Soothing Aloe Vera

Most modern medicine cabinets are equipped with aloe vera in gel, lotion or capsule form. It's interesting to note, however, that there's nothing "new" about nature's age-old medical miracle.

The herbal remedy aloe vera comes from the plant, aloe. Originally found in Africa, the aloe vera herbal plant is also called the "lily of the desert," the "plant of immortality," and the "medicine plant." Liquid that comes from the plant has a bitter taste or "alloeh" in Arabic, hence the name.

Botanical Basics

The aloe vera plant belongs to the family Asphodelaceae with about 400 known species currently grown. Classified as succulent plants, aloe grows in the more arid parts of Africa and in the mountains of tropical Africa. The most distinguishing part of the aloe vera herbal plant is its leaves which are large, thick, and fleshy. The leaves are shaped like lances with a sharp apex and spines lining their margins.

Early Applications of Aloe Vera

As early as 1500 BC, Egyptians have noted the use of the aloe vera plant as treatment for burns, infections, and parasites.

Aloe Believed to Aid Healing

Many believe that the juice of the aloe vera plant yields certain substances, called aloes, which are good purgatives. Great care must be taken before ingesting the aloe plant as some species, including the Aloe venenosa, can produce poisonous juices. Most species, however, including A. vera, chinensis, perryi, socotrina and vulgaris, contain aloes that provide soothing, therapeutic benefits.

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

Since it is a succulent, the aloe vera plant is composed of about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent consists of active ingredients, including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins. Thanks to the many active constituents present in the aloe vera herbal plant, many modern healers have used it in their liquid health treatments. Regularly, the aloe vera herbal juice is combined with other medicinal plants in order to increase its potency. The aloe vera herbal juice produces a relieving effect on digestive tract irritations caused by disorders, such as colitis and peptic ulcers.

Herbal Supplements

The many vitamins and minerals that are found in aloe vera make it an ideal herbal supplement. Aloe vera supplements can aid in digestion, and may assist in blood and lymphatic circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplements may also improve gall bladder, kidney and liver function.

The aloe vera plant contains at least three fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties, making supplements beneficial for those with stomach, colon and small intestine problems. By naturally alkalizing digestive juices and preventing excess acidity, aloe vera supplements may also prevent these common causes of indigestion.

When discomfort hits you next, why not grab a piece of aloe? It is easy to grow, and looks very nice in the bathroom, for example. Modern medicine cabinets would all benefit from the healing properites of this ancient plant.

Varian Sperks enjoys writing for some of today's popular Internet sites, on health diet fitness and alternative health subjects.
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