy with school, sports and busy lives. Let’s just say that my grandkids do not get the normal amount of colds, allergies or other lung issues (as much) as many children their ages get - they stay healthier!
Safety of Aloe Vera, Herbs & Supplements
There is not a single molecule in the Aloe Vera plant that is dangerous. It is especially gentle for kids of every age. Do not listen to conspiracy talk against Aloe Vera or other supplements from any source.
Over the years of working in medical clinics, following the philosophy of “Integrative Health” [which encompasses both responsible pharmaceutical drugs as needed yet also blending the foundation of “Nutrition - Diet, Supplements and Herbs”], I have sharpened my understanding of Optimum Health. Good solid science supports health to prevent all dis-ease. 75% of health is supported by nutrition, lifestyle choices and the environment with only 25% influence from genetic inheritance!
If there truly existed any danger with using any of the Aloe Vera products on the market - the authorities would not hesitate to pull them off the market. Since 9/11 all companies have had to register with the State Governments (besides all corporations have always done this) in the U.S.A. along with the federal government. All Aloe Vera companies are registered and all quality Aloe Vera is safe to drink. Lots of negative propaganda has been spread however, against certain important herbs and supplements. This has made parents and individuals frightened over the years to use health supplements. Aloe Vera use is not dangerous as many organizations associated with the U.S. Government would like to have the masses believe.
Research Supports Health
Being a health educator with over 25 years of total experience working with physicians, chiropractors and acupuncturists - I know the truth about health products. 99.99% of the products on the market are not only safe to use they are an important support of the body in the 21st Century - to reach a higher level of function. Just check out the thousands of studies on the federal website for health research; www.pubmed.com to support your belief in the body to use natural substances from foods and herbs to support body wellness.
Because of the trend of the government to encourage the use of pharmaceutical drugs and discourage the use of natural products - less and less information may be given of the uses of natural products. Even the freedom of talking about health products is being limited. So I encourage each person reading this article to increase your health reference library to learn more about Aloe and other natural products for your family.
I recently handed my physician (medical doctor) a copy of the book Beyond Gluten Intolerance - GIS, sharing with him that it may help him understand health. His reaction was priceless. He looked deeply into my eyes and very candidly said, “ But are you certain that the body can heal itself when it has the right nutrients?” Yes, I have seen it in thousands of my own patients and the research supports this!
Children can safely drink Aloe Vera! It is the most Natural and Safe Traditional Bitter Herb when in the juice form for children as well as for adults and even pets (2)!
- Drink Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Concentrate (dark golden color and perhaps fruit juice flavored) before meals (or anytime) for the fastest results.
- Apply an Aloe Vera Skin Gel Concentrate containing the Yellow Sap with a dark golden color (with a favorite lotion for soothing action anywhere on the body) to soothe and support skin issues faster.
- Always do a Skin Test on a small patch of skin for children or people who have allergic tendencies. Both skin types may be extra sensitive and at times they may be reacting to the natural manufacturing stabilizers like citric acid (extract from vegetables) causing a slight stingy reaction and may require the dilution with water (pH 7) or lotion to calm down the product pH allowing for the Aloe-Action.
Drinking Aloe Vera for Kids
More and more parents are choosing a quality Aloe Vera for the whole family. Herbs really work when they are of high quality and the effectiveness of herbs (to support health) are fun to share.
Kids are very truthful of how they feel. They are sometimes skeptical yet if they see the adults using the natural products before long the children are saying oooh hurt yourself? Use the Aloe Vera Pops. Have a stomach ache? Aloe Vera Mommy!
Quality Aloe Vera products contain actives from the plant (Whole Leaf and Concentrated if possible) called phytonutrients. The natural compounds (over 100) soothes an occasional stomach upset fast and may encourage daily regularity without being a laxative - likened to prune juice. There are some great books that explain more details of how and why herbs function in the body for wellness referring to the traditional uses gathered over thousands of years. I have experienced so many benefits myself and in my own family!
Recommended Aloe Life Products for Kids
People from around the world have grown up with Aloe Vera used in their households and several have shared with me their favorite recipes and uses. From Mexico a mother was taking the Aloe Vera leaf and mixing the gel with some of the yellow sap with a spoon (very bitter) and sometimes adding honey. They would give the children a tablespoon each day during the cold season. This activity reminded me of the way mothers would chase down children to give them a spoonful of Cod Liver Oil which is still a good idea today along with the Aloe Vera. Quality Aloe Vera is available so you do not have to grow your own plants just make sure as I have reminded the reader to use a product that is not diluted or over-filtered to receive the most benefits!
Over 300 varieties (all sizes) of Aloe Vera plants exist on our planet with different ones on each continent. They each share most of the available plant actives (with slight variance).
