If you take any kind of interest in the world of
alternative health you've no doubt heard of aloe vera.
The plant is native to Africa, but there are now hundreds
of species growing around the world. Authorities differ on
the question of for how long the large, fleshy leaves of
the plant have been used medicinally, but none suggest that
it's less than several thousand years.
And you're probably very familiar with its traditional gel
form, in which it is used externally on the skin, where it
is indeed very valuable in alleviating such conditions as
psoriasis, eczema and more common dry skin conditions.
Aloe vera is also useful as a treatment for burns, and is
particularly often applied in soothing cases of sunburn.
Less well known perhaps is that the gel has also been used
with some success by dentists and in the treatment of gum
diseases. You can now even buy aloe vera toothpaste.
In more recent times you may also have become aware of the
claims made for the internal benefits of aloe vera, when
consumed as the juice which it leaves produce in liberal
quantities. And it's quite true that aloe vera juice
contains a potent blend of vitamins, minerals,
phytonutrients, such as beta carotene, amino acids and
important enzymes.
But the problem is that some evangelists for this amazing
herb make some frankly astonishing claims about which it
would be wise to maintain a certain scepticism. Aloe vera
juice has been credited with reducing blood pressure and
cholesterol; alleviating the pain of arthritis; curing
Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other
digestive problems; and protecting against diseases of the
kidney;, to name but a few.
It's also been recommended as a general boost for athletic
and physical performance and in accelerating recovery from
sporting injuries. There are even highly contentious
claims that aloe vera may be used in the treatment of deep
surgical and gunshot wounds and even in the retardation of
tumour growth in cancer patients.
Perhaps there is some truth in all of these claims; for
there is good evidence for the soothing properties of aloe
vera on the digestive organs in particular, and as an
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent in general, but
it would be truly remarkable if this one plant were to be
as effective as its advocates claim in the treatment of all
of these very different conditions.
All of that said, it must be remarked that pure aloe vera
juice is of course an entirely natural product, and there
are few if any contra-indications to its consumption in
reasonable quantities. Quite the opposite in fact, as aloe
vera juice is packed with benefits. Amongst other vital
nutrients, for example, it contains vitamins A, E, and C as
well as the carotenoid, betacarotene. Each of these is a
powerful anti-oxidant in its own right, but they work
closely together within the body to counteract the ageing
and degeneration of the body's cells which may be caused by
free radical activity. So the combination of these
nutrients within a single plant source makes aloe vera a
tremendous boost to all round health And if there were no
more to aloe vera than this, these anti-oxidant properties
alone would make its use worthwhile as a dietary supplement.
The only possible problems which may arise relate to aloe
products whose manufacture allows the inclusion of
anthraquinone chemicals such as aloin. These products may
have a powerful and not always welcome laxative effect, and
should be avoided in pregnancy and while breast feeding.
Although reputable aloe vera products should be clearly
labelled in this respect, this cannot always be relied upon.
In summary, don't let the hype put you off using this
fabulous gift of nature. Use a juice prepared from pure
aloe vera and look for the highest concentration product
available. 100% aloe vera juice is ideal, subject perhaps
to the addition of a little of another natural fruit juice
to counteract the bitter flavour. Be aware, though that
his will not be an immediate miracle cure. The healing
benefits of the juice will take time to show their effects
on the overall health of your system. Depending on the
quality and concentration of the product you select, you
should allow for at least a month's regular use before
assessing progress. Take aloe vera thereafter in any case
as a general tonic for the body.
----------------------------------------------------
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products.
Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm
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