Aloe Vera - No Wonder They Call It The Miracle Plant

Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family. It is a succulent that looks a lot like a cactus and is known by various names such as the burnt plant, the miracle plant, the natural healer and the medicine plant. Although there are more than two hundred species of Aloe Vera, only a few have medicinal properties, and of these Aloe Vera Barbadensis is the most beneficial.

The Aloe Vera plant reaches maturity at about four years of age. The outer leaf is smooth and rubbery and inside is the gel and sap which is harvested, preserved and bottled to give either a juice or when combined with other ingredients creams, lotions and gels. About 96% of the plant is water. The rest is made up of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, chromium and the antioxidant selenium, vitamins including the antioxidants C, E and beta carotene, 20 of the 22 amino acids required by the body including 7 of the 8 that cannot be manufactured by the body, sugars, enzymes and fatty acids. The combination of these elements has a more powerful effect together than they would individually. This is because each enhances the effect of the other, an occurrence that is known as synergism.

Aloe Vera works in two different areas; by promoting healing or preventing injury to the epithelial tissues (the skin, the lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes, etc) and by balancing the immune system when its antioxidants fight the free radicals produced by our metabolism and pollutants in the environment.

When taken internally, Aloe Vera is soothing to digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. The anti-inflammatory fatty acids are also helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It alkalises the digestive juices preventing overacidity ? a common cause of indigestion. Amongst many other ailments that have been helped by Aloe Vera are diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and haemorrhoids. Conditions that are improved by balancing the immune system are arthritis, asthma, ME (post viral fatigue syndrome) and LE (lupus).

When applied to the skin Aloe Vera improves a large variety of skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, stings, acne, bites, scrapes, abrasions, scalp care, sore muscles, cold sores, bruises, sprains and frostbite to name but a few!

More recent studies show Aloe Vera can help prolong survival time and stimulate the immune system of cancer patients. This is partly by fighting free radicals with its antioxidant properties and also by stimulating the white blood cells causing the release of immune-activating and anticancer substances such as interferons, interleukins and tumour necrosis factor. These properties of Aloe Vera have also made it an effective part of a nutrition support program for HIV patients; leading to fewer occurrences of infections such as thrush, fatigue and diarrhoea and an increase in the number of white blood cells meaning a boost to their immune system.

About The Author

Kay Blackiston has had an interest in health and nutrition for several years. She is now a personal weight loss coach supporting anybody who wishes to take charge of their lives and lose their excess weight. http://www.from-flab-to-fab.com. Various Aloe products are available from: http://www.healthandbeauty-online.com

kayblackiston@msn.com

---

How To Cure Your Incurable Nasal Allergy

Immunoglobulin E is an antibody, which is secreted from the... Read More

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is an ancient form of energy healing in which... Read More

Using Chinese Techniques For Your Health and Strength

Chi Kung and T'ai Chi are only two of the... Read More

The Mechanics & Effects of Smoking

So exactly what does happen when you smoke?Every puff on... Read More

More Vegetable Constipation Remedies

Here are more constipation remedies using vegetables. Use vegetables every... Read More

Exercise: Tai Chi for Mind, Body, and Spirit

The practice of Tai Chi combines flowing movement and breathing... Read More

How to Protect Your Family Against the Coming Pandemic

Most dictionaries define pandemic as "an epidemic that is geographically... Read More

Magnetic Bracelet Used in Research Study Now in United States

At the end of 2004 results from a study on... Read More

Green Tea for Health: Your Heart Will Thank You

I began drinking green tea about five years ago after... Read More

Snoring - A Small Change Can Make A Big Difference

We all know how annoying snoring can be, both for... Read More

Tobacco Hypnosis: Cigarettes Are My Friend

Practicing hypnotherapists hear many peculiar statements from smokers who ask... Read More

Being Rubbed Up ? The Right Way! - The Therapeutic Wonders of Massage

PROBABLY one of the most... Read More

Sinus Infection Symptoms, Antibiotics, and Alternative Medicine

Modern Living, Complex Health ProblemsIn our post-modern industrial polluted stress-filled... Read More

Quit Smoking Through Hypnosis

You have seen and heard the warnings. You know what... Read More

How I Was Overtaken By Evil Eye Envy!

You are about to embark on a journey that only... Read More

Strong Drugstore Laxatives ? Use With Caution

Osmotic chemicals ? Saline CartherticsThese chemicals are salts and other... Read More

Body Calling: All Natural Cures

Natural remedies can heal and have been around for centuries.... Read More

Could You Have Lyme and Not Know It?

If you have ever been bitten by a tick, flea,... Read More

Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology

Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago,... Read More

Laxatives You Find In The Drugstore

A laxative is defined as,A substance that is used to... Read More

The Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common form of relaxation massage... Read More

Aspergers Syndrome and its Symptoms

Asperger's syndrome is a condition common in young children who... Read More

Freedom Is Found In Detachment

I am looking for freedom in my life. And I... Read More

Ayurveda, Indias Science of Life, Health and Longevity

Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It... Read More

Herbs For Protection

If you have never used plant matter in magic before,... Read More

Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief

"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So... Read More

Essential Oils Blends and Uses

Better Living With Essential OilsPractical formulas you can use in... Read More

Quit Smoking With Nature?s Help

Smoking is very dangerous to your health. Most smokers feel... Read More

Treating West Nile Virus with High Quality St. Johns Wort

West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S., is well-documented.... Read More

Alternative Health Care is Under Attack by a Hidden Standard - The Unfortunate Case of Dr. Shortt

A recent case in the news highlights an alarming trend... Read More

Pediatric CI Therapy - An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca

As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find... Read More

The Making of Essential Oils ? Steam Distillation, Absolutes, and CO2s Explained

Aromatherapy Goes 'High Tech'New methods of essential oil extraction are... Read More

Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass

Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential... Read More