The Aloe plant and its many healing benefits

The Aloe plant is a prickly, green, succulent plant that originated in Africa, but now is grown all over the world. The gel from the leaves can be used to moisturize and heal. The yellow juice from inside the plant is usually taken internally to remedy a variety of conditions.

Benefits of the Aloe plant

This plant promotes a healthy immune system, can be used as a laxative, and eases inflammation. It’s also beneficial to the digestive system and promotes healthy blood sugar levels.

This plant can be beneficial for many specific health conditions and illnesses, including the following :

• Wounds and burns - Animals studies have found that the sap of this plant stimulates immune cells which fight bacterial infection. These immune cells are called macrophages. This action helps burns to heal. The sap promotes healthy blood circulation at the surface of the body, which helps wounds heal more quickly. The plant contains substances that help with pain relief, inflammation, swelling, and redness. In fact, studies have found that burns and wounds treated with the gel of this plant can heal up to three days sooner.

• Cancer - Substances in this plant have been shown to block certain actions in the body that are necessary for tumor growth, such as inflammation. In an animal study on skin cancer, the gel of this plant was combined with Vitamin E. When this mixture was applied to affected areas, the cancer went into remission 33% of the time. In comparison, when no treatment was given remission occurred 3% of the time. Substances found in he Aloe plant also have a protective effect on the liver.

• Crohn’s Disease - Aloe juice may reduce inflammation caused by Crohn’s Disease. The juice can also soften stools, but laxatives derived from this plant could cause cramps with people with Crohn’s Disease.

• Diabetes - In a study taken place over five years, 3167 diabetes sufferers with Atherosclerosis were given aloe for lunch and dinner every day. These patients showed significant drops in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar level.

• Hangover - Aloin, a compound found in this plant, inhibits alcohol intoxication by blocking alcohol from entering the bloodstream through the intestines.

• HIV/AIDS - Test-tube experiments have found that a compound from Aloe called Acemennen helps fight the HIV virus. This compound also stimulates the immune system.
• Frostbite- This plant is helpful in preventing a drop in blood flow in frozen tissue. Thus, it helps prevent the damage cause by frostbite.

• Hemorrhoids - Drinking the juice of this plant three times a day can help ease hemorrhoid flare-ups. The gel can also be applied to the affected areas.

• Kidney Stones - The compound called Acemennen found in this plant has been shown to promote the growth of healthy kidney cells and slow crystal development.

• Exposure and Damage from Radiation - This plant is protective against skin damage from x-ray exposure. It contains antioxidants which absorb the free radicals that are caused by radiation.

• Wrinkles and Skin Conditions - Perhaps this plant’s best known use is for wrinkles and a variety and skin conditions. Studies have found that using creams containing extracts from this plant several times a day for a month soothed the symptoms of psoriasis. It is also useful for symptoms of eczema.

• Speeds Recovery from Surgery - Studies with surgery patients have found that those treated with Aloe and a dressing healed faster than those treated with a surgical gel and a dressing.

• Peptic ulcers - This plant eases ulcer inflammation due to a variety of causes, including excessive acid, anti-inflammatory drugs, and aspirin.

Considerations and uses

Gels made from this plant can be used topically to ease the symptoms of a variety of skin conditions. Creams derived from this plant can be used as a moisturizer and to reduce redness, inflammation and wrinkles. The juice is useful for constipation and kidney stones.

Be sure when buying products made with this plant that is listed as the first or second ingredient. Otherwise, the product probably won’t do you much good.

If you are pregnant or nursing, you shouldn’t drink the juice, but you can still apply the gel to your skin. Nursing mothers shouldn’t use it internally either, because it can find its way into breast milk.

Side effects of Aloe

Although the side effects of this plant are relatively minor, It is best to be aware of them anyway, using it internally may cause pink urine and abdominal cramping or pain. Also, don’t use the juice internally for more than two weeks at a time because it could cause an electrolyte imbalance.

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