Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Native to Africa, Aloe Vera is
also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality",
and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic
alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in
the leaves. Recorded use of Aloe Vera in
treating burns, infections and parasites goes back as far as the
Egyptians in about 1500 B.C. There are over 500 species of aloe
growing worldwide. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used
the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub
the gel on their bodies as a deodorant/anti-perspirant.
Advance Research of Aloe Vera
Extensive research since the 1930's has shown the clear gel
produces dramatic benefits by putting up a protective layer over
affected areas, speeding up the healing rate. The root of the
aloe plant has also been used as a treatment for colic. As a
food supplement, Aloe Vera is
said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic
circulation, and enhance the function of the liver, kidneys and
gall bladder. Liquid health treatments using Aloe Vera and
other herbs have proven beneficial for the relief of colitis and
peptic ulcers. The oral administration of an extract of Aloe Vera for 6
months produced good results in the treatment of asthma. The
exception was the fact that the extract was not effective in
patients dependent on corticosteroids. The results of
experimental studies in rats and mice suggest that Aloe Vera may be
effective, both topically and internally, in the treatment of
diabetic leg ulcers, as well as exhibiting blood sugar-lowering
effect in both normal and chemical induced diabetic mice. Aloe Vera has
shown great promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral
substance. Acemannan, present in Aloe Vera ,
has shown encouraging results in the early treatment of the AIDS
virus.
Uses of Aloe Vera