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Herbs
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
| A.K.A.: |
Barbados Aloe, Medicine Plant, Lily of the Desert. |
| Part Used: |
Leaf |
| Properties: |
Alternative, antineoplastic, antiviral,
cholagogue, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient, mucilant, purgative |
| Primary Nutrients: |
Calcium, copper, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, vitamins A, B2, B-complex and C, zinc |
| Primary Uses: |
Body Odor, Burns/Scalds, Gastric Disorder, Hemorrhoids, Insect Bites, Scar -Tissue |
| Secondary Uses: |
Abrasions, Acne, Anemia, Constipation, Heartburn, Poison ivy/oak, Psoriasis, Ringworm, Sores, Sunburn, Tapeworm, Turberculosis, Wrinkles, Ulcers-legs/peptic |
Throughout history there have been few botanicals revered as highly as the succulent leaf of the aloe vera plant. Aloe has been used for at least 4,000 years for it's medicinal values.
Aloe vera has traditionally been used to treat wounds, frostbite, radiation burns and other external pain; as well as aiding digestion and combating constipation, inflammation, ulcers, kidney stones and tissue damage from x-ray exposure or other radiation. Because it contains enzymes, saponins, hormones and amino acids that can be absorbed into the skin, aloe vera can be used to prevent scarring, heal minor scars, such as scars caused by acne.
Aloe contains natural detoxicants which take part in the healing process by stripping toxic material of their harmful effects.
One of the constituents of aloe gel is acemannan, a complex carbohydrate, with immune stimulating and antiviral properties. Certain lectins found in the aloe gel may help to stimulate immune response by increasing the production of lymphocytes that are known to kill bacteria and some tumor cells.
The acemannan in aloe has shown antiviral activity against HIV-1. It has also been found effective against the spread of other viruses, such as herpes, measles and rhinotracheitis.
- Has properties for promoting removal of dead skin and stimulating the normal growth of living cells.
- During the healing process, it can stop pain and reduce the chance of infection and scarring, and is especially beneficial for first and second degree thermal burns.
- Is excellent for absorbing toxins and promoting growth of friendly colon bacteria.
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