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Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "Lily of the Desert", the "Plant of Immortality", and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves.

In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration and their scent.

A succulent (Liliaciae sub-species aloinae), a member of the lily and onion family, also related to garlic and asparagus, of which there are more than three hundred varieties but of which only a few had medicinal properties. It is generally accepted that the most potent is Aloe vera Barbadensis miller.

There are over 240 different species of Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Although Aloe vera is a member of the Lily family, it is very cactus-like in its characteristics. This unique plant also belongs to a larger plant family called "xeroids".

The aloe leaf contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. A high quality Aloe Drink, which uses only the nutritious inner gel - not the outer rind the rind of the leaf, such as that shown on the right, is one of the most nutritious drinks available.

"WHOLE LEAF" vs. PURE INNER GEL

Unlike the inner gel, the rind of the leaf has essentially no nutritional value. This means that the presence of the rind in products such as drinks is little more than 'filler.'

The promotion of "whole leaf," or products with the rind included, as being more beneficial in some way - is simply incorrect and misleading. While there are good aloe-based drinks with the rind included, Aloe drinks without the essentially useless rind are free from this useless filler.

The leaves are processed much like how a fish is filleted. The leaf is laid on a table and the skin is carefully removed. What occurs next is the big difference. On the skin of each leaf are nodules. Directly under each of these nodules are the most potent parts of the Aloe Vera "meat or gel." These specific parts of the gel are about 30 times more potent than the surrounding or majority of the remaining gel. These small areas of the potent gel are considered the prime parts of the plant. The remaining gel, which is the majority of the gel, is considered the scrape. Many companies use the "scrape" parts of the gel. The reason is simple economics.

As another example: When China purchases Aloe Vera from the United States, they insist on purchasing the leaves as whole and intact leaves. This assures them that they will know which parts of the leaf they are using for their specific marketing uses.

Aloe is one of the oldest healing plants known to mankind. It is even described in the bible for its healing properties. Extensive research since the 1930's has shown that the clear gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns by putting a protective coating on the affected areas and speeding up the healing rate. Hundreds of Scientific Research Papers describe the activities of Aloe vera taken internally or applied externally to the skin or hair. These Research Papers include, but are not limited to the following nutritional uses:

• a natural cleaner
• powerful in penetrating tissue
• relieving pain associated with the joints and muscles
• bactericidal
• acts as a strong antibiotic
• virucidale when in direct contact for long periods
• fungicidal
• anti-inflammatory
• instrumental in increasing circulation to area
• breaks down and digests dead tissue
• moisturizes tissues

Aloe Vera is used as a liniment for sore muscles or as a soothing and moisturizing cream that doubles as a first aid cream for minor skin problems which is also ideal for use under make-up.

Additionally, Aloe has been used topically for cuts, burns, insect stings, bruises, acne and blemishes, poison ivy, welts, skin lesions, eczema, and sunburns. Aloe also has a history of traditional use by Native Americans for stomach disorders and intestinal disorders including constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis and colon problems. Additionally, numerous constituents within aloe vera have demonstrated enhancement of immune system functioning within the body.

This plant has been traditionally used through the centuries for both internal ingestion as well as for topical purposes. Historically, the aloe plant has enjoyed wide use for its enhancement of normal gastrointestinal functioning. It has been used by many for constipation, intestinal colic, and inflammatory conditions of the small and large intestine and for digestive disturbances. Topically, aloe has demonstrated benefits in assisting in the healing of minor cuts, wounds and burns. More recent research and clinical use has shown even wider applications for this amazing plant including enhancing immunity, balancing blood sugar and providing pain relief.

The plant is about 96% water. The rest of it contains active ingredients including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins. Modern healers have used it since the 1930's. Many liquid health treatments are made, some combining aloe juice with other plants and herbs. The juice is soothing to digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. As a food supplement, aloe is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions.

Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity - a common cause of indigestion. It helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a soothing, balancing effect.

With the impressive elements found in Aloe that work in synergy with one another, it's no wonder that Aloe vera is so effective in the nutritional assistance and supplementation of the human metabolism.

Constituents

There are over 100 active biologic constituents found within aloe. The plant is a rich source of many natural health-promoting substances including:

Vitamins/Minerals - Vit C, A, E, B vitamins, B-carotene, Zinc, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, and Phosphorous.

Enzymes - At least five different enzymes have been identified and likely more are contained within.

Amino Acids - Twenty-two amino acids are found within aloe.

Plant sterols - These plant based compounds are potent anti-inflammatory agents.

Gibberellin - A growth factor which assists in healing.

Polysaccharides - Including B1-3 and B1-4 Glucomannans known for their immune stimulating effects Based on its constituent make up, aloe has a wide array of applications.

Supportive Information

1. Wound healing - Numerous studies have shown improved wound healing in both diabetics as well as non diabetic individuals using Aloe Vera. Aloe stimulates epidermal growth factor (responsible for enhancing skin growth), and enhances fibroblast function (cells responsible for collagen formation). This results in the "healing and sealing" of wounds and makes topical Aloe an important product for assistance in the healing of minor burns, cuts, scrapes and even skin ulcers.

