Aloe Vera …The Natural Healer

Aloe Vera is a semi-tropical plant which looks more like a cactus and a member of lily family which usually grows in the African continent. Its green shaped thick leaves contain the water supply for the plant so that the plant can survive for long periods in case of drought. This plant also has resistance to survive in dry and warm climates and in very harsh conditions.

Aloe Vera is often called the Miracle Plant. It goes by many names, which may include The Natural Healer, The Burn Plant or The Miracle Plant. These names have survived the 4000 or so years during which this amazing medicinal herb has benefited mankind.

Aloe Vera is an effective herb. It is also called as A.barbadensis Mill or A. vulgaris Lam. It is mostly found in Northern Africa. It is mainly used like a medication to remove skin disorders such as eczema and burns where it can be useful to reduce swelling and end the pain. Aloe Vera Barbadensis is a succulent, looking rather like a cactus but is in fact a member of the lily family related to the onions, garlic and asparagus. It reaches maturity in four years when the content of its leaves, a mixture of inner gel and outer sap can be harvested. This then gets preserved and bottled to produce a product that is as near to the natural plant juice as we can get.

This sap can be available as an aloe vera drink which has a powerful effect like a drug. An orange-yellow sap can be seen when a leaf of aloe vera is cut from the top. Although, there are over 200 species of aloe and there are probably only three or four with medicinal properties. Of these, Aloe Vera Barbadensis (Miller), which is also known as Aloe Vera (linne) is the most potent easier and less expensive to utilize the entire leaf, 'whole leaf' Aloe juice has been hyped as the 'best'. This is not the case.

The sap of the Aloe is a thick, mucilaginous gel. It is this gel which is used medicinally.

All the reports written on the aloe Vera plant are more than 2000 year old.

George Ebers in 1862 first discovered its antiquity in an ancient Egyptian papyrus, dated 3500 BC, which was in fact a collection of herbal remedies. Other researchers have since found it was used by both the ancient Chinese and Indian cultures. Greek and Roman physicians, such as Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, used it to treat effect. The legend suggests that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to capture the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to get its rich supply of aloe to heal his wounded soldiers. The Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra rated it highly as a beauty therapy, for in those days, health and beauty were linked far more than they ever are today.

Alexander the Great used aloe Vera plant for healing the wounds of soldiers, Bible also use aloe Vera plant for other uses and Cleopatra used it as a product for skin care. Many people have grown this plant in their houses and consider it as a first aid plant. In 1935, an American medical journal explained the use of Aloe Vera plant which is useful in the treatment of skin lesions that are caused by X-rays. Aloe Vera plant is used as an ingredient in various drinks which helps in stomach problems and also proved to be an effective skin moisturizer in various skin care products.

Medicinal herbs like ALOE VERA are plants that are used for medicinal purposes. Other types of herbs include culinary herbs, used to flavor food, and aromatic herbs, used to add fragrance. Medicinal herbs cover a wide range of types of plants. They can be annuals or perennials; woody or herbaceous; sun loving or shade requiring. The parts of the plants used for medicine may be their leaves, flowers, roots, seeds or bark. What puts medicinal herbs together in a category is their use in healing. Plants have been used by humans and animals for medicine for many hundreds of years.

According to the World Health Organization, traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.

Countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America use traditional medicine (TM) to help meet some of their primary health care needs. In Africa, up to 80% of the population uses traditional medicine for primary health care. In industrialized countries, adaptations of traditional medicine are termed 'Complementary' or 'Alternative'

In Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Zambia, the first line of treatment for 60% of children with high fever resulting from malaria is the use of herbal medicines at home.

The Government of Ghana like many other African countries encourages the practice of traditional medicine side by side with conventional medicine. Traditional Medicine plays an important cultural and economic role in poverty alleviation, particularly through the involvement of fetish priests - people of significant status in villages throughout the country. Appreciation of the importance of medicinal plants at government level is increasing, and government policy now promotes the integration of traditional health systems with conventional health systems. An indication of the importance ascribed to medicinal plants is given by the existence within the Ministry of Health of a Director for Traditional Medicine.

Recently, there are claims by several healers of possession of medicinal therapy for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. However, since such claims have not been tested because of lack of funds for scientific research and validation, one cannot be certain of these claims.

Doctors and traditional healers in Ghana claim to have developed a product code named DNT One. This product boosts the immune system in much the same way as Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and helps the immune system in HIV patients.

Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Opportunities Industrialization Centre (OIC) are also assisting in this project. Dr Anthony Normeshie, Executive Director, Health For All Herbal Clinic at Oworam in the Eastern Region announced this project at a function organized to mark the Fourth African Traditional Medicine Day at Ho in 2006.

