: Aloe, vera:

Aloe is a succulent member of the Lily family which are Xeroids. Aloe is also known as the lily of the desert, the plant of immortality, and the medicine plant. The name comes 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. Africans, Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards all have a long history of use of the aloe.

Research since the 1930's shows that aloe gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns by applying a protective coating and speeding up healing. Of over 500 species of Aloe, four have known therapeutic value, with Aloe barbadensis miller the most widely used today as a remedy.

The aloe plant is about 96% water, yet aloe leaf contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals,18 amino acids and 12 vitamins. Aloe's active ingredients include essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins.

Aloe is soothing for digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. As a supplement, aloe facilitates digestion, aids in blood and lymph circulation as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions.

Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids known as phytosterols that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. These plant sterols include Cholesterol, Campesterol and Beta-Sitosterol. These compounds help explain Aloe's effectiveness for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions as well as ulcers, allergic states, and hyper-cholesterolemia. Phytosterols are immune modulators, increasing or decreasing immunity as needed. Unfortunately, most phytosterols are removed from a processed food diet. For example, vegetable oils would appear cloudy if these therapeutic fats were not filtered out to make them more attractive to unknowing buyers in the grocery store.

Aloe naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity, a common cause of indigestion. Aloe helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a soothing, balancing effect, while gently stimulating paristalis (gut motility).

A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen natural immunity. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte. 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 increases the availability of oxygen to the skin, while also increasing the synthesis and strength of tissue.

Parts Used: Aloe vera "extract" is made from the whole leaves of the plant. Aloe gel and juice are made from the inner leaf.

Common Use: Aloe supplements can be used for peptic ulcers and for gastro-intestinal health. Aloe has a moisturizing effect on the skin and is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation, although topical use can be somewhat drying. Aloe is used direct from the leaf for minor burns and wounds. To make a salve; remove the thin outer skin and process the leaves in a blender, add 500 mg of vitamin C powder per cup and store in refrigerator.

Care: Aloe likes sandy soil that is well drained. Potted plants need filtered sun or full shade.

Considerations: AIDS, ALLERGIES, ASTHMA, ACNE, ACID INDIGESTION, ANEMIA, ARTHRITIS, ATHLETE'S FOOT, BOILS, BURSITIS, BRONCHITIS, BOWEL REGULARITY, BLADDER INFECTIONS, CANCER, CANDIDA, CANKER SORES, COLDS, COLITIS, COLIC, CROHN'S DISEASE, CYSTITIS, CHEMOTHERAPY, CONSTIPATION, DIVERTICULITIS, DEMATITIS, DIAPER RASH, DYSENTERY, DIABETES, EDEMA, EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS, ECZEMA, EAR ACHE, FEVER BLISTERS, FUNGUS, GASTRITIS, GENITAL HERPES, GINGIVITIS, GANGRENE, HEAT RASH, HEART BURN, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HERPES ZOSTER/SIMPLEX IMPETIGO, INSOMNIA, INDIGESTION, INSECT BITES, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, JAUNDICE, KIDNEY INFECTIONS, LUPUS, LIVER AILMENTS, LEUKEMIA, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, MOLES, NAUSEA, PIN WORMS, PSORIASIS, POISION IVY, RADIATION BURNS, RASHES, STINGS, STYES, SORE THROAT, SHINGLES, STAPH INFECTIONS, SICKLE-CELL DISEASE, TUMORS, ULCERS (PEPTIC & DUODENAL), VAGINITIS, VENEREAL SORES, VARICOSE VEINS, WARTS, YEAST INFECTIONS, ZOSTER (SHINGLES), etc.