Introduction
Aloe vera is a succulent plant related to cactus. It is stemless or a very short-stemed plant. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, green or grey green and have small teeth. Their fleshy leaves store water and are succulent. This juicy plant survives in areas of low rainfall. It flowers in summer. For medicinal use it produces two substances: gel and latex.History
Aloe vera probably originated in northern Africa. It is found in morocco, Mauritania, Egypt. It is frequently cited being used in herbal medicine since beginning of first century. In Egypt it was presented as burial gift to deceased pharaohs. It is found being mentioned in rig Vedas, ancient scripture of India, as ghrita kumari. It is widely grown as ornamental plant in home gardens. Large scale plantation is undertaken in India, China, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Cuba.Chemical composition
It has water, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 phyto nutrients. It contains proteins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, germanium, and vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B12, C and E. It also contains folic acid, niacin, essential fatty acids and enzymes. It contains 99% water. The remaining 1% water is extremely powerful because about 100 ingredients work extremely well to treat health problems. It is the only known natural vegetarian source of vitamin B12.Medicinal uses
Aloe vera is the most impressive medicinal herb given by nature. It is used in Indian system of ayurvedic medicine as multipurpose skin treatment.Burns
It is excellent treatment for burns. Burns can be healed remarkably quickly and pain reduced very quickly by applying topically to the burn area. For minor burns, even scars are not left if the burn is treated with aloe vera.Skin problems
It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish moisture. Skin disease such as acne, eczema, skin irritation respond well to natural antiseptic of aloe. Its topical application may be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. It is widely used in making cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, soaps and herbal toothpaste. It can be used as shaving gel and aftershave to prevent razor burns. It enhances skin health. Its gel can be used for dandruff as well as lice. Aloe bitter gum/sap used in cosmetics helps to fight severe pimples, black spots, acne, stretch marks, fungal and bacterial infection.Wrinkle repair
Vitamin C and E, present in aloe vera helps to improve skin’s firmness and keep it hydrated. Its gel penetrate 4 times faster than water and helps to moisturize the under layer of skin. Combining with coconut oil can make good skin cream with supplements nutrients, essential; fats and moisture.Digestive system
Its ability to encourage release of pepsin helps to improve digestion. Its juice seems to soothe digestive tract, irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Its juice is commonly used internally to relieve digestive discomfort.Laxative
It helps to relieve constipation. There is strong scientific evidence in support of laxative properties of its latex. Dried latex is made from the inner lining of the leaf. It contains aloin which is generally used as laxative.Cardiovascular system
Aloe vera reduces triglycerides and lowers cholesterol. It reduces high B.P. by treating its cause. Vitamin C present in aloe vera helps to maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation.Immune system
It seems to be excellent at regulating immune system. It can stimulate the immune response for those with weakened immune system. Vitamin benefits of aloe vera juice helps building the body’s defense system naturally against stress and disease.Cancer
It seems to halt growth of cancer and to heal pre-cancerous lesions or growth. Its gel is a miracle cure for early stage colon cancer when combined with raw vegetable and fruit juice.Detox
Its use said to be one of the finest body cleanser. It cleans morbid matter from stomach, liver, kidney, spleen, bladder and colon.Other uses
- It stabilizes blood sugar in diabetes.
- It is used externally or internally to relieve joint and muscle pain.
- It cures teeth and gum disease.
Many nutrients available in aloe vera promote growth process and healthy functioning of all body’s system. Diluted leaf sap drank as a cure for malaria, headache, and chest pain and as a appetizer. Various scientific research studies are underway to study its potential to combat the HIV virus and to treat certain types of cancer particularly leukemia.
There is no single ingredient that makes it very potential and healthful, but several different compound group of nutrients work together to make it effective. Study report prepared by scientist of Banaras Hindu University of India says that aloe vera can be used to lower blood glucose and blood lipid level in diabetes and cardiac patients.
Side effects
- Avoid taking aloe for prolonged period as a laxative due to risk of dehydration and electrolyte balance.
- Use of topical aloe is not associated with significant side effects.
- Abdominal cramp and diarrhea is reported with prolonged use or high doses.
- Oral intake of aloe may also lower blood sugar level, take care if you are on prescription medicine for diabetes.
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