Aloe vera
Aloe vera, often called the "Natural healer", "Lily of the desert" or the "Plant of immortality", belongs to the Aloe barbadensis variety which has the best medicinal properties. It has been known and used for centuries because of its healing properties. Aloe vera is a tropical or subtropical plant of the lily (Liliaceae) family that has leaves growing in a spiral rosette pattern around a central stem. The name aloe is derived from the Arabic word 'alloeh' meaning a shining bitter substance, which is found in aloe leaves. The leaves of the Aloe vera plant contain a viscous but essentially clear gel given structural rigidity by hair-like connective fibers that run therethrough. The leaves are given structural rigidity by means of a plurality of hair-like connective fibers which run throughout the leaf. The leaf has jagged edges set with thorny spines along the outer edges thereof and contains a gel which, when extracted therefrom, is used in the preparation of medicinal compositions, cosmetics, soaps, medicants, etc. Extracting the gel from the leaf poses some problems since the leaf must first be split lengthwise in order to make the gel accessible for recovery. Aloe vera has been known for centuries for its useful therapeutic properties. It has been used extensively in a wide range of beauty products, such as cosmetics, soaps, and lotions. Aloe vera is a traditional anti-inflammatory topical ointment used to combat the inflammation and pain caused by jelly fish stings, insect bites, sunburn and the like. Aloe vera soothes and cools the inflamed skin, numbs the pain associated with the inflammation and prevents itching. Aloe vera is an excellent first aid remedy to keep in the home for wounds, abrasions, burns, scrapes, scalds, and sunburn. Leaf on breaking releases soothing gel, which may be applied topically to the affected part. Aloe vera is useful for almost any skin condition that needs soothing and astringing, and will help varicose veins to some degree. Aloe gel has been used for topical treatment of skin irritations. The juice of aloes was formerly used in Eastern countries in embalming and to preserve dead bodies from putrefaction. Aloe vera is a traditional remedy for many digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, oesophagitis, peptic ulcers and oral lesions. Additionally, as an abundant source of essential nutrients, Aloe vera is a nutritional supplement and a detoxifying tonic that revitalizes the body. Moreover, as a beauty aid, Aloe vera enhances the ability of the skin to absorb moisture, thus revitalizing the skin. In homeopathy aloe vera has been used in homeopathic medicine from early times both as a purgative and tonic. It is used to treat congestion, especially in the pelvic organs, abdomen, and head; for example minor prolapse of the uterus, prostrate problems, constipation and headaches. It is also useful for diarrhea with painful urination brought on by food intolerance. This is a common remedy for people who have a very sedentary lifestyle, especially the elderly and those who suffer from fatigue. The Aloe Vera gel has proved effective in the treatment on internal and external wounds because of its following properties: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aids in cell penetration of source compounds, stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and proteoglycanes as to build new tissue in the affected area, regenerates epithelium, increases immunity, causes no collateral effects and is non toxic. Substances reported to occur in aloe vera gel include polysaccharides containing glucose, mannose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, tannins, steroids, organic acids, antibiotic principles, glucuronic acid, enzymes: oxidase, catalase, and amylase, trace sugars, calcium oxalate, a protein containing eighteen amino acids, "wound healing hormones", biogenic stimulators, saponins, vitamins, chloride, sulfate iron, calcium, copper, sodium, potassium, magnanese, zinc, etc. Aloe vera appears to be a considerably safe herb, with no known toxicity when used in moderation. However there are some reports of side effects at higher doses which can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances.
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