Latin name: Aloe barbadensis.
Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plant but is actually part of the lily family. There are over 300 varieties of the Aloe plant, but it is the Aloe barbadensis variety that exhibits the best medicinal properties.
History of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has a long history as a safe the effective medicine and skin care aid. The Ancient Egyptians and Greeks documented its use for a wide range of ailments, and its healing properties are mentioned several times in the Bible. It is also recorded that both Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus took the plant with them to far distant lands, enabling the fame and seeds of the plant to spread. Around the world, the plant has acquired a number of unusual descriptions such as ‘Voodoo Juice’, ‘Fountain of Youth’, ‘First Aid Plant’, and ‘Wand of Heaven’.
Modern use of Aloe Vera was first documented in the 1930s to heal radiation burns. It was also used after the Second World War to aid the victims of the fallout in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was reported that the victims who were treated with Aloe Vera showed signs of increased tissue growth and reduced pain, where other medicines had failed.
The Benefits of Aloe Vera
Taken internally, Aloe Vera has been shown to have various beneficial effects on the body.
Blood circulation – a number of constituents have beneficial effects on blood pressure and coagulation.
Bone and joint disorders – due to its high mineral and amino acid content.
Detoxification – amino acids assist the liver and kidneys.
Digestion – as well as being widely shown to benefit irritable bowel syndrome, it is also useful with other digestive problems, including peptic ulcers.
Laxative – It has a gentle laxative effect on the bowels.
Immune system – contains many ingredients providing antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic elements.
Skin care – moisturising and conditioning effects even when taken internally.
Burns and Sunburn – The soothing and healing qualities of Aloe Vera are well known for any type of burn and is especially popular for sunburn.
The precise method by which Aloe Vera works is not yet fully understood, but it is a great stimulator of the body’s own system, which counteracts disease and disorder.
Properties
Aloe Vera contains an array of materials, including the following.
Acids – antimicrobial, anti-helminitic (anti-parasitic worms), wound healing for skin tissue and ulcers.
Amino Acids – required for repair and growth. Aloe Vera contains twenty of the twenty two essential amino acids.
Enzymes – catalysts enabling chemical reactions to take place.
Lectin – anti-tumour effects.
Lipids – principle structural components of living cells.
Minerals – calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are all present in significant quantities.
Lactates and Salicylates – analgesic properties.
Phenolics – mild antiseptics and antimicrobials.
Polysaccharides – long chain sugars broken down to smaller ones via enzymes.
Urea-Nitrogen – pain killing effect.
Vitamins – contains 8 of the 13 recognised vitamins.
Contra-indications/Precautions
Not recommended during pregnancy.
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