Health Benefits of Aloe VeraAloe vera (liliaceae) is a succulent native to East and South Africa. The health benefits of aloe vera have been known for thousands of years. It has been used medicinally since biblical times. It is also cultivated in the West Indies and other tropical countries. A beautiful violet dye is produced from aloe plants native to the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. It is thought that a desire for this product motivated Alexander the Great to conquer this island in the Fourth Century B.C. Because of it's anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, Aloe vera has been used successfully to treat burns and other wounds for thousands of years and has benefited people of all ages. Different cultures from around the world have called the aloe plant by various interesting nicknames, such as "The Wand of Heaven," "Plant of Immortality," Man's Natural Medicine Chest," and "No Need of a Doctor," among others. Aloe was among the materials used to embalm Pharaoh Ramses II. One of Cleopatra's secret beauty ingredients was reputed to be Aloe vera. Today, Aloe vera is still chosen by contemporary cosmetic firms for face and hand creams, suntan lotions and shampoos. Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Since ancient times, the gel obtained by slitting open the fat, leathery leaves of the aloe plant has been used to relieve and heal burns, various wounds, and as a treatment for rashes, topical inflammation and to soothe the skin. Aloe vera has also been used to reduce pain, especially the pain of arthritis and bursitis, and to support healthy joints. Aloe vera extract is loaded with gamma linoleic acid, which is a natural antacid and anti-inflammatory. This plant also contains anthraquinone, which is a natural laxative, helping to increase movement in the intestines and make elimination easier if not taken in excess. Aloe vera juice is used today as a natural remedy for constipation, ulcers, indigestion, the pain and crampiness of diarrhea, and cutting the risk of heartburn. Many people take the capsules to help maintain healthy blood pressure, ease joint pain, improve digestion, support the immune system, provide anti-diabetic activity, and build antioxidant defenses against free radical damage. Aloe vera products are highly regarded by members of the medical profession for its many marvelous healing virtues. Modern doctors have used aloe successfully for first degree burns, chemical burns, sunburn, X-ray burns, burns caused by radiation treatments for cancer, traumatized tissue, bedsores, stomal ulcers, insect bites and stings, frostbite, and other skin manifestations. Precautions on use of Aloe Vera Aloe gel is safe for external use but has been known to cause an allergic reaction occasionally, especially if used in excess over a long period of time. Aloe latex, if used as a laxative, has been known to cause nausea, severe intestinal cramping and diarrhea when taken in excessive amounts. Aloe latex should not be taken by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Aloe's cathartic power may also aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticulosis, and diverticulitis. Tips on How to Choose / Buy Aloe vera can be found at most health food outlets and comes in various forms, some of which are aloe capsules, ointments, salves or lotion, the natural gel, liquid drink concentrates and encapsulated powder. The aloe plant also can be easily grown indoors, requiring very little water or other care. Many people keep an aloe plant near their kitchen or on a sunny windowsill for a quick, helpful treatment of cuts, burns, and other minor wounds. One excellent supplement we've come across is TOTAL BALANCE, which also contains an immunity stimulating blend of herbs, including the aloe vera plant. We use this high quality product ourselves and highly recommend it as we believe it is one of the very best products of its kind on the market today. |