THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF ALOE VERA

I often recommend aloe vera in my practice for both internal and external healing. Pure aloe vera can be an amazing, soothing emollient for skin rashes. The root cause of the skin rash is typically due to an immune reaction and/or a toxic metal elimination, but the use of pure aloe vera can soothe the skin during these temporary flare-ups.

I also recommend aloe vera to soothe upper gastro-intestinal discomfort such as reflux or heartburn. When on a Nutritional Balancing program, these problems often disappear within a few weeks. However, aloe vera can help repair the damage caused by long-term exposure to acid reflux or even from acid-blocking medications.

According to Gertrude Baldwin in her article on Aloe Vera,

When we use Aloe vera internally, we get help lowering cholesterol and improving circulation in the lower extremities of the body. Generally it is a good tonic for skin conditions and digestive disorders. The enzymes in Aloe Vera will improve digestion and nutrient absorption. It will help bring the body to a pH balance while being beneficial to the whole gastro-intestinal system. Aloe has been known to wash out harmful germs and rebuild with the beneficial flora. Aloe vera sooths indigestion, IBS, colitis and stomach acidity.

Another medicinal property to consider would be anti-bacterial. Aloe-emodin effects the activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori as stated in ChungJG Wang HH’s research. This bacterium acts as a culprit responsible for causing stomach ulcers. The aloe emodin's antibacterial property also affects four strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as stated by Hatano's research. In 1964 the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences wrote of ‘Bacteriostatic Property of Aloe Vera’. They concluded that Aloe vera was a bacteria managing substance that was effective against E.coli, Salmonella, and Streptoccus.

Aloe vera contains another medicinal property known as antiviral. Aloe emodin in Aloe vera makes it so that certain viruses are not able to function. Aloe vera provides a viracudal to herpessimplex virus type 1 and type 2, varicella-zoster virus, pseudorabies virus, and influenza virus according to the research of Sydiskis.

Aloe Vera has many amazing properties and is a vital addition to any supplement program, especially if one is dealing with digestive disorders and possible pathogenic bacterial overgrowth in the gut. Research also shows that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, and displays a steroid-like response without the harmful side effects of a steroid.

Baldwin goes on to report Aloe Vera’s anti-cancer properties:

In the research of Zhang in 1998, it was discovered that Aloe vera emodin, an anthraquinones, has the ability to suppress or inhibit the growth of malignant cancer cells making it have antineoplastic properties. Aloe vera, a great immune stimulant, contains 90% rhodium and iridium (trace minerals) in the acemannan which is one of the polysaccharides which dramatically increases the white blood cells or macrophages and T cells. It helps enlarge the thymus gland in size by 40%. The thymus is what produces the T cells of the immune system.

More and more, in my clinical practice, I am seeing depressed immunity, increased pathogenic microbe invasions, and highly toxic, oxidant metal contamination. These conditions, while varied in cause, can all be helped tremendously by aloe vera. In those with compromised immune systems, Aloe Vera could be a tremendous benefit for the production of T-cells and macrophages.

We often see high amounts of the “amigos” (Aluminum, Iron, and Manganese) in the hair tests of our clients. This minerals are stored in the liver and are highly caustic and irritating. They are often associated with anger and irritability, and the liver has a hard time detoxifiying them when the body's physiology is weak and imbalanced. These highly oxidant minerals benefit from the presence of antioxidants such as Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera has very strong anti-oxidant nutrients. It contains wonderful free radical action in the A, C, and E vitamins. These free radical fighters get rid of the toxins and carcinogenic properties we have in our bodies from the pollution and poor quality foods we eat. We take these free radicals in our bodies through absorption of our skin and through digestion.64 (Baldwin)

Aloe Vera has also been shown to increase the absorbability of supplements by 2000%, which can lead to significant savings on supplements overall! I like the Lily of the Desert aloe vera juice, which is available at most Health Food Stores. I like this product because it has no preservatives and has a mild taste. For children, a very small amount of cranberry or other juice or fruity tea infusion can be added with a bit of stevia.

For topical Aloe Vera, most pure products will work just fine, just look for 100% pure aloe vera gel.