Scientists Researching Aloe Vera List 15 family groups to include (3);
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Enzymes
- Amino Acids
- Fatty Acids & Uric Acids
- Polysaccharides
- Anthraquinones (Aloin)
- Steroids & Sterols
- Lectin Substances
- Gibberellins
- Saponins
- Salicylic Acid
Many of the Aloe-Actions are attributed to the Herbal Bitter found in the plant itself located in the yellow sap (when not over filtered) Anthraquinones. This is why looking for Aloe Vera juice - dark yellow in color - is so important to get the desired results. Bitter on the tongue means sweet on the stomach and when the stomach works better the entire body does as well.
Children may benefit with an array of Body Wellness support drinking Aloe Vera from A - Z. To receive the value of the herbal bitter in Aloe Vera juice it is best taken before a meal to encourage the flow of digestive juices in particular hydrochloric acid HCL in the stomach. Improving digestion from the foods eaten (especially Protein) and individual core nutrients (Vitamins C, E and B12) have been confirmed in repeatable studies at several institutions giving light to how Aloe works in support of body health!
Quality Aloe Vera products contains up to 100 actives if undiluted (including 14 minerals that support electrolytes in the body and trace minerals) as in the Whole Leaf Concentrated Juice (containing more of the yellow sap). Three delicious 100% fruit juice flavored WL Aloe Vera concentrates are available, only sweetened with fructose (low glycemic of 22) and children beg for more!
Childrens Growth is Not Fully Developed at Birth and Require Quality Nutrient Dense Foods Until 21 years of Age. They often lack good function of Digestion and Immunity. Also, 1 in 64 Children are born today in the U.S. with special needs under the umbrella term A.S.D. Autism Spectrum Disorder (4).
Nutrition is Key with a Robust Digestive System (Birth - 21 yrs)
- Under-functioning Digestive System / Allergies (gluten, milk, and more)
- Lower functioning Immune System and Brain Function.
- Older kids are eating high levels of refined carbohydrates (sugar and dry snacks) that deplete the body of critical core nutrients required in metabolism (B-Complex, Omega 3 EFA’s) and lack multiple nutrients in support of digestion resulting in a lower functioning body, skin conditions and many allergies with high Asthma and respiratory conditions and more.
So do your best to plan a nutritious diet for your children of proteins, vegetables and fruits with healthier snacks. Keeping refined sugars, junk foods low and see for yourself how Kids & Aloe Vera go together!
Applying Aloe Vera On the Skin in Gel or Spray
Aloe Vera is a mineral rich high sulfur herb that has been used traditionally on skin for thousands of years for kids and adults. Natural safe occurring growth factors, antimicrobials and anti inflammatory agents are found in the yellow sap -and gel that work together to soothe irritation and support the skin almost miraculously. Soothing a sunburn or other skin issues may be easy and fast with Aloe Vera!
Why skin rashes seems to respond to Aloe Vera (blended with a moisturizing lotion) to soothe is believed to be the pH balancing of the skin. The skin pH is suppose to be slightly acidic yet often changes possibly from a poor diet or lacking digestive function.
Recommended Aloe life Products for Kids:
Note: Remember to always apply to a small skin area first and then to the entire area desired. Occasionally the skin is so inflamed and sensitive that the pH balancing is an inside job. Aloe Vera when used in its wholeness maintains an acid pH of 4.5 - 5.7 (acidic) even though it is thought of as a soothing and moisturizing agent. This lends it as an astringent to the skin as well.
Nutritional support for the toddler through an increase in daily vegetables may be helpful containing minerals (like carrots, broccoli, or other). The nursing mother may need to increase her intake of vegetables to supply the minerals through the milk to baby in order to calm the skin of infants and nursing toddlers. Many mothers reduce; Gluten, Milk and sugar products too.
Consumer Beware! There is a BIG DIFFERENCE in topical products on the market just as there is in the juices and tableted Aloe Vera products. Topical Skin Gel works more effectively than any other Gel on the market according to customer reviews. Just a small amount may give great results!
(1) 2003 Physicians reference only have information on the “drug laxative Aloe Vera” that is a purgative to the bowels. [Properly processed Aloe Vera Juice in its whole form does not deplete children or adults of electrolytes because it contains minerals which add to electrolytes.
(2) 1997 University of San Antonio, TX., Health Science Center, Mammals Showed No Toxicity Drinking Aloe Vera Daily - 4 year study. Greater longevity of the mammals who drank Aloe Vera compared to Controls.]
(3) 1997 Aloe Vera – A Scientific Approach, Robert H. Davis, PHD. Aloe Vera does not contain any cancer or mutagenic substances. In other words it is 100% safe for children and adults yet use caution with diarrhea. The FDA study that showed cancer development in mice was due to the chronic diarrhea/inflammation confirmed by Japanese researchers.
(4) 2012 Beyond Gluten Intolerance - GIS, Chapter 9 Healthy Kids, BookMasters Inc., Ashland Ohio, Masterson Koch, K., Friends Helping Friends, PO Box 710759, Santee, CA, 92072.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and suggestions are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.