Aloe Vera - The Benefits :

There are over 250 different species of the semi-tropical plant Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.   Although Aloe vera is a member of the Lily family, it is very cactus-like in appearance. The plant's thick, tapered, spiny leaves grow from a short stalk near ground level. Aloe is related to other members of the Lily family such as the onion, garlic and turnip families.

Of the 250+ species of Aloe,  four are recognised as having nutritional value, with Aloe barbadensis miller leading the group. Aloe barbadensis miller is the type of Aloe used in most commercial products with aloe content available today. The ancient secret of the 'The Medicine Plant,' aloe vera, has been passed down since the beginning of recorded history and, a popular houseplant, has a long history as a multipurpose folk remedy. It is well known for its beneficial soothing effect on epithelial cells - your skin and the lining of the digestive tract.

More generally, however, it can have a huge impact on your overall well-being. Scientists have identified nearly 100 active ingredients within the plant, of which 75 have been found to be active healing compounds. Taken as a drink, Aloe Vera will cleanse and detoxify, this in turn will create more energy.

Russian research has shown Aloe Vera to be beneficial for a wide variety of conditions, some of which are less well known:

Beneficial for digestive complaints :

Helpful in relieving digestive system disorders such as IBS, Candida, Colitis, Acid Indigestion. This in turn has an influence on other bodily organs and systems. Aloe vera contains magnesium lactate which appears to lower stomach acidity thus reversing the effects of indigestion and heartburn.

In summary, Aloe Vera helps restore balance in the digestive system in several ways:

• it acts as an alkalizing agent,
• it reduces yeast overgrowth that can destroy the normal "friendly" bacteria in the gut,
• it penetrates the walls of the digestive system to remove harmful bacteria.

By restoring balance to the digestive system, restoring the beneficial "friendly" bacteria and reducing inflammation the body is better able to absorb nutrients. This can have a huge impact on a person's overall well-being and help fight many disorders not directly connected with the digestive system.

Effective for people suffering from stomach ulcers as it coats the lining. In fact aloe vera is an "amphoteric" as it can treat opposite conditions by either raising or lowering levels of hydrochloric acid as required. Low hydrochloric acid levels are common and can contribute to allergies. ?

• Supports your Immune System to help you fight infection.
• Helps alleviate a wide range of allergies.?
• Soothes and repairs damaged and inflamed tissues.

Can act as a laxative. The original commercial use of the Aloe plant was in the production of a latex substance called Aloin, a yellow sap used for many years as a laxative ingredient. The aloe latex most likely creates the laxative effect by increasing colonic peristalsis and increasing the intestinal water content by opening chloride channels of the colonic membrane to cause a net reduction of liquid absorption by the colon. The result includes more frequent stools with softer consistency.

Lubricates Joints :

Helps alleviate rheumatism and arthritis. Compounds called anthraquinones are partially responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anaesthetizing effects of Aloe Vera. These properties also make Aloe Vera useful for topical treatments to alleviate swellings, stings, sprains and sunburn.

Polysaccharides :

Aloe Vera is also an extremely rich source of polysaccharides. These help to promote the benefits listed above. Aloe Vera is especially rich in is a particular polysaccharide that research has proven to stop viruses multiplying. 'Deep cleansers' of the immune system are produced that can destroy small particles such as toxic chemicals and tumours. As such, research has also been undertaken into whether Aloe Vera can play a role in the treatment of cancer. Interestingly, it appears to cause the release of tumour necrosis factor Alpha that blocks the blood supply to cancerous growths. Similarly, a study in Japan showed that drinking Aloe Vera juice regularly may be effective in preventing the onset of lung cancer in smokers.

Improvement has been demonstrated in incidences of bone tuberculosis and broken bones, inflammatory gynaecological conditions, paralysis caused by polio; ear, nose and throat conditions, and bronchial asthma.

Some other uses...

• Leg ulcers: anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, stimulates fibroblasts
• Wound healing
• Astringent
• Burns
• Antitumerol (in vitro)
• Herpes (cold sores)
• Psoriasis
• Anti-fungal (Aspergillus niger)
• Anti-bacterial
• Diabetes

Safety :

Aloe vera may enhance the effects of hydrocortisone on swelling and inflammation so consult with the GP first.
Allergic reactions to the topical application of aloe vera are very rare, however, it is not recommended for use on deep wounds.

Contraindications for pregnancy, irritable bowel and other conditions are concerned with the oral ingestion of the juice preparations as opposed to topical application.

Constituents Of Aloe Vera

• Mono- and polysaccharides
• Tannins
• Sterols
• Organic acids
• Enzymes
• Saponins
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Glucomannan, acemannan
• Emodin
• Lipids: cholesterol, gamolenic acid