THE GREAT HEALER
What plant dates back over four thousand years and was used by the ancient Egyptians for healing infections, skin problems, and wounds and to cleanse the bowel? According to ancient medical writings, it was the lowly aloe vera plant. The same or similar aloe vera plant you most likely have sitting on the window sill in your kitchen, as I do, was used throughout history to treat many ailments.
Ayurvedic physicians have been around possibly five thousand years. These doctors use the aloe vera to treat menstrual problems, skin ulcers, and intestinal worms. The aloe vera is a botanical plant revered throughout history. Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Algerians, Moroccans, Hebrews, and Indians are just a few of the many cultures who depended on this plant according to historical records. It was once a native plant in Africa and Madagascar. Today it is grown all over the world for its medicinal properties. A plant with this history is worth taking a good look at. Let us consider the lowly aloe vera plant.
Aloe vera is made up of over two hundred nutritional substances. Salicylate is one of those ingredients. Salicylate may provide pain relieving benefits, and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. There is also an enzyme present in the aloe vera plant known to block bradykinin. Pain in inflamed tissues is caused by bradykinin. Many studies have shown the soothing properties of aloe in arthritis sufferers. In these studies pain was relieved, bone growth stimulated, and inflamed conditions were helped.
An active constituent called aloectin B was found in aloe by researchers. This minute substance stimulates the immune system. Recent studies have shown that aloe may also have anti-fungal properties. A European study conducted on diabetics indicates aloe vera may help lower blood sugar levels. The University of Texas Medical School at Houston conducted experimental research with aloe vera on AIDS patients with promising results. The University of Pennsylvania conducted studies in the 1960’s with aloe concerning radiation burns. Aloe vera was the most effective healer. It was used to treat people suffering from the after effects of the atomic bomb dropped on the Japanese during World War II.
A 1995 study showed that aloe vera healed partial thickness burn wounds faster on twenty seven people who suffered from this type of wounds. Another study done in 1996 with psoriasis proved aloe healed the condition quicker by a third. Time after time and in study after study this succulent plant is proved a winner.
Polysaccharides are found in rich supply in aloe. This is mucilage that works very well in absorbing toxins in the large intestine. Transit time, (the time it takes for waste to eliminate from the colon) is also improved. The anthraquinones, found in aloe, in particular aloe-emodin and aloin, is laxative. Depending on how fast or sluggish a bowel is, caution should be used. Allergies may improve in this way as allergens and toxins are removed from the body. As you can see aloe is as useful taken internally as externally.
Internally many gastro intestinal complaints have been resolved with the soothing actions of the aloe vera plant. Included are constipation, colitis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, Chrohn’s disease, peptic ulcers, and rectal itching. The kidneys and prostate may also be helped with aloe.
Externally aloe has also been used with much success. Burns, eczema, hemorrhoids, abrasions, cuts, scratches, insect bites and stings, skin ulcers, sunburn, skin rashes, and diaper rash have all been soothed and healed with the use of aloe. Recent studies have shown that aloe may also be an anti-fungal to possibly control Candida albicans. The itch and irritation of poison ivy was relieved in another study.
Aloe vera is also rich in nutrition. The leaves contain many nutrients including vitamins A, B2, B-complex, C, and the minerals calcium, copper, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
More recently Spain researchers have developed an aloe vera gel which may be used to coat fresh produce. Of course this prolongs the life of produce in a healthy manner. The coating is edible and does not affect the taste or appearance of food. This is a safe, natural and environmental friendly method compared to the common use of chemicals. Grapes with the aloe vera jel coating were well preserved for thirty five days. Untreated grapes would last a week.
Experiments with aloe are also being done in the medical community. Scientists are looking to the aloe vera plant to help cancer patients manage the skin effects of radiation. Perhaps trauma patients could be helped by reducing the effects of massive bleeding as well. A fluid containing a polymer from aloe may increase survival time while increasing the cells’ ability to absorb oxygen according to research done at the University of Pittsburgh’s McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
There are over two hundred and fifty species of the aloe vera plant. Most of the aloe in the United States is grown in the Rio Grande Valley. It is an amazing plant and may be the greatest herbal healer. What is a home without one?
This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe. Always see your health care professional concerning any health related conditions.
Until next time I am wishing for you the very best in health. Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com