Juicing For Health - Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Name
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) also known as Aloe, Indian Alces, Kumari, Ghirita, Gawarpaltra, Barbados aloe, Curacao aloe and Lu hui.
Parts Used
Pulp from inside of the succulent leaves.
Information
Aloe vera, also known as the medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape Verde. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa and other arid areas.
Aloe is traditionally used to heal wounds, relieve itching and swelling, and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
You will have probably heard of aloe vera somewhere along your tracks, it is a common ingredient in skin care and beauty products such as skin creams, makeup, moisturizers and shampoos.
Benefits
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Burn/Wound Healing
- Digestive Disorders
- Immune modulation
Aloe Vera has shown potent anti-inflammatory properties over a wide range of animal studies. The sterols in Aloe Vera inhibit acute inflammation, similar to cortisone, without any of the side effects.
Numerous studies have shown improved wound healing 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 of wounds and makes topical Aloe an important product for assistance in the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes and even skin ulcers.
Research also found compounds contained withing aloe to have a cleansing, antifungal and antibacterial effect.
Aloe vera is commonly used for digestive disorders such as IBS, heart burn and colitis. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the digestive tract, whilst the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal activity can help balance the eco-logy. It also helps break down impacted food residues and thoroughly cleanse the bowel.
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.
Side Effects/Precautions
Generally aloe vera seems to be quite a safe herb for use with minor side effects such as intestinal pain, diarrhea, nausea and rash. People taking medication, oral steroids, digoxin, and diuretics for arrhythmia should avoid taking Aloe vera.
Aloe is thought to deplete potassium after prolonged use which can cause alot of problems such as muscle weakness and arrythimias.
Allergies to aloe vera are very rare. Yet any food can be a potential allergen. Before using apply a small amount behind the ear or on the underarm, if stinging or a rash occurs do not use. If ingestion causes diarrhea, then reduce the amount you ingest, increasing use slowly over several days until the desired amount is tolerated.
Do not use interally during pregnancy.
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