2. Immune modulation - Research has indicated that Aloe has the ability to stimulate macrophages. Macrophages help the immune system to "see" dangerous microorganisms and tumor cells and assist in their destruction. The long chain polysaccharides (B1-3 and B1-4 Glucomannans) have direct immune enhancing and modulating properties. These properties include increasing immune cell production and stimulating and improving white blood cell activity. Aloe thus provides excellent nutritional support for an optimum functioning immune system.

3. Enhancing GI functioning - Dr. Jeff Bland studied the effects of Aloe on the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. He found improved bowel regularity, increased protein absorption, decreased unfriendly bacteria and yeast and increased water content of the stool. In this study the use of aloe also resulted in an overall improvement in an individual’s energy and sense of well- being in addition to enhanced bowel functioning.

4. Anti-inflammatory - Aloe has shown biologic anti-inflammatory properties over a wide range of animal experiments. The sterols in Aloe have strong abilities to inhibit acute inflammation, similarly to cortisone, without any of the side effects. It is believed that aloe works in a manner similar to aspirin in blocking prostaglandin effects but this remains to be proven.

5. Analgesia (Pain Relief) - A number of the smaller chain polysaccharides found within aloe have anti-inflammatory activity, as do the plant sterols. Numerous pain conditions, such as arthritis, involve inflammation. Aloe may reduce joint and muscle pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Blood Sugar Balancing - Lowering of the blood sugar has been observed in individuals ingesting Aloe on a regular basis. One single-blind study in Thailand reported that combining 1-tablespoon of Aloe Juice twice daily with glyburide (a medication to lower blood sugar in diabetics), significantly improved blood sugar and lipid levels in people with diabetes, compared with placebo. Previously, glyburide by itself had not effectively controlled the diabetes in the people in this study. Aloe may therefore have numerous beneficial effects in diabetic individuals.

Recommended Use

Juices - 2 to 4 oz. daily for wellness and prevention purposes, 6 to 12 oz daily for intensive tissue and organ support

Topical - Apply 1 to 3 times daily as needed

Side Effects

As aloe juice may lower blood sugar, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended for diabetic individuals currently on blood sugar lowering medication.

A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the bodies natural resistance. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system.

Those wise to the ways of aloe healing keep this plant in the kitchen. When the leaf is broken, its gel is placed on burns to relieve pain and prevent blisters. Aloe may reduce inflammation, decrease swelling and redness, and accelerate wound healing.

Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema. It can relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power come from increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and by increasing the synthesis and strength of tissue.

To make a salve, remove the thin outer skin and process the leaves in a blender, add 500 units of vitamin C powder to each cup and store in refrigerator.

"At first I couldn't accept that Aloe Vera combined with Bee Propolis (the sticky resinous substance collected from various tree barks and buds by bees with which they line their hives creating a sterile environment) could suppress this atopic or juvenile eczema, where all my moisturisers and steroid creams had not. It was even more upsetting because my special interest in Medicine was dermatology and I thought I knew a bit about it." [Dr Peter Atherton, Research Fellow at Oxford University studying the medicinal effects of Aloe Vera. Author of "The Essential Aloe Vera"]

References

1. Aloe Vera - A scientific approach: David,Rober. Vantage Press Inc, 1997.
2. Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Chokechaijaroenporn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe Vera L. juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Phytomed 1996;3:245–48.
3. Bruce W. Investigations of the antibacterial activity in the aloe. S Afr Med J 1967;41:984.
4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 80–81.
5. Ajabnoor M. Effect of aloes on blood glucose levels in normal and alloxan diabetic mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;28:215–20.
6. Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Chokechaijaroenposn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Phytomedicine 1996;3:5–8.
7. Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, et al. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: A placebo-controlled double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health 1996;1:505–9.
8. Visuthikosol V, Choucheun B, et al. Effect of Aloe Vera to healing of burn wound: A clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai 1995;78:403–9.
9. Blitz J, Smith J, Gerard J. Aloe vera gel in peptic ulcer therapy: Preliminary report. J Am Osteopathic Assoc 1963;62:731–35.

(al´o) [Gr.], any species of the genus Aloe, succulent perennials of the family Lilaceae (lily family), native chiefly to the warm dry areas of South Africa and also to tropical Africa, but cultivated elsewhere. The juice of aloe leaves contains the purgative aloin. Today the various drug-yielding species, e.g., A. vera and A. chinensis, are still used for their traditional medicinal properties as well as for X-ray-burn treatment, insect repellent, and a transparent pigment used in miniature painting; cords and nets are made from the leaf fiber. In ancient times the juice was used in embalming. A Muslim, on return from the pilgrimage to Mecca, hangs an aloe above the door. The American and false aloes are agaves, amaryllis family group that is the American counterpart in habit and general appearance to the true aloes. There is evolutionary evidence that the aloes and the agaves should be considered a single separate family, the Agavaceae. The Scriptural aloes is unrelated. Aloe is classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Liliopsida, order Liliales, family Liliaceae.

Links & Studies on Aloe vera
http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb3.htm

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