I grew up in a province, where natural remedies were a way of life. Whenever I fell ill, my mother would turn to the plants around us for healing. She made herbal teas, poultices, and decoctions from the leaves, roots, and stems of various plants. But when we moved to the city, everything changed. Our traditional remedies were replaced with over-the-counter medications from the pharmacy. Pills became my quick fix for fevers, coughs, colds, and body aches.
Even as a child, I had a passion for gardening. I found joy in planting flowers and vegetables, spending hours digging the soil, sowing seeds, and watching them grow. As I got older, my interest expanded to growing herbs in pots—including Aloe vera. I was fascinated by how one plant could have so many uses. Little did I know that one day, it would be the key to ending my years of suffering.
The Struggle with GERD and Chronic Pain
My real journey with Aloe vera began 10 years ago, about three years after I started growing it. At the time, I was battling GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. It felt like endless heartburn that never fully went away. The acid reflux was so severe that eating became a challenge—anything I swallowed seemed to come right back up. I would be bedridden for days, unable to function. Sometimes, the episodes lasted up to three days, and in severe cases, even longer.
I tried every medication my doctors recommended, but nothing provided lasting relief. On top of that, I had to be extremely cautious with my diet. My favorite caffeinated drinks were off-limits, as were acidic fruits like pineapples and mangoes, which I absolutely loved. Despite all my efforts, GERD always found a way to come back.
As if that weren’t enough, I also suffered from frequent migraines. The pain was so intense that I carried ibuprofen everywhere I went, taking it almost like candy just to get through the day. My migraines would start out mild but quickly escalate to pounding pain that left me unable to function. Bright lights, loud noises, and even slight movements would make it worse. Traveling for work became a nightmare—I never left home without ibuprofen and antacids in my bag.
To make matters worse, I had undiagnosed stomach pain that was so severe it literally knocked me out. Doctors dismissed it as gas, but I knew it was more than that. The pain was unbearable and unpredictable. I dreaded the thought of having an attack while traveling, especially since I had already passed out in public before—once on a jeepney and another time on a plane. The fear of another attack haunted me every day.
Discovering Aloe Vera
One day, desperate for relief, I decided to try Aloe vera. By then, my rooftop garden was filled with mature Aloe vera plants, and I had more than enough to consume daily. I had read about Aloe vera’s benefits for digestion and thought, "Why not give it a try?"
I started making Aloe vera juice three to five times a week, blending it with banana, milk, avocado, or whatever fruit was available. Most of the time, I stuck with milk or banana because they were easy to find.
To be honest, Aloe vera juice isn’t something you crave. It has a unique bitterness that lingers on the tongue. I enjoy some bitter fruits and vegetables, like bitter gourd, which has a hint of sweetness—but Aloe vera? It’s just bitter. Through trial and error, I learned that the bitterness depends on the maturity of the leaves and the plant’s growing conditions. The older the leaves, the more bitter they become.
- I harvested the leaves and cut off the bottom part just above the white section.
- I tilted the leaf to let the yellowish latex drip for a few minutes (this latex is what causes the bitterness).
- I soaked the cut pieces in water to remove any remaining latex.
- I scooped out the gel carefully, avoiding the inner rind where most of the bitterness is concentrated.
For those trying Aloe vera juice for the first time, I recommend adding a bit of fruit to mask the taste. Once properly prepared, the gel becomes bland and has an earthy, grassy smell that some might not like. Blending it with banana or mango makes it much more palatable.
The Results: A Life-Changing Transformation
When I started drinking Aloe vera, I wasn’t expecting much. But within weeks, something incredible happened.
- My GERD disappeared—no more acid reflux or burning sensations.
- My migraines vanished—I haven’t had a single one since I started drinking Aloe vera.
- My mysterious stomach pain stopped—no more passing out from unbearable pain.
It felt as though Aloe vera had reset my digestive system and calmed the inflammation in my body. I even told my boss at work that it had been three years since I last got sick. I was amazed at how something so simple had completely changed my life.
The Healing Power of Aloe Vera
After experiencing such incredible results, I became a firm believer in the healing power of Aloe vera. It’s not just a plant—it’s nature’s medicine. If you’re struggling with digestive issues, migraines, or unexplained stomach pain, I encourage you to give Aloe vera a try. You never know—it might change your life just like it did mine.
But remember! If you’re on maintenance medication, especially for diabetes, consult your doctor first. Aloe vera can lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous when combined with certain medications. I made sure to get my doctor’s approval before continuing.
Not Just A Houseplant
Aloe vera is more than just a houseplant—it’s a powerful ally for health and healing. I never imagined that a plant I casually grew in pots would one day become my saving grace. Looking back, I realize that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Nature has provided us with remedies that we often overlook in favor of synthetic alternatives.
If this story inspired you, please share it with someone who might benefit from Aloe vera’s healing power. Sometimes, the answers we seek are growing right in our own backyard.
