Aloe vera juice, made from the gel of the aloe plant, contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe juice can be used both internally and externally and may help treat various conditions such as digestive disorders, skin irritations, cardiovascular disease, kidney and bladder issues, and joint pain. It also acts as a natural detoxifier. Consult a doctor before using aloe juice to treat a health condition.
Identification
Aloe vera is a succulent, or water-retaining, plant that is indigenous to the northern part of Africa. It grows approximately 80 to 100 centimeters tall and has green-grey leaves that are thick, fleshy and cactus-like. Within the leaves is a gel-like substance that contains all its powerful medicinal properties. Aloe is rich in many nutrients including vitamins A, B12, C, E, calcium, germanium, magnesium, zinc, essential fatty acids, amino acids and various enzymes. Aloe can be found in juice, gel, pills, liquid extract, and powder forms.
Common Uses
Aloe juice is a very versatile herbal remedy. Due to its natural detoxing ability, aloe has been used to cleanse the colon, stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder as well as purify the blood. Drinking aloe juice may help relieve gastrointestinal issues such as stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, reflux and constipation. This juice may also help relieve hemorrhoids, vaginitis, and leg cramps. It may also help ease inflamed arthritic joints. In addition, because of aloe's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is very effective for healing, soothing and warding off infections from certain skin conditions such as burns, wounds and cuts.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific evidence is plentiful for aloe's benefits. Some of the most promising studies include a two-year trial that was completed in January of 2004 at the Royal London Hospital and the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. During this study, aloe vera was used to treat ulcerative colitis. Participants found over a 38 percent improvement in their condition. In another study done that same year published in the July issue of the "Journal of Enthnopharmacology," researchers found that aloe vera had the ability to stop the secretion of unnecessary gastric acids that often can cause the gastric mucosa to become inflamed, which can lead to health related issues like ulcers, reflux and stomach pain. Another study published just recently in the January 2011 issue of "Life Sciences" showed that aloe vera juice improved intestinal distress caused by colitis. In fact, one type of aloe known as aloesin deemed to be the most potent inhibitor, which eliminated all pain associated with colitis.
Precautions
There are some minor side effects associated with using aloe vera. Topically, there seems to be no evidence of any complications but internally aloe vera may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea. If aloe vera causes diarrhea and you are on medication, it may decrease the absorption of the drug. If aloe vera is used over a long period of time, it may cause a potassium imbalance or blood in your urine. It may also negatively affect your kidneys. Since aloe is considered an herb, it is important to consult a physician before using it for any medical condition.
References
- AloeVeraStudies.org: ALOE VERA JUICE BENEFITS - The List is Endless
- HerbWisdom.com: Aloe vera benefits
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; The effect of Aloe vera A. Berger (Liliaceae) on gastric acid secretion and acute gastric mucosal injury in rats; S. Yusuf et al; July 2004
- All4NaturalHealth.com: Aloe Vera Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications
- Disabled-World.com: What is Aloe Vera?
- "Life Sciences"; Dietary aloin, aloesin, or aloe-gel exerts anti-inflammatory activity in a rat colitis model; M.Y. Park et al; January 2011
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