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

---

Does A Compulsive Gambler Really Want To Stop Gambling?

This question most gamblers ask themselves when they begin to... Read More

Healing Heartburn Holistically

Everyone at some point in time has experienced some form... Read More

What Is A Home Remedy?

Home Remedies - Facts or Quacks?Myths and legends often have... Read More

Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or... Read More

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest,... Read More

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine, over 2000 years old, is an ancient... Read More

Holistic Is Not A Four-Lettered Word

If you're anything like me, then you've got a certain... Read More

Why Use An Aromatherapy Diffuser?

We breathe 22,000 times a day, inhaling 400 cubic feet... Read More

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils for Physical and Psychological Well-being

What is Aromatherapy?It is the practice of using volatile plant... Read More

ADD May Carry the Gifts of Intuition

ADD/ADHD is a neurological disorder. According to the National Institute... Read More

Immunological Profile In Postpartum Women

Post-delivery, the whole of immune system is restored to normalcy... Read More

Demystifying Hands On Healing

While hands-on healing is probably the easiest of skills to... Read More

The 5 Hidden Dangers In Toothpaste

A Must Read if You Have Children!Would you allow your... Read More

Benefits of Alternative Medicine

With the growing number of people being affected by newly... Read More

Get Your ZZZZZZ?s Naturally

Insomnia ? according to the dictionary is a chronic inability... Read More

Ayurveda, Indias Science of Life, Health and Longevity

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

The Many Advantages of Herbal Medicine

Nowadays is the era of everything that is herbal and... Read More

3 Natural Cures For A Migraine Headache

Only a migraine sufferer understands the pain. Regardless of how... Read More

Constipation Remedy Using Citrus Juice

Citrus JuicesCitrus juices are a constipation remedy that is an... Read More

Stuttering Child

Children can develop a stutter at an early age and... Read More

The Future of Healing...

Your FUTURE is NOT in a doctor's office or a... Read More

Arthritis Diet Myths- Dont Be Fooled By These Food Fables!

One of the most popular myths I hear from my... Read More

Holistic Methods: Hemp Seed Oil and Aromatherapy in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Aromatherapy is a well known holistic method for healing, but... Read More

Aloe Vera, an Alternative That Will Improve Your Looks and Your Outlook

Do you remember your teen years? Remember that schoolmate that... Read More

How I Was Overtaken By Evil Eye Envy!

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

Home Saunas and Kits: Benefits, Pre-Planning, and Purchasing Tips

For quite some time now home saunas have gained massive... Read More

Natural Poison Oak-Sumac-Ivy Remedy

Have you ever casually strolled into a patch of poison... Read More

Ayurveda - Principles & Practice

Ayurveda which has been evolved around 600 BC, apart from... Read More

Natural Pain Relief Through Magnetic Therapy is Possible

No one can deny the power of magnets, racing pigeons... Read More

Using Hypnotherapy to Beat IBS

Hypnotherapy is one of the best known and most widely... Read More

Honey - Natural Treatment for Wounds and Burns

Honey is a highly concentrated sugar solution produced by honeybees.... Read More

Medieval Remedies That Still Work Today

Home Remedies - Facts or Quacks?In a previous article we... Read More

You Can Stop Biting Your Nails, Heres How!

Are you tired of being self-conscious about your hands and... Read More