The aloe vera herb, or Aloe barbadensis, is the source of aloe gel and aloe juice, two therapeutic substances that have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Drinking aloe vera juice is the most common form in which this herb has traditionally been prescribed for internal use. Drinking this herbal juice can be of benefit to your health.
Identification
Aloe vera juice is extracted from the succulent leaves of the aloe herb, a subtropical plant that belongs to the Lily family, botanically known as Liliaceae. It is made from a bitter, yellow liquid, or sap, that is drained from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. According to the International Journal of Toxicology, this sap is produced by a layer of pericyclic cells that lie just below the leaf's tough outer skin.
Biological Components
The medicinal benefits of aloe vera juice can be attributed to a group of medicinal compounds called anthraquinones, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." This group of compounds includes aloin, barbaloin and aloectic acid, which have powerful laxative properties. It also contains a group of compounds called saccharides, which includes cellulose, galactose, xylose and acemannan.
Benefits
According to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," aloe vera juice is a traditional remedy to alleviate constipation, thanks to its potent laxative properties. In its book titled "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs," the Reader's Digest lists a number of other health benefits that can be obtained from drinking aloe vera juice. These include the treatment of inflammatory digestive disorders such as heartburn and ulcers. The book also notes that it may be an effective immune-boosting remedy for AIDS sufferers, a treatment for cancer such as leukemia and as a therapy to manage blood sugar levels for diabetics.
Dosage
Joanne Barnes, in the book "Herbal Medicines," recommends taking aloe vera juice in doses of 50mg to 200mg three times a day, for adults and children over the age of 10. She notes, however, that drinking aloe vera juice as a laxative should be limited to periods of no more than two weeks.
Warning
In a booklet titled "Herbs at a Glance;" the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine writes that ingesting aloe vera has been reported to cause diarrhea, an effect that is attributed to its laxative properties. Diarrhea may, in turn, hinder the absorption of many drugs. The booklet also notes that diabetics should exercise care when ingesting aloe vera, as studies have shown that aloe juice lowers blood sugar levels.
References
- International Journal of Toxicology: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Aloe Andongensis Extract
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs," Reader's Digest; 1999
- "Herbal Medicine"; Joanne Barnes et.al.; 2007
- National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): Herbs at a Glance
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