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.


More Resources

Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that is effecting more and more people, as increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with this disorder. What is fibromyalgia, and what are some alterative therapies and treatments for this often-times debilitating disease?Fibromyalgia is defined as a chronic musculoskeletal disorder with symptoms of widespread and persistent muscle and soft tissue pain, fatigue, and tenderness in several key points of the body such as the neck, shoulders and hips.
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.
Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief
"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So far there's very little that science can do about it.
How Visualization Is Different from What You May Have Tried for Pain Relief
You've probably tried everything you can think of to ease your chronic pain. But chances are that in your search for relief you haven't tried anything quite like visualization statements.
Green Tea prevents and fights the risks of Cancer, why you should be drinking Green Tea
Do you drink Green Tea?Then you should read the information below.Lately, green tea has been getting a lot of attention, recent reports and scientific studies found that green tea has the ability to reduce greatly the risk of many cancers and in some cases it has shown signs of reducing tumors.
Getting More out of Your Massage with a Epsom Bath Afterwards!
As a massage therapist, I often recommend taking a Hot Epsom salt Bath after a massage because of several factors. One I have moved alot of metabolic waste as I manipulated the muscle tissues.
Home Remedies
Ever have a bee sting? Try rubbing an aspirin on it.Gum in hair? Soak the gum-coated hair in CokeŽ and it should wipe out easily.
You Don't Have to Live With Stiff Neck Pain
Getting quality sleep has, for many, become an elusive goal in the modern day. We work longer hours, take less time off, and try to overcompensate by micromanaging what little free time is available to in order to enjoy all facets of our lives.
Teas From Plants Around You and Their Benefits
All teas unless specified are brewed with 1 teaspoon dry material or 2 teaspoons fresh material to 1 cup of water. Always steep.
Understanding Holistic Living
Holistic living is simply living your life with all aspects of it in mind, not just in reference to one part or a few of them. Your entire lifestyle must come under scrutiny and improved upon for the betterment of your existence.
Self Hypnosis CD Recordings
The purpose of this article is not to offer an opinion about the efficacy of hypnosis as used by any hypnotherapist. The BMA has long since acknowledged its place as a useful psychological intervention method.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine, also referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine, is the oldest healthcare known to mankind. Herbal medicine is the utilization of herbs for therapy or medicinal purposes.
How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment. (Part II)
Most people find it difficult to believe that a tiny dust material, too small to see, can cause such havoc with the human body. As a construction worker, I may have an advantage in identifying the materials which shed this residue, but this also tends to make me more vulnerable to it's effects.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic Medicine involves natural treatment options like holistic nutrition, herbology, environmental medicine, energy work, mind-body medicine, anatomy, and many other holistic medicine practices.Holistic medicine allows an individual to be treated naturally and establishes a positive balance between body, mind and spirit.
5 Ways to Deal With ADHD
With an increasing number of our youths suffering ADHD, stress syndromes, unemployment, depression, drug use, crime and higher rates of youth suicide than ever before, today's parents and teachers are finding their roles more and more difficult.According to renowned family relationships specialist, Marguerite Clancy, there are no overnight solutions for issues such as ADHD, but there are a few quick things struggling parents can do now to start dealing with it:1) Get into a routine and stick to it (try to include fun times and laughter)2) Set up a punching bag or get your child playing a sport3) Be consistent with discipline and offer rewards where appropriate4) Use positive language, keep directions short, maintain calm5) Agree on consequences for behaviour together"There are many options available to parents and carers.
Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Phantom Pain
Much of what goes on in our bodies is controlled by the subconscious mind. A simple example is the process of moving from a sitting to a standing position.
Prevent Disease By Thinking Differently Than Experts
Did you know that all physicians and medical researchers have been indoctrinated with a flawed model of thinking dating to the 17th century?These "experts" cling to a Cartesian model of thinking.Cartesian refers to the philosopher Descartes who declared, "I do not recognize any difference between the machines made by craftsmen and various bodies nature alone composes.
The Universal Calibration LatticeŽ - Your Own Personal Connection to the Universal Energy Source
Now is an incredible time to be on Earth. All of us in our divine wisdom agreed to be here doing the journey of human at this most auspicious time in the annals of humankind.
Natural Remedy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder of higher brain functioning. ADHD is common among the disorders that get affected in childhood and adolescence.
How to Use the Subconscious to Cope with Body System Triggers of Your Pain
The musculoskeletal, immune and endocrine systems can all be potent triggers of pain signals in your body. Here's a way to use your subconscious mind to try to lessen the impact of those triggers.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

