The History of Aloe Vera
Most botanists agree, and historical evidence suggests, that the Aloe Vera plant originated in the warm, dry climates of Africa. However, because the plant is readily adaptable, and because man has been so eager to carry it with him from place to place, it now can be found in many warm lands. In the United States, it is grown commercially in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, in California and Florida, and in specially-designed greenhouses in Oklahoma.
Although Aloe Vera is a tropical plant, the root can survive freezing air temperatures, so long as the ground is not frozen and the root destroyed. (When this took place in the Rio Grande Valley in the winter of 1983-84, ninety-six percent of the local crop was lost.) The plant need not be destroyed for damage to occur. The leaves may be damaged and vital nutrients may be lost at air temperatures of forty degrees Fahrenheit. Such damage may be severe at thirty-five degrees. Conversely, the plant can grow at temperatures as great as 104 F. It will survive temperatures higher still, and can withstand even severe drought. Nonetheless, it will thrive in humid jungles, so long as the root itself does not stand in water and drown.
At present, Aloe Vera has little official standing in the medical community. In spite of the lack of official promotion, it is among the most widely used substances in the U.S. for the treatment of burns and bruises. Additionally, it is used in a plethora of cosmetics, and consumed as a healthful drink. While it has not yet won the full endorsement of the medical community, serious examination continues. This study is far more serious, with many greater implications than most people realize. For the moment, it may be taken as an indication of the serious nature of such a study that the FDA has approved development aimed at the eventual use of Aloe Vera in the treatment of cancer and AIDS! More and more, attention is turning to Aloe's unexamined possibilities as a powerful healing agent.
It took early man thousands of years to develop what we know today as the modern understanding of plants, of what can and cannot be consumed, of what will heal and what will harm. It is important to remember that this is the common history of all our knowledge of the world. Most of our marketed medicines are distillations, combinations, reproductions or variations of substances found in nature. Some of these substances were recommended by our forefathers long before their value was demonstrated and understood by scientific method. We should dismiss none of our common heritage of knowledge without real thought and serious investigation. Any serious scientist would acknowledge that the exploration of our world is far from complete.
Why Aloe Works!
It helps by providing a rich cocktail of nutritional elements &
antioxidant properties. It could be said that it works because the
Aloe Vera plant produces at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid,
urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulphur. All of these substances
are recognized as antiseptics because they kill or control mold, bacteria,
fungus, and viruses, explaining why the plant has the ability to eliminate many
internal and external infections. The Lupeol and salicylic acid in the juice
explains why it is a very effective pain-killer.
Where does Aloe Work!
It helps prevent injury to epithelial tissues & promotes healing.
Our largest epithelial is our skin but also the lining of the gut, bronchial
tubes & genital tract so Aloe works just as well on damaged skin as on eg.
an inflamed bowel or in asthma. Its antioxidants fight destructive ' free
radicals' the unstable compounds produced by our metabolism, thought to
cause various ailments including some cancers, as well as contributing to the
aging process.
Many practioners believes it works mainly in the epithelial tissue & immune
system which is backed by anecdotal evidence, as many thousands of people have
reported benefits for skin complaints, such as eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns,
acne even stings and bites. People have also found relief for bowel
disorders such as Colitis, Crohns, divercepithelial tissueulitis and IBS as well
as disordered immune system conditions such as arthritis, asthma ME & LE.
Finally many users report a greater sense of 'well being' calmer and less
anxious.
Next, it could be said that Aloe Vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids, cholesterol, campersterol and B-sitosterol (plant sterols) which explains why it is a highly effective treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney, and pancreas. B-sitosterol is also a powerful anti-cholestromatic which helps to lower harmful cholesterol levels, helping to explain its many benefits for heart patents.
If we add that Aloe contains at least 23 polypeptids (immune stimulators),
then we understand why Aloe juice helps control a broad spectrum of immune
system diseases and disorders, including HIV and AIDS. The polypeptids, plus the
anti-tumor agents Aloe emodin and Aloe lectins, explains its ability to control
cancer.
If the SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP between the elements found in the sap, gel, and
throughout the entire plant does not explain why whole leaf Aloe works, then
NOTHING DOES! All of which explains why "Across Time" lay persons and
physicians alike, have proclaimed that Aloe has the ability to heal, alleviate,
eliminate, or even cure a monumental list of human diseases and disorders.
Therefore it truly deserves the name, "Medicine Plant".
What does aloe Vera Do?
1. Detoxifies the body's system.
2. Boosts
the immune system.
3. Acts to
regenerate damage tissues.
4. Acts as
an anti-inflammatory.
5. Has six
antiseptic agents which kill bacteria, viruses and fungus.
6. Is a
natural analgesic giving effective pain relief deep below the surface including
joints and muscles.
7. A
natural moisturiser.
8. Stops
itching and burning.
9. Naturally
contains vitamin B12.
10. Has no known side
effects.
In Conclusion
Aloe Vera is not a panacea for all ills and there is no magic about
it. Endorsers of this Gel claim that it is wholly beneficial as it is a
plant extract, a natural medicine. Remember that this and many other types
of plants and herbs, and suchlike existed thousands of years before our
conventional medicines. Even all the Chinese medicines which are
still highly rated today were available then (Chinese methods treat the person
not the symptoms) as in most conventional medicines.
I believe that Aloe Vera has a complementary role to play in the
management of various conditions. Can I once again stipulate the
importance in people seeking professional advice if in any doubt about any
diagnosis, as self diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious
conditions can mimic more simple ones.
I believe that trying these natural plant extracts cannot do any harm for a
time, perhaps the person taking this alternative medicine should carefully
monitor how they feel at the start of this new trial experiment and see if they
experience anything different, for better or for worse?
I actually have purchased a bottle of this Aloe Vera Gel for Scott, he's taken
it sometimes but not continually as he said it has a disgusting taste. I
have asked him to try disguising it in a fruit juice of some kind but he's
resisted so far, I'll ask him to try it again, but he appears reluctant because
of the taste, more than anything else.
Perhaps it could work if he would persevere, as one of my email friends has
informed me that her husband takes Aloe Vera Gel and he suffers from
re-occurring
fistulas most of the time, the Gel helps to reduce the fistulas, helps the
pain and helps to increase his appetite. Though she has informed me that
anyone taking steroids should not take Aloe Vera Gel, as it can have an adverse
effect. So to be on the safe side can I suggest that anyone thinking of taking
the gel who is on medication, consult with their doctor first, to be completely
sure.
Has anyone who is visiting, had any type of experience using Aloe Vera, would you share your experiences with us, for or against this natural plant, it would be very interesting to hear people's personal views regarding this natural plant .
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