Aloe vera, (Aloe barbadensis Miller), is a succulent plant species that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It belongs to the genus Aloe, which includes over 500 species of flowering plants. Aloe vera is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves that contain a gel-like substance.
Aloe Vera Overview
An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being, Aloe juice can add to overall good health and happiness.
The gel extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant is widely used in various skincare products, cosmetics and alternative medicine remedies. It is rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, which contribute to its therapeutic properties.
Aloe Vera nutrients list
Although Aloe Vera is about 99% water, the remaining 1% is extremely powerful and it is thought this is because the close to 100 ingredients work extremely well together (synergistically). Aloe vera contains many nutrients vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body’s systems.
The ingredients in Aloe can be grouped into the following categories: vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E), minerals (calcium, magnesium, germanium and zinc), sugars, enzymes, lignins, amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins, fatty acids, salicylic acid and protein.
Amino acids are chains of atoms constructing protein in our body.
Enzymes are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.
Germanium is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.
Is there Vitamin B12 in Aloe Vera?
It is often reported Aloe Vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, however it appears there are only trace amounts of B12 at best in Aloe Vera. What does seem to be the case is that taking Aloe vera at the same time as a Vitamin B12 supplement increases the absorption and bio-availability of the B12 to the body.
The B vitamins range, along with vitamin C, are all water soluble, whereas the rest of the vitamins are fat soluble. Aloe vera seems quite special in that it appears to also enhance the absorption of vitamin E (fat soluble) as well as Vitamin B12, which suggests it can help absorb the full range of fat and water soluble vitamins.
It would therefore be a great addition to your daily regime as it may help adults, children, and even pets receive more value from their foods and supplements.
Aloe Vera Health Benefits
Aloe has many healing properties. Each of these categories could be discussed at length in their own right regarding individual molecules and ongoing studies into their remarkable effects. Combined together, it’s easy to see why Aloe Vera is such an effective healing plant.
Aloe Vera for Skin Care
Aloe vera gel is often used topically to soothe and moisturize the skin. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and cooling effects, making it helpful for treating sunburn, minor burns, cuts and wounds. It is also used in various skincare products, such as moisturizers, lotions and creams.
Aloe Vera to Heal Skin Burns
Aloe Vera is an excellent treatment for skin conditions such as burns and eczema. It is often reported that burns can be healed remarkably quickly and the pain reduced very quickly with topical application of Aloe Vera to the burn area.
Aloe Vera to Soothe Internal Tissue
As well as applying topically, Aloe can also be taken internally so it is just as useful for internal epithelial tissue as it is for the skin. For example, mouth and stomach ulcers, nasal and sinuses, bowels, lungs and genital tracts. Aloe works on membranes and surfaces.
Aloe Vera to Boost Circulation
Aloe vera is rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation.
Aloe Vera for Arthritis and Leg Cramps
Aloe vera is believed to help with arthritis and leg cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties, potential pain-relieving effects and ability to improve circulation and muscle relaxation. Its compounds can reduce inflammation, provide temporary pain relief, improve blood flow and relax tense muscles.
Aloe Vera Regulates the Immune System
Aloe seems to be excellent at regulating the immune system (an immunomodulator). This means it can both stimulate the immune response for those with weakened immune systems either from exisiting conditions or post-illness fatigue. It can also calm the immune response, such as for hayfever, where less immune reaction is beneficial.
Aloe Vera for Stress Management
The high vitamin C content in Aloe vera is essential to the health of the adrenal gland, which supports our body in times of stress. Stress is one of the leading causes of disease in the body so it’s good to find natural products that can help us mitigate these effects.
Aloe Vera for Sleep and Relaxation
Aloe vera gel is often praised for its cooling and soothing properties, which may help promote relaxation and stress relief. Applying aloe vera gel topically before bedtime could create a calming sensation that may aid in the relaxation process before sleep.
Aloe Vera for Oral Hygiene
Aloe vera is sometimes added to toothpaste and mouthwash for its oral health benefits. It is believed to have antibacterial properties that may help reduce plaque and gingivitis.
Aloe Vera Body Cleansing Juice
Aloe Vera juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen and bladder, and is considered the finest known colon cleanser. Studies have shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers, bladder and kidney infections.