The Sense of Smell
Disturbed vibrations occur in the body as a precursor of illness. Vibrational healing restores the body's healthy vibrations.
Teas From Plants Around You and Their Benefits
All teas unless specified are brewed with 1 teaspoon dry material or 2 teaspoons fresh material to 1 cup of water. Always steep.
The Chevreul Pendulum - A Tool for Accessing Your Subconscious About Your Pain
The Chevreul pendulum is a simple device for communicating with the subconscious mind to learn what it thinks you can do to relieve your pain. Chances are good that you'll be able to use it, since about 90% of the people who try it are able to gain information from it about their pain.
Maintaining Healthy Vision Naturally
The training of our eye doctors in this country is very comprehensive there have been major advances in treatment of eye disease and even laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism is available today. But it doesn't really correct the underlying problem of why it is there to begin with.
Mood Stabilizers & Mood Enhancers - A Remedy to Naturally Boost Mood & Alleviate Depression
Depression and mood disorders are very prevalent mental health issues today. In an increasingly health conscious society, more options are being put forth in the realm of natural medicine, allowing people to stabilize and enhance mood naturally, without addictive and often harmful prescription antidepressants.
Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Through Ayurveda
Definition:Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men.
How Can Green Tea Benefit My Family?
No doubt you've heard of Green Tea and the health benefits you can experience from drinking it.Are you giving your family this powerful antioxidant daily?Here is a refresher on some of the benefits you can experience with Green Tea.
Magnetic Therapy, How And Why Magnets Effect The Body
Have you ever read or have been told that "it is not known why magnets work"? Well, this is untrue. All human and animal bodies are electromagnetic in nature and this fact is closely allied to the chemical balance of the body which can be in either a healthy or an unhealthy state.
A Lifestyle Approach to Remedy Snoring
If you want to remedy snoring, you have to find the underlying cause. Snoring is not an affliction like the common cold, where you wake up one morning and you've just got it.
Gout Pain Relief With Cherry Power - How To Ease Pain By Eating Fruit
We can all learn something new every day! And good doctors are constantly alert to learning from all of their patients. It takes a lot to surprise me after twenty years in medicine but - I hold my hand up - this is a new one!I had never heard of cherry juice or fresh cherries being used to treat gout or for gout pain relief until I heard it recently from a patient (who had been told it by his pharmacist, who had heard it from a relative etc etc).
Using Asian Herbal Combinations for Treating Hemorrhoids
Asian HerbsI have found Chinese herb formulations quite effective in treating hemorrhoid symptoms. It is now easy to find these herbs, since there are Chinese herb store in most cities.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine, also referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine, is the oldest healthcare known to mankind. Herbal medicine is the utilization of herbs for therapy or medicinal purposes.
Muget Des Bois: A Healing Victory
Known by its other name as Lily of the Valley or May Lily, muget des bois is an English plant used commonly as a perfume. Since the discovery of its virtues in aromatherapy, the use of muget des bois for healing has been increasingly widespread.
NMT: Trigger Point Therapy and What to Look for in a T Bar
Massage therapy is as ancient as noodles. People have been striving to reach a state of ultimate comfort and efficiency, while at the same time, cutting the work load.
Magnets: How Do They Really Work?
Can magnets actually help us feel better? When I first read about this theory I was somewhat skeptical but curious. After looking into it further and trying out a few magnetic products, I was pleasantly surprised.
Precious Gems of Wisdom
The New Age should also be called The Stone Age, because along with aromatherapy, healing with the vibrations and frequencies emitted by gemstones is at the crux of the movement.Below I have listed seven popular gemstones that also correspond with the divine energies of the Seven Archangels.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental and emotional condition that has its origins in a physical and/or mentally traumatic event that occurred anywhere from a few days to several years in the past. PTSD can develop by one overwhelming trauma as in 9/11 or by a series of smaller traumas or abuses occurring over several years such as living in an alcoholic home.
Ayurveda Approach to Genital Herpes
Dosha theory which help in diagnosis of the diseases.According to ayurveda three doshas or three energetic forces control the activities of the body.
Food Combining for Indigestion
I'd like to share with you some basic food combining rules as set forth by the late Dr. Herbert Shelton many years ago.
Junk Food Is Not Easier To Eat
There is something to be said about fast food being more convenient then healthy food that helps you be thin. I will give you that.