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There are over 240 different species of Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa,
Asia, Europe and America. There are over 500 species of aloe growing in climates worldwide.
Of the 240+ species of Aloe, four are recognized as having nutritional value with
Aloe barbadensis miller leading the group. Aloe barbadensis miller is the type of Aloe
used in most products with aloe content available commercially today.
Although Aloe vera is a member of the Lily family, it is very cactus-like in its
characteristics. This unique plant also belongs to a larger plant family called "Xeroids".
The aloe leaf contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals,
18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins and is about 96% water. The rest of it contains active
ingredients including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins.
Aloe vera "extract" is made by pulverizing the whole leaves of the plant. Aloe vera juice is
made from the inner leaf.
Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality",
and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter"
because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use
of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites. Ancient Greeks, Arabs
and Spaniards have used the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub
the gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration and their scent.
Modern healers have used aloe vera since the 1930's. Many liquid health treatments are made,
some combining aloe juice with other plants and herbs. The juice is soothing to digestive
tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers.
Extensive research since the 1930's has shown that the clear gel has a dramatic
ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns by putting a protective coating on the
affected areas and speeding up the healing rate. Aloe vera is commonly known as a skin
healer, moisturizer, and softener. It is dramatically effective on burns of all types,
and is also good for cuts, insect stings, bruises, acne and blemishes, poison ivy, welts,
skin ulcers, and eczema.
Aloe is a good plant to keep in the kitchen. When the leaf is
broken, its gell is placed on burns to relieve pain and prevent blisters. Aloe may reduce
inflammation, decrease swelling and redness, and accelerate wound healing.
Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema.
It can relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power come from
increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and by increasing the synthesis and
strength of tissue.
As a food supplement, aloe is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic
circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Taken internally,
98-99% pure aloe vera is known to aid in the healing of stomach disorders, ulcers,
constipation, hemorrhoids, rectal itching, colitis, and all colon problems. Aloe contains
at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small
intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity -
a common cause of indigestion.
Aloe can also be helpful against infections, varicose veins, skin cancer, and arthritis,
and is used in the treatment of AIDS. A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is
currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the bodies natural resistance. Studies
have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells and aid the immune system.
It helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a soothing, balancing effect. There
have been excellent results in using colon cleansers containing psyllium husks in
combination with aloe vera juice.
George's Aloe Vera Juice is a good source of aloe vera juice and other aloe products,
as it needs no refrigeration and tastes like plain water. This combination has been found to
be good for food allergy and colon disorder sufferers. Psyllium keeps the folds and pockets in
the colon free of toxic material that gathers there. The aloe vera not only has a healing
effect, but if constipation or diarrhea is present, it will return the stools to normal. It
takes a few weeks to clease the colon, but regular, periodic use will keep the colon clean.
As with any substance, it is possible to develop an intolerance to aloe vera and/or psyllium
husks, so this treatment should not be used on an ongoing basis.
ALOE VERA
Aloe barbadensis/capensis/vera
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics: Herbs - Aloe Vera
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics: Natural Food Supplements Index
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