1. Aloe Vera Side Effects
2. Aloe Vera Benefits
3. Quiz: Finding The Best Juice For YOU!
What is Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera Plant has been credited with the ability to support health. Aloe is a succulent that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Aloe vera is used in many forms for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries as a home remedy.
The aloe vera gel that comes directly from the plant is a yellowish liquid. It can be obtained by simply breaking off a piece of the aloe plant. The liquid will run out and can be applied topically.
The leaves can also be crushed and used as a salve.
The beneficial properties of the aloe plant come from the 20 amino acids it contains. It is used to support the natural healing of skin that has been damaged. A common usage is to sooth sunburned skin. Aloe vera can also be made into juices, gels, powders and is often added to products. For example it can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and many other common household aloe vera products. The many benefits of aloe vera are not fully researched as of yet.
For centuries people have respected the soothing nature of aloe vera. Aloe is commonly found as a houseplant. Families often pass down aloe plants from generation to generation along with it teaching about the beneficial properties the plant contains. More and more studies are conducted to help us discover the many ways aloe vera can help to benefit the human body.
Aloe Vera Side Effects
Aloe vera is non-toxic provided the aloin has been removed by processing.
Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller – Ace amongst all aloe veras
When we hear about aloe vera, most of us are under the impression that there must be just one aloe vera which we use. You have to change your opinion if you too think this way. There are over 240 different species of aloe, which grow in dry and arid climate zones of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Of all these different types of aloe plants, only four are identified as fit for human consumption and Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller is the ace in the pack. Therefore you must ensure that any aloe based product that you buy should be made from Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller and nothing else.
Why is it called the ace amongst all aloe vera? Here are some salient features about this wonder herb:
- It contains over 20 amino acids, 8 of which are critical for the human body, as our bodies cannot make them. Aloe contains all of these 8 important amino acids over and above 11 of the 14 ‘secondary’ amino acids.
- This herb is also enriched with a host of vitamins including A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. Vitamins too cannot be manufactured by the body and some cannot even be stored by the body.
Despite the fact that aloe vera contains so many essential ingredients, the manufacturing process of aloe-based products is a critical factor as this determines the overall efficacy of the product that you buy. For example, the gel of the aloe plant if exposed for a long time (around 4 hours) can get oxidized and lose its efficacy. Therefore the time of harvesting and the process of filleting (removal of outer layer of the leaf to extract the gel) should ideally be completed within 4 hours. There are many authentic and quality-conscious aloe product manufacturers who guarantee this kind of processing time.
To be assured of the highest quality and purity of Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller, you would like to buy products from a maker who grows the plant in their own fields. Makers, who buy aloe in bulk from farmers or other growers, may be using aloe of inferior quality because the ingredients are not as fresh or nutritious as they are supposed to be.
Interestingly, aloe loses its efficacy under heat or when chemicals are used during processing. Therefore the aloe, gel, lotion or any juice product that you buy that contain aloe, should be ‘stabilized’ properly to retain the goodness of the intrinsic components.
Anatomy
Identifying Aloe Vera And Its Anatomy
Aloes have strong perennial roots and fleshy gray-green leaves, they look almost cacti in nature and each leaf is serrated with whitish teeth. During the summer the plant will have yellow tube-like flowers growing from it. Typically it can grow to around 40″ tall although in rare areas of South West Africa some Aloes have been discovered as tall as 60 feet in height with a stem circumference of 10 feet.
The Aloe Vera leaves are identical in makeup, each leaf has three layers, The first inner layer is made up of a gel that holds 99% water, the final 1% consists of vitamins, amino acids, glucomannans, sterols and lipids. The center layer consists of bitter yellow sap that contains glycosides and anthraquinones. The final outer layer is responsible for protecting the plant, it is made up of around 20 cells combined to be named the rind, these protect the plant and transport water and starch throughout, they also create proteins and carbohydrates. It is these inner layers containing multiple vitamins, minerals and amino acids that make Aloes so important around the world.
Aloe Vera is packed full of elements a person needs to help remain healthy, there are 75 different vitamins, minerals, amino acids etc. to be found in these plants.
Minerals – Aloe Vera contains copper, calcium, selenium, chromium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium and zinc. Some of these can function as antioxidants while others are vital for the correct workings of numerous enzyme systems for various metabolic pathways.
Vitamins – Vitamin A, C and E are all contained within Aloe Vera and function as antioxidants which help remove free radicals from a persons system, other vitamins include B12, choline and B9 (folic acid).
Enzymes – Aloe Vera contains 7 enzymes that help the body breakdown fats and sugars, these are aliinase, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase, catalase, carboxypeptidase, cellulase, and peroxidase. It also contains 1 enzyme that functions as an anti-inflammatory when used on skin, bradykinase.
Amino acids – Humans require 22 amino acids of which Aloe Vera provides 20.
Sugars – It offers onosaccharides and polysaccharides. The most leading monosaccharide is mannose-6-phosphate, and the most typical polysaccharides are named glucomannans.
Hormones – It provides gibberellin and auxins which work as an anti-inflammatory and aid in the healing of wounds.
Anthraquinones – Aloe Vera offers 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds usually known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin function as analgesics, antivirals and antibacterials but cause diarrhea.
