Aloe Vera

Aloe (Aloe Vera) has been historically used for many of the same conditions for which it is used today—particularly constipation and minor cuts and burns. In India, it has been used by herbalists to treat intestinal infections, suppressed menses, and colic.

The constituents of aloe latex responsible for its laxative effects are known as anthraquinone glycosides. These molecules are split by the normal bacteria in the large intestines to form other molecules (aglycones), which exert the laxative action. Since aloe is such a powerful laxative, other plant laxatives such as senna or cascara are often recommended first.

It is not yet clear which constituents are responsible for the wound healing properties of aloe. Studies suggest polysaccharides help promote skin healing by anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating actions. Aloe’s effects on the skin may also be enhanced by its high concentration of amino acids, protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in:

Vitamin C which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal gland which supports our body in times of stress.

Amino acids which are chains of molecules which construct protein in our body.

Enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.

Germanium which is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.

Aloe has been used to treat minor burns. Stabilized aloe gel is applied to the affected area of skin three to five times per day. Older case studies reported that aloe gel applied topically could help heal radiation burns, and a small clinical trial found it more effective than a topical petroleum jelly in treating burns.

Two small controlled human trials have found that aloe, either alone or in combination with the oral hypoglycaemic drug, glibenclamide, effectively lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

An aloe extract in a cream has been shown effective in a double-blind, controlled trial in people with psoriasis.
Aloe vera juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser.

For minor burns, the stabilized aloe gel is applied topically to the affected area of skin three to five times per day. Treatment of more serious burns should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For internal use of aloe gel, two tablespoons (30 ml) three times per day is used by some people for inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For type 2 diabetes, clinical trials have used one tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe juice, twice daily. Note the treatment of diabetes with aloe should only be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Suggested Properties:
Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and energy tonic

A good UK source of Aloe Vera is available here

An American supplier of Aloe Vera

Another source here