"The scaling-up partnership between conventional health practitioners and indigenous health knowledge systems in Ghana," he said. Togbega Dabra VI, Pharmacist and Traditional Medicine Consultant also said that herbal medicines have proved successful in combating AIDS. "Patients who have survived the infection or are able to live with HIV/AIDS in Africa have either used herbal medicine or complemented their anti-viral therapy with plant based nutracenticals."

He referred to Aloe Vera "whose whole extract in the form of tea is used for many diseases including HIV/AIDS," and "Garcinia Kola - reported to have anti-viral activity against HIV-1." Doctors expressed hope that ancient medicine may yet provide some weapons against HIV.

In the 70s, aloe Vera gel became popular in USA and widely used in cosmetic products and skin care products. Aloe Vera is also available in the form of creams which are used by human beings. It is also becoming popular in other countries like Europe and most of the companies have also started using aloe Vera plant in most of their products.

The medicinal properties of Aloe Vera have been known, and recorded since biblical times. It has been used for a variety of ailments, and as an ointment for burns, cuts, and rashes, as well as an ingredient in various beauty preparations

In the 19th century, this plant was brought from Africa to other climates and widely used for cultivation. Now it is available in most of the countries like India, Mexico, Caribbean islands and Venezuela. Various farms have been set up for aloe Vera plants and are also supplied to the aloe Vera users in USA.

Currently, this plant is widely used in the creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, liquids, capsules and various other treatments also. In Ghana today, Aloe Vera could be got on al large scale from the Africa First Medical Farms at Tepa in the Ashanti Region.

Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely frost tender. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. The soil should be moderately fertile and fast draining. Established plants will survive a drought quite well, but for the benefit of the plant, water should be provided. Because of their popularity, Aloe Vera plants are available at almost every garden shop or nursery.

Unless you live in area with a very mild climate, it's best to leave your Aloe plant in the pot and place it near a window that gets a lot of sun. You can move the pot outdoors during the summer months. Aloe Vera is a succulent, and as such, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering.

Why does it work?
It works by providing a rich cocktail of nutritional elements which combined action and balance produce a more powerful effect together than would be expected from the addition of the individual components. This is because they work as a team, enhancing each other's effect - known as synergism. It also has adaptogenic properties which mean that different individuals take from it what they need; therefore the benefits vary from person to person.

Where does it work?
On account of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, Aloe Vera helps firstly to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and when they are damaged, it promotes healing.

Antioxidants fight the destructive 'free radicals'; the unstable compounds produced by our metabolism and are found in environmental pollutants. They are thought to cause various ailments including some cancers as well as contributing towards the aging process.

An epithelium is an anatomical term defined as follows:-

'An epithelium is a layer of cells that covers the body or lines a cavity that connects with it'.

Our largest epithelium is our skin but also included are the lining of the gut, the bronchial tract. No wonder that aloe works just as well on damaged.

Aloe Vera as an effective medicine
Aloe Vera is also very soothing and pleasant in its smell. It is generally included in shampoos, soaps and other cosmetic products.

However, this is not the only reason to purchase aloe Vera. It is available in different various forms such as gel, creams, drinks, capsule, lotions and juices. Though, the number of scientists is not in accord with the use of aloe Vera as a medication. It is tough to find the results of aloe Vera correctly as it is such a complex herb. Herb - aloe Vera includes different 75 nutrients such as vitamins, sugars, calcium, sodium, nitrogen, amino acids, enzymes, acids and minerals.

By all accounts, it can be useful for muscles which help in digestion, anti-bacterial and heal wounds and more. However, alternative medication forever tends to claim more while it is available to its remedies. It is greatly believed that aloe Vera is beneficial to treat the common cold; however no medication has shown to treat it. It is effective to treat fungal infections such as ringworm.

The juice taken from aloe Vera is useful for those people who suffer from heartburn, ulcers and other digestive diseases. It also removes the pigmentation and dark spots on the face. Therefore, aloe Vera is supposed like a miracle substance and uses of aloe Vera are unrestricted.

People should also be aware that aloe Vera has some possible side effects, however it is customary used in remedies. The possible and notable side effects of aloe Vera may contain burning sensations, nausea, dermatitis, liver dysfunction, allergic reactions and strangely colored urine.

Many studies have proven that while the aloe Vera reduces pain, wounds removed with aloe Vera can take long time for healing as compared to usual, making it an unwanted treatment in various conditions.

There are many situations in which people should not use aloe Vera. If one is breast-feeding or pregnant, sensitive to onions or garlic or have heart problem or kidney conditions, one should not take aloe Vera. It should not be offered to animals or children because it can cause fatal to them.

