Aloe Vera and its Uses

Aloe Vera and its Uses

 
We all know this superior succulent is unmatched at relieving the pain of burns and cuts but, did you know it is an excellent multipurpose tool capable of aiding multiple medicinal maladies? There is a reason this extraordinary plant is referred to as the "plant of immortality" and the "medicine plant".
In a recent article by Sandy Almendarez in The Natural Products Insider, new insight to the benefits of Aloe Vera are shared by way of multiple case studies. This well written article also sheds light on how Aloe Vera is used (and misused) in the manufacturing process today.
Here are a few key points to the Natural Products Insider article "Aloe Veritas".

About Aloe Vera


Aloe Vera seems to have evolved right alongside the human species. Like man, it thrives in tropical, warm, dry climates. Quite advantageous for our ancestors, as it is a part of many ancient civilizations’ medicine cabinets—from Egypt to Greece, Arabia and Spain. Today, people around the globe consider it part of their medicinal heritage, including China, India, Japan, Russia, the Caribbean, Jamaica and the United States."

Why Does it Work?


...Aloe vera gel contains many active constituents, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, sterols, enzymes and polysaccharides. “All of the ingredients in Aloe Vera are combined and balanced perfectly in nature to provide a soothing tonic for the body's systems...
...“Aloe works well with the body’s innate immune system to aid in a defense to protect us from the invasion of what is out there."

Skin Care


Aloe Vera is calming and moisturizing for the skin and cumulative evidence supports its use for helping the body to heal small wounds and burns,” Linsley said. “In fact, a compound present in Aloe vera called acemannan can assist the immune system by boosting the amount of T-lymphocyte cells in the body.
A Brazilian study of 20 women found freeze-dried Aloe Vera extract was an effective ingredient for improving skin hydration and suggested it may be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and also as a complement in the treatment of dry skin."

GI Tract


...Aloe Vera also benefits the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with its wound-healing properties, if one considers GI disturbances as wounds. “Ingestion of Aloe Vera can be of benefit to the GI system, promoting healthy digestion and bowel function,” Linsley said. “It encourages the release of digestive enzymes when the stomach is full, and as an alkalizer, it may prevent excessive acid in the digestive process.”

Diabetes


...a 2006 Japanese study concluded Aloe Vera gel and phytosterols derived from Aloe Vera gel have a long-term blood glucose level control effect and would be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes after the researchers evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Aloe Vera gel and isolated a number of compounds from the gel, specifically lophenol, 24-methyl-lophenol, 24-ethyl-lophenol, cycloartanol and 24-methylene-cycloartanol.16 After administration of the five phytosterols for 28 days in mice, fasting blood glucose levels decreased to approximately 64 percent, 28 percent, 47 percent, 51 percent and 55 percent of control levels, respectively."

Cancer


While few products in the natural arena tout cancer-abating abilities, Aloe vera has been shown to help reduce tumors and increase lifespan in cancer patients. Back in 1991, Texan researchers noted after 12 weeks, 71 percent of cats that had leukemia and were treated with acemannan were alive and in good health. Normally, the researchers pointed out, 40 percent of cats with feline leukemia are dead within four weeks and 70 percent within eight weeks of the onset of clinical symptoms."

 
Aloe Vera takes many forms in today's market from pills to gels to juices to plants.  It is important to always purchase Aloe Vera  carefully and from a trusted manufacturer to ensure the maximum possible benefit.
To read this exceptional article in full, please click here
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