Aloe Vera is a cactus-like
plant but is actually part of the lily family. There are
over 300 varieties of the Aloe plant, but it is the Aloe
barbadensis variety that exhibits the best medicinal
properties.
Benefits
of Aloe Vera
External Benfits:
Burn and Wound Healing:
Aloe Vera is best known for its soothing and healing effects
on burns and other wounds. Studies show that Aloe Vera when
applied to a wound increases both the rate of wound closure
and the tensile strength of the wound via the proliferation
of cells, including skin, liver, nerve and blood cells.
Aging Of The Skin: Aging of
the skin is characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the
epidermis, combined with the appearance of lines, creases,
age spots and furrows in the face. Components of Aloe Vera
have been found to reverse degenerative skin changes by
stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, in essence
turning back the clock on the effects aging has on skin.
Immune System Restoration:
Research has proven that Aloe Vera prevent suppression of
the skin's immune system. This suppression may be one of the
causes of skin cancer. In addition, topical application of
the Aloe Vera can be made up to 24 hours after exposure to
ultraviolet light without reducing the degree of prevention
regarding immune system suppression.
Moisturizer: One of the
main reasons Aloe Vera has become so popular among consumers
is that it possesses incredible moisturizing properties.
Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to
hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and
has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport
healthy substances through the skin. Each of these factors
make Aloe Vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and
dermatological products. In fact, Aloe Vera is currently one
of the most important ingredients in the cosmetics industry,
being utilized in over 95% of the dermatologically valuable
extracts manufactured worldwide.
Arthritis, Joint and Muscle
Pain: Aloe Vera is believed to reduce severe joint and
muscle pain associated with arthritis, as well as pain
related to tendinitis and injuries. When applied directly to
the area of pain, Aloe Vera penetrates the skin to soothe
the pain. Studies have also found that ingestion of Aloe
Vera on a daily basis can help prevent and cause a
regression of adjutant arthritis.
Anti-Inflammatory: Aloe
Vera promotes a variety of anti-inflammatory responses in
the body, reducing swelling from injuries and promoting
recovery from infections. Such anti-inflammatory responses
not only aid in the relief of pain and discomfort, but also
enhance the overall wound process.
Biological Vehicle: Acts as
a biological vehicle to aid penetration and absorption of
other bio-active ingredients into deep tissue.
Internal Benefits:
Arthritis, Joint and Muscle
Pain: Aloe Vera is believed to reduce severe joint and
muscle pain associated with arthritis, as well as pain
related to tendinitis and injuries. When applied directly to
the area of pain, Aloe Vera penetrates the skin to soothe
the pain. Studies have also found that ingestion of Aloe
Vera on a daily basis can help prevent and cause a
regression of adjutant arthritis.
Relieve Gastrointestinal
Problems: Aloe Vera juice can relieve gastrointestinal
problems and may be one of the plant's most ancient uses.
Even today, people drink the juice to help relieve ulcerous,
gastrointestinal and kidney problems. People have described
improved regularity, greater intestinal comfort and enhanced
energy levels after ingesting Aloe Vera juice. In addition,
many who have suffered from indigestion, irritable bowel
syndrome, increased stomach acid, peptic and duodenal ulcers,
and colitis have reported relief from these conditions
following ingestion of Aloe Vera juice.
Coronary Heart Disease:
Coronary heart disease is one of the major causes of death
in the United States. However, studies suggest that the
ingestion of Aloe Vera gel may have a beneficial effect to
the accumulation of blood fat lipids associated with the
disease. Test groups given Aloe Vera showed a decrease in
total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and
nonesterified fatty acid levels, each of which, when
elevated, seem to accelerate the accumulation of fatty
material in large and medium sized arteries, including the
coronary arteries of the heart.
Antioxidant: Antioxidant,
anti-microbial and anti-viral--Aloe vera contains vitamin C,
E, zinc and seven superoxide dismutases.
Blood circulation - a
number of constituents have beneficial effects on blood
pressure and coagulation.
Detoxification - amino acids assist the liver and kidneys.
Digestion - One of its most popular useages these days is in
helping any type of digestive or bowel disorder. Aloe Vera
has received an enormous amount of positive Press for its
benefits in helping IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. It is
also useful with other digestive problems, including peptic
ulcers or any type of stomach inflammation. Its properties
are those of healing and soothing and so it is worth using
as a part of a healing programme on any digestive complaint.
Laxative - It has a gentle laxative effect on the bowels.
Immune system - contains many ingredients providing
antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic elements.
Burns and Sunburn - The soothing and healing qualities of
Aloe Vera are well known for any type of burn and is
especially popular for sunburn.
The precise method by which
Aloe Vera works is not yet fully understood, but it is a
great stimulator of the body's own immune system, which
counteracts disease and disorder.
Aloe Vera - Properties
Aloe Vera contains an array
of materials, including the following.
Acids - antimicrobial, anti-helminitic
(anti-parasitic worms), wound healing for skin tissue and
ulcers.
Amino Acids - required for repair and growth. Aloe Vera
contains twenty of the twenty two essential amino acids.
Enzymes - catalysts enabling chemical reactions to take
place.
Lectin - anti-tumour effects.
Lipids - principle structural components of living cells.
Minerals - calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are all
present in significant quantities.
Lactates and Salicylates - analgesic properties.
Phenolics - mild antiseptics and antimicrobials.
Polysaccharides - long chain sugars broken down to smaller
ones via enzymes.
Urea-Nitrogen - pain killing effect.
Vitamins - contains 8 of the 13 recognised vitamins.
Contra-indications/Precautions
Not recommended during pregnancy.
