Most people know that aloe vera can be used on skin cuts, abrasions, or sunburn. But did you know that it can also aid in healing your internal problems? There are some forgotten secrets to this ancient medicinal plant.

The remedy aloe vera comes from the plant, aloe. Originally found in Africa, the aloe vera plant is also called the “lily of the desert,” the “plant of immortality,” and the “medicine plant.” Liquid that comes from the plant has a bitter taste or “alloeh” in Arabic, hence the name.

Aloe Vera Herb

Aloe vera is one of about 400 known species that fall under the family of plants known as “asphodelaceae”. Aloe is native to the arid parts of Africa, as well as the mountainous zones of tropical Africa. Classified as a succulent plant and considered by many to be an herb, the aloe vera plant is distinguished by the large, thick, fleshy leaves. Shaped like lances, these leaves have spines lining their margins and sharp apexes.

Early Applications

As early as 1500 BC, Egyptians have noted the use of the aloe vera plant as treatment for burns, infections, and parasites.

Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

Evidently, the juice of the aloe vera plant yields certain substances, called aloes, which are good purgatives. Some species of the aloe, including the Aloe venenosa, are not recommended as they may produce poisonous juices. Most species, however, such as the A. vera, vulgaris, socotrina, chinensis, and perryi contain aloes that offer therapeutic benefits.

Aloe vera has been under medical scrutiny since the 1930s. Studies suggest that the clear gel of the aloe vera plant contain properties that have dramatic burn, wound and ulcer healing properties. When an affected area is coated with the gel-like substance, the wound is also safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies, providing faster healing.

Aloe Vera Juice

Like most succulents, the aloe vera plant is composed of about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent consists of active ingredients including essential oils, amino acids,
vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and glycoproteins. The many active constituents present in the aloe vera plant have prompted many modern healers to implement it into their liquid health treatments. The aloe vera juice is usually combined with other medicinal plants in order to increase its potency. Those who use it believe that the juice of the aloe vera produces a relieving effect on digestive tract irritations caused by peptic ulcers, colitis and other digestive disorders.

Herbal Supplements

The many vitamins and minerals that are found in aloe vera make it an ideal supplement. Aloe vera supplements can aid in digestion, and may assist in blood and lymphatic circulation. Aloe vera supplements may also improve gall bladder, kidney and liver function.

With at least three fatty acids, the aloe vera plant also presents anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, aloe vera supplements can be helpful for those with colon, stomach and small intestine difficulties. By naturally alkalizing digestive juices and preventing excess stomach acids, aloe vera supplements can help to prevent these common causes of indigestion.

When discomfort hits you next, why not grab a piece of aloe? It is easy to grow, and looks very nice in the bathroom, for example. Modern medicine cabinets would all benefit from the healing properites of this ancient plant.

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