To benefit from Aloe Vera, the gel can be taken internally for its nutritional effect or it can be combined with other ingredients to produce topical creams and lotions to nourish and improve the quality of the skin.

As to the claims of the medicinal properties of the Aloe plant, the writer can only speak from his personal experience. I have kept an Aloe plant around for years, primarily for burns, stomach ache and injuries. In case of burns, an immediate application of fresh gel relieves much of the pain and quickly heals the wound, and prevented blistering, many times. It to be quite effective to relieve itching from stings, bites and various 'stinging' plants, such as poison ivy. It is also good for the same problems, when they are encountered by your pets.

When you need to use it medicinally, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on the affected area. In Ghana, many people have benefited from the usage of Aloe Vera through the distribution effort of 'Forever Living Products', a 27 year old global company that sells a full range of quality Health, Nutrition and Skincare Products. They work the business full-time and have over 25,000 global distributors in their team that use the products made of Aloe Vera on a daily basis.

Aloe Vera Products
Aloe Vera an effective herb used by People for thousands of years has various aloe Vera products available in the market such as Aloe Dent unique, Aloe Vera Toothpaste which has been advanced in the knowledge of oral cleanliness.

The water restores in Aloe Dent with gentle aloe Vera sap which is joined with a strong blend of natural ingredients to make unique toothpaste. Aloe Dent provides front contour sustain by brushing regularly and fights against dental decay and gum disorder. It also gives feeling of mouth freshness. This product is not perfect for vegetarians because it contains marine resource element.

Jason Aloe Vera Deodorant Stick
Jason Aloe Vera Deodorant is safe, mild and provides long term protection. This aloe Vera stick does not contain aluminum chlorohydrate or alcohol. Ingredients of this product include certified organic Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, Clove, Corn Starch and Lavender Oil.

Aloe Pura Colax - Aloe Vera Colon Cleanse Tablets
It is a perfect combination of Lactobacillus, Aloe Vera Concentrate and herbal extracts. These tablets have cleansing features to control digestive regularity and beneficial to increase intestinal well being. Women, who are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take it. It is also not recommended for young children.

Aloe Vera Toner
Aloe Vera Toner is perfect for vegetarians. This gentle toner includes Witch Hazel, glycerin and aloe Vera. It makes skin fresh and soft. This product is perfect for all the different types of skin.

Aloe Vera Lip Balm
This Lip Balm is effective to protect cracked, dry and chapped lips. It is manufactured with aloe Vera gel for moisturizing and soothing the lips. It contains Lysine to make the lips healthy. It is also used to protect lips from the harmful sunrays. It is perfect for all people. One should read the instructions before applying it.

Aloe Vera Moisturizer Cream
This moisturizer cream includes Glycerin and Aloe Vera. It is perfect for all different types of skin.

Real Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Health benefits of Aloe Vera have long been known for its natural healing and powerful regenerative properties.

Although scientists have not yet discovered all the secrets of Aloe Vera... they do realize that it is the "Specific Mixture of the Ingredients" in Aloe Vera that is responsible for giving the plant it's wide range of healing powers.

The So-called "modern medicine" can't argue with the effectiveness of Aloe Vera on hundreds of maladies.

Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Aloe Vera:
Use for analgesic, anesthetic, antibacterial.
Poison ivy.
After radiation treatment to minimize damage to skin.

Stomach disorders, ulcers, constipation, colitis, colon problems, infections, varicose veins, skin cancer, arthritis, anemia, fever, hair (to stimulate growth), heartburn, hiatal hernia, liver problems, menopause, obesity, tapeworm, TB, throat problems.

Immune stimulant.
Clear inner gel of leaves is used externally as skin healer, moisturizer and skin softner ; also for cuts, burns, insect bites and stings , bruises, acne, blemishes, welts, ulcerated skin conditions, sunburn,eczema, sunburns, radiation burns, hemorrhoids, rectal itching, abrasions, psoriasis, ringworm, scar tissue, tumors, vaginitis, worms.

Used in eye wash preparations. Experiments in eye drops being conducted to see if there is protection against ultra-violet sun rays.

Tissue restorative.
Used for skin cancer.
Aloe Vera Gel or Juice
There is much confusion between the "Gel" and "Juice" of Aloe Vera.

The Gel refers to the inner leaf only, contains most of the beneficial parts of the plant. The juice refers to Aloe Latex which is the bitter substance found just under the skin of the leaf.

REMEMBER only fresh Aloe Vera has any remarkable properties.

Which means any products made from re-constituted freeze dried Aloe Vera would have little benefit as it is unlikely that all of its beneficial components will have survived freeze drying.

ALOE-VERA