This entry was posted 13 years, 5 months ago.
October 5, 2009
Aloe Vera is one of the oldest known herbal remedies and natural antibiotics, which is mentioned in ancient Egyptian scripts and thus it has been used for more than 6000 years. This plant has an aimportant place in ancient Chinese medicine. Besides, it is mentioned in the works of ancient Indian physicians and in the workd of ancient Greek botanist and pharmacologist Dioscorides. In our times, there are more than 250 species of Aloe Vera which are being cultivated in the Mediterranean region, Middle Asia and other warm climatic zones. The spicy named Aloe barbadensis miller is used the most in modern herbal medicine.
The variety of Aloe Vera health benefits is amazing. Lowering high cholesterol levels and protecting against cancer are, probably, two most important ones. Another topical application of this plant is treatment of such health problems as psoriasis and herpes. Aloe is one of the most effective natural antibiotics, which can assist us in fighting against viruses, fungi and bacteria. In addition, it is possible to name more of therapeutic properties of this plant, including:
speeding up detoxification processes and body cleansing,- boosting blood oxygenation
- improving blood glucose levels
- assists in lowering stomach acidity
- preventing kidney stones
- burns and wound healing
- reducing high blood pressure
- relieving constipation
- soothing arthritis pains, etc.
Therapeutic properties and health benefits of Aloe Vera can be explained by very rich chemical content of this plant. Scientists have already discovered more than 160 chemical elements in Aloe Vera. Those include 13 vitamins, 12 important mineral elements, 15 ferments, several amino acids, essential atty acids, more than 10 types of saccharides, essential oils and other useful elements. For example, such carbohydrate as acemannan has excellent anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, as well as very powerful immune-response effects.
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
October 8th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Aloe vera appears to hold the world record for unsubstantiated heath claims. This appears to be related to the massive numbers of people (almost all non-scientists) who try to make money from it.
In order for the claims to have any credibility they must be backed up by at the very least one properly design and conducted clinical trial, in which a medical statistician has been heavily involved. This is my contribution to the self-interest aspect!
July 29th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Aloe Vera has many benefits, but pregnant women and people who have hemorrhoids or kidney troubles should avoid aloe vera.