Soothing Aloe Vera
by Varian Sperks
Most people know that aloe vera can be used on skin cuts, abrasions, or sunburn. But did you know that it can also aid in healing your internal problems? There are some forgotten secrets to this ancient medicinal plant.
The aloe vera plant has given us many popular herbal remedies. A native African plant, aloe vera plant is known as "lily of the desert", "plant of immortality" and of course, "medicine plant." The name aloe is derived from the Arabic word "alloeh", meaning "bitter taste".
The Herb
Aloe vera is one of about 400 known species grown under the family known as "asphodelaceae". Classified as a succulent plant, aloe is naturally grown in the more arid areas of Africa, as well as in the mountainous zones of tropical Africa. The aloe vera plant, which is considered by many to be an herb, is distinguished by the large, thick, fleshy leaves. These leaves are shaped like lances, have sharp apexes and spines lining their margins.
Early Applications of Aloe Vera
Historians have traced the use of aloe vera as an herbal or medical treatment as far back as 1500 BC. These ancient Egyptians used the plant to treat parasites, burns and infections.
Healing Properties
Evidently, the juice of the plant leaves yields certain substances, called aloes, which are good purgatives. Some species of the aloe, like Aloe venenosa, may produce poisonous juice and are therefore not recommended. However, most species, such as the A. vera, vulgaris, socotrina, chinensis, and perryi contain aloes that have therapeutic uses.
Since the 1930s, thorough research has been conducted on the aloe vera plant. Studies have indicated that the clear gel of the aloe vera herbal plant may hold dramatic abilities to heal burns, wounds and ulcers. By coating the affected areas with the gel-like substance, the wound may be safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies, allowing for quicker healing.
Herbal Juice
Like most succulents, the aloe vera plant is composed of about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent consists of active ingredients including essential oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and glycoproteins. The many active constituents present in the aloe vera plant have prompted many modern healers to implement it into their liquid health treatments. The aloe vera herbal juice is usually combined with other medicinal plants in order to increase its potency. Those who use it believe that the juice of the aloe vera produces a relieving effect on digestive tract irritations caused by peptic ulcers, colitis and other digestive disorders.
Aloe Vera Supplements
The many naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals make aloe vera the ideal herbal food supplement. It helps aid digestion, and can assist in lymphatic and blood circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplements are also believed to improve liver, kidney and gall bladder functions.
The plant has at least three fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids make the aloe vera herbal supplement beneficial for the stomach, small intestine, and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent an excess of acidity, which is a common cause of indigestion.
Aloe vera is an ancient plant, long respected for its many healing and soothing properties. For this reason, aloe is one treatment that no modern medicine cabinet should be without.
Author Varian Sperks is a regular columnist for a variety of popular web sites, on family health and health product issues. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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