Uses for Aloe VeraThe Aloe Vera Plant
Uses for Aloe Vera .... Health Benefits of Aloe Vera ... The medicinal uses for aloe vera began since the dawn of history. Egyptian medical writings from 1500 B.C. describe the healing properties of aloe and recommended it for infections and skin problems and as a laxative. Cleopatra, who was renowned for her beauty, regarded this natural beauty aid as a fountain of youth, and used the gel to preserve her skin against the ravages of the harsh and harmful rays of the Egyptian sun. Alexander the Great carried the aloe vera plant into battle to treat the cuts and wounds of his soldiers. The Bible makes references to aloe, and King Solomon is said to have praised its healing powers. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote that aloe vera was an effective treatment for an array of aliments, and it is still widely used in Africa to heal wounds and burns. In more modern times, aloe has emerged as one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the United States as well as much of the industrialized world.
Uses for Aloe Vera What is it?
Aloe vera is a prickly, gray-green succulent perennial native to Africa, but cultivated around the world. It belongs to the Lily family and it has leaves that can grow up to two feet long, and it bears spikes of yellow or orange flowers. The leaves contain two powerhouse fluids – a clear gel found in the inner portion, and a bitter yellow juice or latex found in the thick aloe skin. Therefore, it is the leaves of this succulent plant that provide the healing powers for the many uses for aloe vera.
Uses for Aloe Vera "The Powerful Silent Healer" The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Aloe vera is used as a soothing topical remedy for minor burns, scalds, and sunburns. It also speeds the healing of cuts and other wounds. In addition, aloe vera gel is used to reduce tissue damage from frostbite, to combat psoriasis symptoms, to lessen the painful effects of shingles, to treat external hemorrhoids, to shrink warts, to help prevent scarring, and to relieve skin irritation and inflammation from insect bites, stings, and others. It is even regarded as one of natures best natural moisturizers as it is often used to moisturize and soften dry, itchy, or rough skin. The health benefits of aloe vera have powerful internal uses as well. The aloe vera juice or latex is taken internally to relieve constipation. In addition, the aloe gel extract, or more specifically a powdered form, is sometimes used to treat ulcers and other intestinal problems, including diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Various research studies indicate that it can also boost immunity. However, more study is needed to confirm these benefits of aloe vera. Other intriguing possible uses for aloe vera ………….. There have been reports that ingested aloe products may prove useful for the following: More research is needed to confirm these intriguing possible uses for aloe vera as well. Uses for Aloe Vera Precautions Aloe vera appears to be a safe herb with no known toxicity that we were able to locate in any literature.
However, on rare occasions, people have reported allergic skin reactions. It is recommended that you discontinue use if it causes skin redness, itching, or swelling. Aloe bitters and aloe juice should not be taken internally during pregnancy or menstruation, or in cases of rectal bleeding.
Nursing mothers should also avoid internal use of aloe vera because the laxative compounds are passed into mother’s milk. It is highly recommended that you speak with a physician before taking products for internal use, especially aloe laxatives. Many experts point out that when taken internally, aloe juice (the bitter yellow latex) can cause severe abdominal cramps, intestinal irritation, and kidney inflammation. In addition, anyone with a medical condition or are on any type of medications should always speak to a physician before taking any type of supplements. It is also recommended that you consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements.
Uses for Aloe Vera Tips on Choosing an Aloe Vera Supplement Maximize the Health Benefits of Aloe Vera 1. Look for aloe vera supplements that contain only standardized extracts. These are the purest extracts available, offering the highest quality active ingredients and, as such, have the best potency and efficacy. 2. The products should be produced at pharmaceutical standard GMP registered facilities.
Dietary supplements are not highly regulated by FDA, and, needless to say, many supplements harbor contaminants or do not actually contain the ingredients as proclaimed on the label. Click here to learn more about this industry-wide problem. Facilities that are pharmaceutical GMP compliant must comply with the most rigid standards. In fact, these are the same standards pharmaceutical companies in the United States are required to operate under as mandated by the FDA.
Buyer beware that many commercial products labeled "aloe" do not contain enough aloe to promote much of any healing or any other benefits. In fact, here's what one wellness company had to say…… "It is important to be aware that the Aloe Vera extract you see advertised is usually quite weak and the only type that gives the protection is one which is harvested and prepared in a special way which involves spray drying and concentrating to 200:1. This is quite an uncommon extract as it is more expensive to process in this manner. It is nothing like the common aloe vera sold in liquid form which also has additives and preservatives which are needed when in solution form." Here is another example from the well renowned tome "New Herb Bible" written by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. who states: "Personal Advice" "There are many so-called aloe vera preparations on the market that contain very little of this precious herb. Some contain only a minute quantity of aloe; others contain aloe extract, or reconstituted aloe vera, water down versions that are not as beneficial as bonafide aloe gel. A true aloe product should list aloe vera as a primary ingredient (the first or second ingredient listed on the label) or state that it is 97 to 99 percent pure aloe vera."
3. Ensure the manufacturer has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on file for your review - thus confirming the potency of the aloe vera ingredients listed on the label.
4. Select an aloe vera product that does not contain any fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!)) or any artificial colors or flavors. 5. When selecting aloe vera juice, check to make sure that the one you select is derived from aloe vera gel, not from aloe bitter yellow latex. The key substances in aloe latex are aloin or aloe-emoin compounds.
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