Aloe Vera : A Herbal Medicine & Powerhouse of Nutrition

(Aloe Vera has been used as a herbal medicine since 5000 years by different cultures in the World)

Overview

Since Ancient times, Aloe Vera has been used for a variety of purposes. Two substances are extracted from the Aloe Vera plant for human use. One is the clear gel and another is the yellow latex. The clear Aloe gel is a jelly-like substance, found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. The yellow latex comes from just under the Aloe plant's skin. Both of them are used in health products.

Nutritional elements in Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is considered to be the most biologically active of the 420 species of the genus Aloe. Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Enzymes, monosaccharides & Polysaccharides, Plant Steroids, Saponins, Lignin, Anthraquinones Salicylic acid and Fatty Acids. 

Sugars : Aloe Vera contains sugars like monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides.

Vitamins : Aloe Vera contains vitamins like A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid and choline. 

Minerals : Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera are calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese. 

Amino acids : There are at least 18 amino acids found in aloe Vera with all 9 essential amino acids. 

Fatty acids : Aloe Vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids like linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic that provides anti inflammatory results.

Enzymes : Aloe Vera contains 8 enzymes. They are aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.

Hormones : Aloe Vera contains hormones like auxins and gibberellins which help with healing wounds.

Laxatives : Aloe Vera contains 12 Anthraquinones or compounds known as laxatives. They works as Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Disinfectant, Antibiotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral. 

Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is available in various forms like capsules, gel and juice for consumption. They are used for a wide range of remedies. It has always a cooling effect and bitter in taste. Aloe Vera is also used as an ingredient in creams and lotions that made for topical use or external application. 

Internal uses of Aloe Vera

• Aloe gel may be taken orally for conditions including weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, stomach ulcers, asthma, radiation-related skin sores, fever, itching, inflammation and as a general tonic. 
• Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds which has been taken orally for constipation. It is also used for seizures, asthma, colds, bleeding, lack of a menstrual period, swelling of the colon, depression, diabetes, eye conditions that cause blindness, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and vision problems. 
• Fresh aloe leaves are taken by mouth for cancer.
• Aloe extract is used for high cholesterol.

External uses of Aloe Vera

• Aloe gel is used topically i.e. applied to the skin as a remedy for skin conditions such as genital herpes, scaly and itchy skin, burns, sunburns, dry skin, wounds, frostbite, psoriasis, cold sores, acne, diaper rash, bedsores, scabies, dandruff, inflammation in the mouth, burning mouth, radiation-induced skin damage, dental plaque, gum disease, hemorrhoids and pain after surgery to remove internal hemorrhoids.
• Aloe extract is applied to the skin as an insect repellent. Aloe leaf juice is applied to the skin for anal fissures. A chemical in aloe called acemannan is applied to the skin for dry sockets in the mouth and canker sores.

Intake suggestions

One can take Aloe Vera in supplement or gel form. Some forms of Aloe Vera are safe than others, but it can not be used for a very longtime. One must take Aloe Vera along with Vitamin C and Vitamin E in order to increase the bio-availability of these two antioxidants. Aloe gel has been used safely in a dose of 15 ml daily for up to six weeks. 

• An adult male/female can take 100 to 200 mg of aloe or 50 mg of aloe extract for constipation in the evening. If one want go for capsule form, then he/he can start 500 mg at a dose of one capsule daily. Subsequently the dose can be increased to three capsules daily.
• 147 mg of aloe gel twice daily for 8 weeks reduces body weight and fat mass in overweight or obese people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• In case of digestive ailments, use Aloe Vera for a short period of time for it’s course in treatment i.e. 1 to 2 weeks and then stop and wait at least a month before starting again. 
• For diabetes, 1 tablespoon of the gel has been used daily. 

Topical use suggestions

• One can apply a 50% aloe gel after washing the face for acne in the morning and evening. 
• Applying a cream containing 0.5% aloe extract for 4 weeks reduce the skin plaques.
• Applying aloe gel twice daily for up to 6 months along with other treatments can reduce burning and improve movement of the mouth.

Safety and Precautions with Aloe Vera

Topical Aloe Vera is likely safe in use when applied to the skin appropriately as a medicine or as a cosmetic. Aloe is Possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately that must be short-term. However it has some limitations.

• Long-term use can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. 
• Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. 
• Taking aloe latex 1 gram daily for several days can be fatal.  
• There is a report that aloe was associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth defects. So, do not take Aloe Vera internally if any woman is pregnant or breast-feeding or in menstruation.
• If anyone have hemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder, he/she must avoid Aloe Vera consumption. 
• Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Aloe Vera internally at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. 
• Supplementation of Aloe Vera in normal usage has been shown to cause liver problems in some people, that may be because of a genetic susceptibility. If this symptom found with anybody then he/she can stop the supplement in order to reverse the condition.