Soothe Yourself with Aloe Vera -
By: Douglas Black,
2007-06-12
Most people know that aloe vera can be used on
skin cuts, abrasions, or sunburn. But did you know that it can also
aid in healing your internal problems? There are some forgotten
secrets to this ancient medicinal plant.
The herbal remedy aloe vera comes from the plant, aloe. Originally
found in Africa, the aloe vera herbal plant is also called the "lily
of the desert," the "plant of immortality," and the "medicine
plant." Liquid that comes from the plant has a bitter taste or "alloeh"
in Arabic, hence the name.
Aloe Vera Herb
Aloe vera is one of about 400 known species that fall under the
family of plants known as "asphodelaceae". Aloe is native to the
arid parts of Africa, as well as the mountainous zones of tropical
Africa. Classified as a succulent plant and considered by many to be
an herb, the aloe vera plant is distinguished by the large, thick,
fleshy leaves. Shaped like lances, these leaves have spines lining
their margins and sharp apexes.
Early Applications
The use of aloe vera as an herbal or medical treatment is evident as
early as 1500 BC. It's believed that Egyptians used the plant to
treat burns, parasites and infections.
Healing Properties of Aloe Vera
Evidently, the juice of the plant leaves yields certain substances,
called aloes, which are good purgatives. Some species of the aloe,
like Aloe venenosa, may produce poisonous juice and are therefore
not recommended. However, most species, such as the A. vera,
vulgaris, socotrina, chinensis, and perryi contain aloes that have
therapeutic uses.
Thorough research has been done on the aloe vera plant since the
1930s. Studies indicate that the clear gel of the aloe vera herbal
plant has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers, and burns. By
coating the affected areas with the gel-like substance, the wound is
safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies,
thus speeding up the healing rate.
Herbal Juice
The aloe vera plant, like most succulents, contains about 96 percent
water. The remaining 4 percent of aloe vera is a combination of
active ingredients including amino acids, enzymes, essential oils,
glycoproteins, minerals and vitamins. Because of the many active
constituents present in the aloe vera plant, modern healers often
implement it into their liquid health treatments. Juice from the
aloe vera is usually combined with other medicinal plants to
increase its potency. Those who use aloe vera juice believe that it
is able to relieve digestive tract irritations caused by colitis,
peptic ulcers and other disorders.
Supplements Based on Aloe Vera
With its many vitamins and minerals, aloe vera is perfect as an
herbal food supplement. It helps aid digestion and assists in blood
and lymphatic circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplement is also
thought to improve kidney, liver, and gall bladder functions.
The aloe vera plant contains at least three fatty acids with
anti-inflammatory properties, making supplements beneficial for
those with stomach, colon and small intestine problems. By naturally
alkalizing digestive juices and preventing excess acidity, aloe vera
supplements may also prevent these common causes of indigestion.
Next time you're feeling discomfort, inside or out, reach for a
piece of aloe. It's an easy-to-grow plant that looks beautiful in
the bathroom, so keep one in a pot and have those remarkable healing
properties at hand, any time you need them.
Author Varian Sperks enjoys writing for several
web zines, on
family health and
health product
themes.
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