aloe vera - miracle healer

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) means “true aloe” in Latin, is a member of the lily family and native to Africa. It is common in South Africa’s Cape Province, the mountains of tropical Africa and neighbouring areas such as Madagascar. The Portuguese brought it to Central America. Aloe Vera is also known as the Potted Physician, the Burn Plant, Desert Lily and Nature’s Silent Healer. It is an amazing medicinal herb used by humans for over 4,000 years.This perennial has long thick, spear-shaped, succulent fleshy gray-green leaves, encircling a thick, central stem. The leaf edges have firm, dagger-shaped 2-4mm teeth and if the leaf is cut or torn, the bitter yellow sap has a keen smell. The biologically active elements working synergistically include enzymes, polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, biological stimulators, lignins, saponins, anthraquinones, fatty acids, salicylic acid, amino acids and proteins. Vitamins are A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, choline and K and minerals include germanium, calcium, zinc, chromium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, chlorine, copper, phosphorus, sulphur, silicon, iron and cobalt. Aloe Vera’s hormones, such as gibberellin and auxins work as an anti-inflammatory aid in the healing of wounds. Aloe Vera is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-septic. This potent medicinal herb is one of nature’s healing gifts for the relief of swelling and pain of arthritis, skin conditions (sunburn, wounds, blisters, allergic reactions, eczema); relief of itching and swelling of irritated skin (insect bites) and fungal infections (acne, athlete’s foot, mouth ulcers). Aloe Vera is believed to be a highly effective aid in the stimulation of cell regeneration; bronchial congestion and is helpful for reducing cholesterol and blood fat levels; heals digestive disorders (ulcers, colitis, candida and irritable bowel syndrome); maintains and restores the balance of stomach acids and stimulates the immune system (polysaccharides). Aloe Vera can prevent ageing of the skin, lightens dark spots on the face reducing the intensity of skin pigmentation and can also be used for relief from arthritis, bladder/kidney infections, leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia and vaginitis. Taken internally in the prescribed and recommended doses as a juice, Aloe Vera is an excellent internal tonic for energy and well-being. A leaf spike may be cut open and the gel applied directly to a cut, burn or swollen/painful arthritic joint. Always consult your doctor before self-treating medical conditions. Most importantly it is transparently foolish and dangerous to self-medicate, based on self-diagnosis.
CAUTION: Herbs are powerful healers and can cause serious harm if overdone. Always follow the product’s recommended dose. Long term use of Aloe Vera can cause serious side effects, such as fluid imbalance in the body (potassium deficiency, hematuria, and albuminuria).  Aloe vera juice can shade urine pink or red and too much can cause stomach cramps, intestinal spasms or dehydration. Aloe Vera should not be taken or used by pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant; breastfeeding or menstruating women; children; those with stomach pains, inflamed intestinal disease, appendicitis, when eating licorice, taking diuretics, corticosteroids, or medication containing cardiac glycosides, or if you are having surgery, such as a laparotomy.
NOTE: Those suffering from hemorrhoids, ulcers, diverticulosis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome should consult a medical practitioner or trusted herbalist before taking aloe vera internally.  Remember, due to this plant’s potency as a healer, always be mindful of dosage and timeframe when using Aloe Vera.