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Aloe vera is one of the most remarkable health & beauty plants of the modern era. Although aloe vera has been around for centuries (it is mentioned in the bible), scientists continue to discover new ways of using its healing gifts.

Aloe is perhaps best known for its recuperative properties in the treatment of burns, rashes and sores. However, it has also been shown to be useful in treating constipation, frostbite, arthritis, stomach ulcers, diabetic skin ulcers and gum disease.

The plant contains at least 22 amino acids, complex carbohydrates, such as polysaccharides, glucose, galactose and xylose, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, choline, inositol and the minerals magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and potassium.

Inherent in aloe vera is its ability to penetrate damaged, infected tissue until it reaches healthy tissue. Aloe vera enzymes then break down the damaged cells and regenerate the healthy cells.

Aloe Vera

Latin name: aloe barbadensis.
 
Common UsesInternal and external healingBurnsUlcerationsCutsLaxative

Contraindications
May cause diarrhoea or intestinal irritation if used in excess.

Typical intake range
500-1,000mg per day

REFERENCES
Martindale - The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 27 edition, The Pharmaceutical Press,
Great Britain, 1977.

Bensky D and Gamble A, Chinese Herbal Medicine - Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Seattle WA, 1986, pg. 172.

Murray M and Pizzorno J, Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine, Macdonald & Co., London, 1990, pg. 235.