Aloe Vera 

Aloe VeraBotanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Common Name: Aloe vera, Curacao Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Lily of the Desert

Plant Family: Liliaceae

Origin: Aloe is native to East and South Africa and is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations, including Latin America and the Caribbean. There are over 500 species of aloe around the world.

History: Derived from the Arabic name "Alloeh", meaning 'bitter', Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years by the anchient Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Indians and various other civilizations throughout the African continent.

Records show the Aloe Vera plant was used to medicate burns, wounds and insect bites as far back as 1500 B.C. It is also reported that Aloe was used to embalm the body of Christ. Cleopatra used aloe to keep her skin soft and young. African tribes still use it today as an antiperspirant among other medicinal purposes.

Products

Aloe's virtues span so many medical and non-medical sectors that countless numbers of products have been based on aloe or have included aloe extracts in their ingredients. Aloe extracts are widely used in sun cream lotions and balms, oral medicines, beverages and medicated pads. More recently, manufacturers of aloe-based products such as Aloeride are obtaining official approval by the medical society by having their products follow strict testing guidelines in order to offer a product that complies with pharmaceutical standards.

Uses

Bacterial, Viral, Fungal and Parasitic Conditions

  • AIDS
  • eliminates parasites (especially protozoan infections)
  • relieves Herpes simplex & zoster
  • relieves symptoms of Candida
  • relieves symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus (chronic fatigue syndrome)
  • relieves symptoms of fungal infections
  • relieves symptoms of genital herpes
  • relieves symptoms of yeast infections
  • Staphylococcus infections
  • vaginitis
  • viral infections

 

Blood Conditions

  • aids hyperglycemia
  • aids in blood circulation
  • hemorrhoids
  • lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes

 

Cardiovascular Conditions

  • relieves hypertension

 

Female Conditions

  • menstrual cramps and irregularity
  • suppressed menses

 

Gastrointestinal Conditions

  • acts mainly on the large intestine
  • colic
  • constipation
  • dyspepsia
  • facilitates digestion by aiding the immune system
  • helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a soothing, balancing effect
  • helpful to the stomach, small intestine and colon
  • intestinal infection
  • keeps the bowels functioning smoothly and helps when there is an impaction
  • moves allergenic proteins from the small intestine into the colon
  • aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection and preventing infection from starting
  • naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over-acidity
  • promotes a favorable balance of gastrointestinal symbiotic bacteria and decreased yeast populations
  • relieves nausea
  • relieves symptoms of indigestion
  • stimulates activity of the gastrointestinal tract
  • stimulates intestinal motility

 

Genitourinary Conditions

  • assists kidney function

 

Immune System Conditions

  • allergic reactions
  • has immune-stimulating actions
  • strengthens the body's natural resistance

 

Inflammatory Conditions

  • relieves arthritis

 

Liver Conditions

  • assists liver and gall bladder functions
  • helps hypercholesterolemia

 

Respiratory Tract Conditions

  • colds
  • relieves symptoms of esophagal reflex
  • relieves symptoms of gingivitis

 

Other Conditions

  • aids in lymphatic circulation
  • as a cathartic for persons of a phlegmatic nature or sedentary habits
  • helps pruritis
  • is beneficial for persons of a sedentary nature or phlegmatic constitution
  • ulcerations

 

Aloe vera juice soothes digestive tract irritations such as:

  • colitis
  • duodenal ulcers
  • peptic ulcers

 

Aloe is used for inflammatory bowel conditions such as:

  • Crohn's disease
  • gastritis
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • ulcerative colitis

 

Externally Aloe vera gel is helpful for:

  • abrasions
  • acne
  • boils
  • burns
  • bursitis
  • carbuncles
  • chafed and cracked skin
  • chafed nipples from breastfeeding
  • contusions
  • cuts and scratches
  • dandruff
  • denture (gum) sores
  • dermatitis
  • edema (swelling)
  • hemorrhoids
  • inflamed eyes
  • insect bites
  • post-treatment dental discomfort and pain
  • radiation burns
  • rashes
  • psoriasis
  • skin irritation
  • skin rashes
  • sprains
  • stings
  • sunburn
  • tendonitis
  • ulcers
  • varicose veins
  • warts
  • wounds
  • wrinkles
  • X-ray burns