Posted by Caroline Collard on Jun.17, 2010

Aloe Vera. Photo Credit: Steve Hillebrand, USFWS

Aloe vera is a popular plant that nearly everybody has heard of these days. It is renowned for its medicinal purposes. Although it looks like a cactus and likes to live in dry areas, it is actually a member of the lily family. The active substance is the jelly on the inside of the leaves and this is put into the many aloe vera drinks, capsules, creams, shampoos and other products that are available on the market. It contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients which lead to its potent medicinal abilities.

When drunk, aloe vera has citrus like flavor that some people like and some don’t, although the addition of fruit juice can make it more palatable.

I, like many other people, have an aloe vera plant on my kitchen table and the leaves can be broken open and the jelly put directly on a burn, however I have not yet had the need to try this. It is believed by some that aloe has magical qualities and just having a plant in your kitchen protects against burns.

Records include mentions of aloe vera even as far back as the times of Aristotle and Alexander the Great when it was considered an important plant. It also mentioned in the bible during the crucifixion. There are many other references to it over the years.

There is an ever increasing volume of research taking place on the benefits of aloe vera, used both internally and externally. It is regularly taken for digestive complaints of all sorts, including both constipation and diarrhea, arthritis, skin conditions including burns, wound healing, eczema and psoriasis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts the immune system, improves the skin and is good for dental health. I remember a friend of mine, Birgitta, once saying that it was good for the whole digestive system, from mouth ulcers through to piles. She also said to me that whatever the complaint, why not try aloe vera and see if it works, it certainly won’t do any harm. I think this is probably a good principle to work on.

Aloe vera contains potassium which stimulates the kidneys to get rid of waste. Aloe can also moisturize the contents of the bowel and this helps encourage healthy absorption and elimination. This in turn can lead to a more efficient body and therefore greater health and vitality.

As with all supplements, there are good ones and bad ones, look at the ingredients. Some juices contain water or other liquids to water them down. You don’t want this, you want it to be as pure as possible, although possibly with a small amount of something added to modify the flavor. You may need to shop around to find a good quality product. You may also prefer to take it in capsule form.

As well as the enormous range of aloe vera products available for people there are is a wide selection for animals and many household products such as cleaners. The fragrance is added to washing powder and toilet paper and you can even get it in mattresses. The list seems endless. There again, try to ensure that you go for natural versions, not synthetic fragrances.

Further Information

International Aloe Science Council

Aloe Vera Studies

Aloe Vera Benefits

Cancer Research UK Aloe Vera Information

Aloe Vera - The Plant Remarkable

Aloe Vera History

This article is not meant to constitute medical advice. Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Share

Posted under Beauty, Natural Beauty, Supplements.