Aloe Vera is a virtual necessity for minor emergencies. It is a healing plant used to treat sunburns, minor burns, scrapes, ulcers, arthritis and constipation. This herb has healing, soothing and cleansing properties making it an ideal addition to any medicine cabinet. Moreover, Aloe soothes the intestinal system, too. Aloe Vera has attracted the interest of modern physicians for its ability to heal radiation burns.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History and Uses:
Aloe is a perennial succulent that is native to East and South Africa, and is cultivated in the West Indies and other tropical countries. Interestingly, Aloe is one of the easiest house plants to grow. The tissue in the center of the Aloe Leaf contains a gel which yields Aloe gel (or Aloe vera gel). The word Aloe is derived from the Arabic word, alloeh, which means shiny and bitter. One legend claims that Aloe was used to preserve the body of Jesus Christ, and references to its use as a healing agent can be found in early Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Christian literature. One story says that it was the desire for Aloe plants that caused Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socotra, where Aloe was cultivated. Aloe Vera Leaf is also thought to have been one of Cleopatra's beauty secrets. The Greeks and Romans used the gel for wounds. In Africa, hunters sometimes would rub Aloe juice on their bodies to reduce sweating and to mask human scent. In India, it has been used by herbalists to treat intestinal infections, suppressed menses and colic. Aloe Vera Leaf has been historically used for many of the same conditions for which it is still used today - particularly constipation and minor cuts and burns. Aloe Vera Leaf is also taken internally for stomach disorders, and dried Aloe latex, a substance derived from the leaf, is a strong laxative. When applied externally, Aloe Vera Leaf restores skin tissues and may aid the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and for dandruff, and when used cosmetically, Aloe Vera Leaf softens the skin. Modern doctors have also used Aloe Leaf for x-ray burns, sunburn, chemical burns, first degree burns, traumatized tissue, decibitus ulcers or bedsores, skin inflammation, stomach ulcers, herpes simplex, periodontal surgery, insect bites and stings, irritating plant stings and other minor skin manifestations. Topical applications have included this herb's inclusion in many over-the-counter lotions, poultices, salves, shampoos and sprays. It is said that Aloe Leaf has shown outstanding results in treating facial edema (swelling). When used as a mouth rinse, it is thought to be effective for cold spores and lockjaw. Two small controlled human trials have found that Aloe Vera Leaf, either alone or in combination with the oral hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide, effectively lowers blood sugar in people with Type-2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Primary chemical characteristics of this herb include aloins, anthraquinones, barbaloin, polysaccharides and salicylic acids. Aloin, obtained from the gel in the leaf, are largely responsible for the plant's healing properties. The plant also contains the important antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3), beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, lignins, saponins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and amino acids.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, one (1) time each day with water at a morning or mid-day mealtime.
Contraindications:
Pregnant or nursing mothers, children and the elderly should never take Aloe Vera internally, nor should people who take potassium-depleting drugs for high blood pressure. Aloe and prescription medications should be taken at different times. Allergic reactions, though rare, may occur in susceptible persons.
Excessive use (many times the recommended dosage) may aggravate hemorrhoids.
Capsule Information:
Our Aloe Vera Leaf supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mg. each. |
