Aloe (Aloe vera barbadensis miller and Aloe arborescens)  - There are about 300 species of aloe growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.  Although Aloe vera is very cactus-like in appearance, it is a member of the lily family.  Out of about 300 species of aloe, only four are recognized as having nutritional values.  Aloe vera barbadensis miller, known as Aloe vera, is on the top of this list and is used in most commercial products with aloe content.  Another aloe plant that contains nutritional values is Aloe arborescens.  In Europe it is often grown in homes as a house plant.  It would be good to grow either of those aloe plants at home for emergency use.

History:  Aloe has been used for its medicinal properties for over 3,000 years.  The Egyptian queens and well known beauties Nefretiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes.  It is said that Alexander the Great in 333 BC was persuaded by his mentor Aristotle to capture the Island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean for its profound aloe supplies, which were needed to treat his wounded soldiers.  Antique Greek and Roman doctors Dioskorides and Galenos recommended aloe vera to their patients.  Egyptians used aloe juice to embalm their dead.

Rich in:  The gel of the aloe vera leaf contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins.  The outer rind of the leaf has practically no nutritional value. 

Internal use:  Aloe vera, being one of the most healing herbs, contains strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.  It is bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal.  Aloe vera promotes cell growth and is strengthening to the whole immune-system.  It is neurologically calming, acting also as a powerful detoxifying agent that helps to clean the morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and colon.  Aloe vera is very beneficial in case of coughs, ulcers, lesions, hemorrhoids, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, constipation, indigestion, asthma, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and radiation.  Being one of the best herbs to clean out the colon, it soothes all kinds of stomach disorders.  Aloe vera promotes menstruation when it is suppressed.  It expels pinworms after several doses.  It helps reduce the effects of aging and increases the quality of life of the elderly.  It is recommended for smokers and ex-smokers as it helps heal the chronic catarrh. 

How to prepare:  An alternative medicine practitioner of the end of the 19^th and the beginning of the 20^th centuries, doctor Jethro Kloss, provides a good recipe for all who have problems with bowel movements.  In his book “Back to Eden” Kloss writes: “I have used aloes for many years with most splendid results.  I have used aloes for many years in connection with other herbs in the following mixture: 1 ounce powdered buckthorn bark, 1 ounce powdered rhubarb root, 1 ounce powdered mandrake root, ¼ ounce powdered socotrina aloes, 1 ounce powdered calamus root.  Dose: each person should take the amount necessary to move the bowels freely one or two times a day.  For instance, start with one-fourth teaspoonful, then increase or decrease the dose as needed.  Some need much more than others, so everyone must take the amount needed in his own case.  Do not take it during pregnancy or while nursing.”

Aloe vera juice, taken about 20 minutes before breakfast, does a good job on its own to move the bowels.

Do not use in case of:  pregnancy.  Pregnant women should avoid using aloe vera internally as, due to its laxative properties, it may cause miscarriage.

External use:  Aloe gel is used for topical treatment of wounds, burns, cuts, sores, skin irritations, skin ulcers, itchy skin, eczema, acne, stings, insect bites, and joint problems.  It helps prevent the formation of liver spots in aging skins.  If aloe vera is applied regularly and for long enough it will often cause established spots to disappear.  Aloe vera is one of the best anti-aging herbs available, helping to rejuvenate aging skin and combat wrinkles.  To achieve the best results, only the highest quality of organic aloe should be used.  It is extremely helpful in the treatment of gum disease–gingivitis and periodontitis.  It reduces the bleeding of the gums.  Aloe is powerfully antiseptic in gum pockets where normal cleaning is difficult.  Cracked and split corners of the mouth can be cured by aloe.  It is helpful in the treatment of cold sores (Herpes simplex) and shingles (Herpes zoster).  It is an excellent remedy in case of earaches.  Find out about our range of certified organic aloe-vera-based products.

How to prepare:  To heal an earache, cut a leaf of an aloe plant (Aloe arborescens), fillet out the inner leaf gel, and put the gel into an aching ear.  In a few hours the piece of an aloe becomes completely dry.  All the healing juice penetrates into the ear.  Remove the dry piece and place a fresh piece of aloe in the ear.  This remedy should heal an aching ear in about 24 hours.  I have used this cure several times.  It works.

Good to know:  When you buy a ready made aloe vera gel or juice, read the label!  When the product contains the “whole leaf,” that means that it includes the rind, which is little more than a filler.  A high quality aloe vera gel or juice contains only the nutritious inner gel; it is not heat treated, filtered, concentrated, or powdered.  Pure aloe vera gel is one of the most nutritious products available.  Like most natural remedies, aloe works best when used fresh from the plant, but it oxidizes rapidly when cut and exposed to the air.

Find out my personal beauty secret - certified organic Aloe-Vera-based products at our products page.  I have to admit that I use one product the most - the B5 Hair Repair - that I truly splash all over my face and body, not to mention using it for all kinds of wounds.  Ahhh, a rejuvenative and healing miracle!