GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Aloe Vera plant is native to North Africa.
Aloes have been used all over the world throughout the ages for their various medicinal properties. Manufacturers sell the transparent gel
from the plant’s leaf as a topical remedy; they also process
it into “juice” and pills, which are taken internally for
gastrointestinal benefits
or as a tonic (a substance that
works to balance the body’s systems instead of addressing a
specific ailment). For topical use, aloe gels work well on
sunburn, rashes, and other minor
irritations (look for products
containing 95 to 100% pure aloe). Aloe-based ointments and
sprays are also available for other skin traumas. Aloe for
internal use comes in liquids, tablets, and capsules.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
The gel of the aloe leaf contains several
chemicals, a polysaccharide, enzymes, nutrients,
and other compounds that seem to fight bacteria and fungi, reduce inflammation and encourage
wound healing. Furthermore, aloeride and acemannan, two
isolated compounds in the gel of the aloe leaf, have been
shown to stimulate the immune system and improve skin healing time. Research carried out by
Okyar et al in 2001 revealed that aloe leaf gel extract
could be useful in the treatment of non-insulin dependent
(Type II) diabetes mellitus.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
recommendations
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Aloe juice products for oral consumption are
generally considered safe, although drinking more than a pint a day may lead to diarrhea.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Gel preparations used topically have not been associated with side effects. Products made from
the plant’s latex can cause side effects such as intestinal
cramping due to their laxative effect. Because of these side
effects, the latex form of aloe should not be used by elderly people, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone with inflammatory
intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative
colitis, or appendicitis.