Women also claim relief from vaginitis. It is said to be an excellent vaginal douche.
Aloe Vera for Digestive Health
Aloe vera gel is consumed orally in some cultures for its digestive tract health benefits. It is believed to have laxative properties so can be taken for constipation. It may help soothe digestive discomfort and haemorrhoids.
Aloe Vera is also used to ease; heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints.
However, oral consumption of aloe vera should be done cautiously and in moderation, as excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal side effects. It is often taken in small amounts in fruit smoothies or juices.
Aloe Vera for Hair Care
Aloe vera gel is sometimes used as a natural conditioner for hair. It can help moisturize the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. Aloe vera gel can also be used as a styling gel or hair mask.
Aloe Vera Research Studies
In 1997, University of San Antonio researcher Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., conducted a study to observe any negative effects of drinking Aloe Vera daily. Rather than exhibiting negative effects, however, test animals receiving daily Aloe showed a remarkable reduction in leukaemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dr. Herlihy concluded, “We found no indication of harm done to the rats even at high levels.” In fact, the Aloe-drinking animals actually lived 25 percent longer than those in the control group (IASC Conference, Texas, 1997).
Animal studies and anecdotal reports claim that drinking the juice or taking it as a tablet or capsule can reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. Drinking the juice may also help those asthmatic patients who are not dependent on cortico-steroids.
There is no single ingredient that makes it very potent and healthful. Researcher Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. This means that Aloe vera’s effects cannot be synthesized easily in a laboratory.
On the upside, this makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances. And because the various elements that make it effective are nutrients rather than drugs, the juice may complement medical treatments. In fact some cancer patients state that Aloe vera seems to reduce nausea, increase energy, and may help to minimize low blood counts caused by chemotherapy or radiation.
European folk medicine calls for using the juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers. Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in the herb reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.
Various research studies are underway to explore the potential of the components to boost immunity and combat the HIV virus, and to treat certain types of cancer (particularly leukemia). It may even have a role to play in managing diabetes.
Numerous studies worldwide indicate that it is a general tonic for the immune system, helping it to fight illness of all kinds. Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the effects.
The three main categories of research include; anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of the plant.
The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. It’s ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62).
In one study, oral use for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study. Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in the plant.
In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Aloe vera for the treatment of HIV. On-going studies worldwide show that taken in highly concentrated doses can stimulate the production of white blood cells that may help fight viruses and also tumours.
Where to Buy Aloe Vera
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Aloe Vera Herb Notes / Side Effects
Aloe vera is a versatile plant with various potential health and cosmetic applications. However, it’s essential to use aloe vera products responsibly and be aware of potential allergic reactions or side effects, especially when consuming it orally or applying it to sensitive skin.
If you are using oral corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, it is important not to overuse or misuse Aloe vera juice. A potassium deficiency can develop, and you may experience toxic effects from the medication.
Although it is removed, in practice Aloe vera juice may sometimes still contain tiny quantities of the laxative compound found in aloe latex. Should you begin to have cramps or diarrhea do not ingest any more of the juice.
Allergies to aloe vera are very rare. Yet any food can be a potential allergen. Test a small amount on the inner arm to see if any reaction takes place. If no irritation on the skin is observed then it is generally tolerated. If ingestion causes diarrhea, then reduce the amount you ingest, increasing use slowly over several days until the desired amount is tolerated.
Latin Name
L. Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis var miller, Aloe vera var. chinensis, Aloe vulgaris, Aloe vera var. lanzae, Aloe indica, Aloe barbadensis var. chinensis, Aloe vera var. wratislaviensis, Aloe elongata, Aloe vera var. littoralis, Aloe perfoliata var. vera, Aloe perfoliata var. barbadensis, Aloe flava, Aloe chinensis, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe lanzae.
Common Names
Aloe vera, True Aloe
Properties of Aloe vera
Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and energy tonic.
Aloe Vera is indicated for:
Digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, cleansing stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and colon, arthritis, asthma, bladder and kidney infections, cancer, constipation, diverticular disorders, haemorrhoids, heartburn, heart disease, HIV, immune stimulation, indigestion, insomnia, kidney disease, leg cramps, leukemia, skin health, stomach distress, tumours, vaginitis, vaginal douche, viruses, white blood cell production and general health tonic.
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