Aloe Vera: the Ancient Modern Wonder Treatment

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.

The 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 of Aloe Vera

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.

Aloe Believed to Aid Healing

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.

Since the 1930s, thorough research has been conducted on the aloe vera plant. Studies have indicated that the clear gel of the aloe vera herbal plant may hold dramatic abilities to heal burns, wounds and ulcers. By coating the affected areas with the gel-like substance, the wound may be safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies, allowing for quicker healing.

Aloe Vera Juice

Like most succulents, the aloe vera plant is composed of about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent consists of active ingredients including essential oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and glycoproteins. The many active constituents present in the aloe vera plant have prompted many modern healers to implement it into their liquid health treatments. The aloe vera herbal juice is usually combined with other medicinal plants in order to increase its potency. Those who use it believe that the juice of the aloe vera produces a relieving effect on digestive tract irritations caused by peptic ulcers, colitis and other digestive disorders.

Supplements Based on Aloe Vera

The many naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals make aloe vera the ideal herbal food supplement. It helps aid digestion, and can assist in lymphatic and blood circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplements are also believed to improve liver, kidney 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.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Columnist Varian Sperks loves writing for a variety of web zines, on natural products and natural health product topics.
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