Herb Name including Botanical and other names:

 

 

Herb Overview: 

 

Aloe Vera is grown in areas such as South Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and other warmer climates. Although Aloe Vera is not a cactus, it is a member of the lily family and is considered to be very useful for burns and wounds, to help the digestion process, to relieve constipation, and for relieving stomach disorders. Its use can be traced back to the Egyptians as it is said that Cleopatra considered it to be the secret to her beauty. Today it is a very common houseplant and has adapted well to indoor living. Aloe Vera is thought to influence movement of the colon which helps control constipation and encourage regular bowel movements. It is also said to increase oxygen availability.  Some evidence exists showing that Aloe Vera may help with symptoms of genital herpes and some skin conditions. Some of its uses are as follows:

  

Burns: Aloe Gel is normally considered a home remedy for minor cuts and burns however it is not recommended for deep wounds.

 

Herpes and Skin Conditions: Aloe Gel is considered to improve the symptoms.

 

Constipation: Aloe Juice is normally taken internally to soften stool and to help Bowel Movement occur more frequently. Aloe Latex is also considered to be a powerful laxative however it has been known to cause cramping.

 

Diabetes: It has been suggested that Aloe Juice in conjunction with a proper diet, moderate exercise, and certain medication can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 Diabetes.

 

Other: Studies suggest that Aloe Vera may have anti Cancer effects. Aloe Vera has also been used in some studies on HIV however these studies are inconclusive. Some people have been known to take Aloe Vera juice to just feel good on a daily basis. 

 

Herb Description:

 

Aloe Vera is a long living plant that has yellow flowers. It can grow up to 4 feet in height and the leaves can be as long as 20 inches. Different parts of the leaves are used for different purposes. The leaves are greenish/gray and contain a greenish juice. Its flowers can be greenish/orange to red to white. There is record of over 180 Aloe Vera species and all of them don’t contain the same healing qualities as the others. The uniqueness of the Aloe Vera plant is that it has more then 250 natural constituents and the plant has qualities which make it to be a vegetable, fruit, and an herb. It is currently the only known plant source that provides vitamin B-12. Only two of these species are grown commercially. The plants can be harvested every 6 to 8 weeks by removing 3 to 4 of the leaves. 

 

Herb make-up:

 

The plant is mostly composed of water and the rest consists of all 8 essential amino acids, 20 different minerals, essential vitamins (including A, B1, B6, B12, C, and E) enzymes, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. Polysaccharides are the carbohydrates that can stimulate skin growth and healing. Glycoproteins help to speed the healing process. Aloe Vera contains at least 3 anti-inflammatory fatty acids. 

 

Types Available:

Aloe gel, aloe juice, and aloe latex are all different forms of this herb. Aloe gel is used in cosmetics, ointments, and skin care products such as lotion. Aloe latex is available in powder form or in capsules. Aloe juice is in a liquid state. Aloe juice is a yellow bitter liquid taken form the outer layer of the aloe leaf. Aloe latex is considered to be a powerful laxative. Aloe Vera has also been used in toothpaste, soap, and shampoos.

 

Method of Intake: 

 

Any forms of Aloe Vera should not be given to children without first consulting a physician. Aloe Vera can be used as a food supplement. Aloe Vera can be taken internally in its liquid juice form by mouth. Individual intake should be the smallest dosage possible to achieve the desired result. Aloe Vera can also be applied externally by cutting the stem of the plant to expose the gel inside and applying it to a pre-cleaned infected area. An external dosage should be applied 3 times daily as needed. If taking dry aloe latex it is recommended to drink lots of water at room temperature.

 

Precautions:

 

As with any herb a physician should be consulted, especially if you have any of the following conditions: if you have Crohn’s disease, Abdominal Pain from a source that is unknown, appendicitis or any type of inflamed intestinal condition or disease, and if you are menstruating. If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant or if you are breast feeding, doctor consultation is highly recommended and encouraged. If intestinal cramps occur after usage then the dosage should be lowered. Aloe should not be used on Hemorrhoids. Internal usage may cause urine to turn pink. Aloe gel is not to be used for deep wounds.

 

If Aloe Vera is used correctly the side effects will be rare however an Aloe Vera overdose or long term usage can cause loss of electrolytes such as potassium. The loss of potassium can lead to muscular weakness. An overdose can cause heart problems and accelerated bone loss. No more then the prescribed quantities should be taken and it is not recommended to take Aloe Vera internally for more then 8 to 10 days. The container used to store Aloe Vera should be child proof and stored at room temperature. As a rule of thumb, herbs have the longest life span when extracted in alcohol.

 

Interaction Possibilities: