Aloe Vera: the Ancient Modern Wonder Treatment

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.

Many popular herbal remedies are derived from the aloe plant. Native to Africa, the aloe vera plant is also called the "lily of the desert", "plant of immortality" and, appropriately, "medicine plant." The bitter liquid that comes from the plant is the basis of the name "alloeh", which translates in Arabic to "bitter taste".

The Herb

Aloe vera is one of about 400 known species that fall under the family of plants known as "asphodelaceae". Aloe is native to the arid parts of Africa, as well as the mountainous zones of tropical Africa. Classified as a succulent plant and considered by many to be an herb, the aloe vera plant is distinguished by the large, thick, fleshy leaves. Shaped like lances, these leaves have spines lining their margins and sharp apexes.

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.

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.

Juice from Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant, like most succulents, contains about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent of aloe vera is a combination of active ingredients including amino acids, enzymes, essential oils, glycoproteins, minerals and vitamins. Because of the many active constituents present in the aloe vera plant, modern healers often implement it into their liquid health treatments. Juice from the aloe vera is usually combined with other medicinal plants to increase its potency. Those who use aloe vera juice believe that it is able to relieve digestive tract irritations caused by colitis, peptic ulcers and other disorders.

Supplements Based on Aloe Vera

With its many vitamins and minerals, aloe vera is perfect as an herbal food supplement. It helps aid digestion and assists in blood and lymphatic circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplement is also thought to improve kidney, liver, and gall bladder functions.

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.

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.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Writer Varian Sperks pens for several Internet sites, on health and wellness products and alternative health care topics.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated