Aloe vera
DEFINITION
Aloe Vera is a herb with the botanical name of Aloe
barbadensis. The herb is also known as Aloe gel, Cape, Zanzibar,
Socotrine, Curacao and Barbados aloes.
barbadensis. The herb is also known as Aloe gel, Cape, Zanzibar,
Socotrine, Curacao and Barbados aloes.
DESCRIPTION
Aloe Vera is a perennial, succulent plant with stiff, spiny,
fleshy leaves that is cultivated to yield two products: Aloe and
Aloe Gel. Aloe is a solid residue that is the latex part of plant,
whereas Aloe gel (also called Aloe juice) is a clear, thin,
gelatinous material that comes from inside the Aloe Vera leaves.
Aloe Vera products take various forms, including capsules, gel,
juice and other topical preparations (those that are applied
directly to the skin).
fleshy leaves that is cultivated to yield two products: Aloe and
Aloe Gel. Aloe is a solid residue that is the latex part of plant,
whereas Aloe gel (also called Aloe juice) is a clear, thin,
gelatinous material that comes from inside the Aloe Vera leaves.
Aloe Vera products take various forms, including capsules, gel,
juice and other topical preparations (those that are applied
directly to the skin).
INTERACTIONS
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
- Internal use of Aloe Vera is not recommended for people taking
digoxin, diuretics, topical or oral steroids, medication for
arrhythmia (irregular heart beats), antidiarrhoeal drugs and those
which cause potassium to be lost from the body.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
TOPICAL USES: Aloe Vera Gel has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving
and wound-healing properties that can help to improve symptoms of
pain and hasten healing time of minor burns (eg. sunburn). Aloe
Vera is able to promote the formation of collagen when applied to
skin wounds (collagen is a vital substance in skin that provides
strength and structure). Aloe Gel may also have anti-bacterial
properties. Aloe has also been used to treat psoriasis and has been
found to promote the healing of psoriatic plaques.
and wound-healing properties that can help to improve symptoms of
pain and hasten healing time of minor burns (eg. sunburn). Aloe
Vera is able to promote the formation of collagen when applied to
skin wounds (collagen is a vital substance in skin that provides
strength and structure). Aloe Gel may also have anti-bacterial
properties. Aloe has also been used to treat psoriasis and has been
found to promote the healing of psoriatic plaques.
INTERNAL USE: Aloe (the latex part of the plant) contains
substances that have a strong laxative effect. Aloe is an
ingredient in some laxative preparations. Oral Aloe Gel supplements
may lower blood glucose levels in people who suffer diabetes. The
anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe Gel may be of benefit in
arthritis for the control of joint inflammation. The stimulating
effects of Aloe on the uterus may also help to induce suppressed
menstruation.
substances that have a strong laxative effect. Aloe is an
ingredient in some laxative preparations. Oral Aloe Gel supplements
may lower blood glucose levels in people who suffer diabetes. The
anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe Gel may be of benefit in
arthritis for the control of joint inflammation. The stimulating
effects of Aloe on the uterus may also help to induce suppressed
menstruation.
PROPERTIES
Aloe Gel: Antibacterial, wound healing, emmenagogue,
emollient. Aloe: Cathartic (laxative).
emollient. Aloe: Cathartic (laxative).
NOTES
- Aloe Vera should NOT be used internally by women during
pregnancy, breastfeeding or menstruation. - The Aloe may be too harsh on the immature digestive system of
the infant, which can result in nausea, vomiting and
diarrhoea. - Possible side effects include dehydration, skin irritation,
delayed wound healing, diarrhoea, kidney damage.