Fatty Acids – Aloe Vera contains 4 plant steroids, these are campesterol, beta-Sitosterol, lupeol and cholresterol. Lupeol functions as an analgesic and antiseptic while the rest are anti-inflammatory.
Miscellaneous – Aloe Vera also contains Saponins which has antiseptic properties, Lignin which does nothing on its own but increases the penetrative effect of other substances it is mixed with and salicylic acid which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial affects.
Modern Uses
Modern Uses
As has already been mentioned Aloes, namely that found in Aloe Vera, is very popular around the world for so called medicinal reasons, the Aloes that the plant itself creates can be applied in numerous ways to aid in our health, although officially the medical community does not currently truly recognize Aloe Vera, unofficially it is being and has been used for many years to treat a number of ailments.
That said, the medical community continues to evaluate Aloes and is said to be even looking into the health benefits of this naturally occurring substance in the fight against AIDS and Cancer. This sounds extreme, and personally I do not think it should replace more specialized and conventional treatments, however something you may not realize about Aloe Vera is that in 1989 Japanese researchers discovered that Aloe held three anti-tumor agents, opening the way for research into its anti-cancer capability. While as far back as 1956 it was discovered in the treatment of radiation burns that Aloe could help combat skin cancer. In 1991 Aloe was found to be effective against feline leukemia and other cancers found in dogs and cats.
The main market and use these days for Aloe Vera is in the cosmetic realm, there is an abundance of cosmetic products on the market right now boasting Aloe Vera as an ingredient, the main reason for this is the highly beneficial effect the vitamin and mineral packed gel provides.
Using Aloe Vera within a moisturizer will help battle the signs of aging, this is due to the mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture to the skin, fibroblast cells are also boosted with the use of Aloe Vera, these cells are vital in the healing of wounds but also synthesize collagen, which as anybody who has seen an advert for anti-aging cosmetics knows, plays a large role in lessening the affect of wrinkles. The amino acids also aid in the beautifying process because they help to soften skin while zinc helps tighten your pores. Thanks to all of these benefits Aloe Vera is not purely used for cosmetic reasons but has been successfully used by many people to combat skin conditions and even acne.
Everything that makes Aloe Vera great for cosmetic reasons also makes it wonderful for so called medical reasons, using Aloe Vera moisturizer after a tanning session will help keep your skin healthy and avoid burns, while this is a purely cosmetic benefit it also works wonderfully to help in the healing of damaged skin for other reasons, burns or wounds are said to benefit immensely from the application of medications that have Aloe Vera as an ingredient. Anything from bed sores to frostbite can be treated with Aloe Vera, eczema and acne can also be helped as well as stretch marks during pregnancy. It is not only to be applied externally however, the consumption of Aloe Vera is said to help your body produce collagen and elastin which is vital for battling the signs of aging and the healing of wounds.
It is said that detoxifying your body is also something Aloe Vera can help with, when prepared correctly it can be used as a laxative and can also be used to help the functioning of your digestive system, it helps remove free radicals from your system and will also help your digestive tract absorb nutrients more effectively, thanks to the antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of Aloe Vera it is said to be efficient at fighting infections, it is also said to be great for boosting your immune system. In addition it is believed that it will help improve blood flow by increasing the size of your blood vessels and encouraging new vessel growth. Currently it’s being used successfully by many people around the world to treat medical issues to do with digestion, such as IBS (irritable bowl syndrome), even though there is no scientific evidence that it can be used against such conditions.
Other modern and popular uses for Aloe Vera include the treatment of arthritis, high cholesterol, congested lungs, hemorrhoids, ulcers, hair loss, high blood sugar, and even liver conditions.
History
The Roots of Aloe Vera
The Aloe genus contains over 400 species with the most common being Aloe Vera. Other names for Aloe Vera over the years have included Aloe Curacao, Barbados Aloe, Mediterranean Aloe and ‘Star cactus’.
Although in the past the genus ‘Aloe’ has been placed in the Aloaceae, Liliaceae and Asphodelaceae family, it has most recently according to the 2009 APG III system (the modern system for taxonomy) been placed in the Xanthorrhoeaceae family. The botanical name for Aloe Vera is Aloe Barbadensis Miller.
Origins And Current Locations
Aloe Vera originated in several parts of the world, including Africa, Cape Verde, parts of the southern Arabian peninsula, the Canary Islands and parts of the Mediterranean. Thanks to the historical and modern use of Aloe Vera for medicinal purposes it has since been cultivated in multiple places around the world, including the United States in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Florida and Oklahoma, it is also cultivated in Australia, Mexico, South America, parts of Europe and India. The plant thrives in warm tropical climates although thanks to modern technology can be grown almost anywhere if the proper steps are taken, for example in Oklahoma specially designed greenhouses are used to cultivate the plant.
Historical Uses And Accounts
It is far from just the modern world that discovered the medicinal benefits of Aloe Vera, as far back as the ancient city of Nippur there is evidence of this plant being used for medical reasons, a tablet was found in the city detailing how a leaf of Aloe Vera to be used as a laxative. This was the first known literature involving Aloe Vera from our planets history, the next earliest is in the Papyrus Ebers which is an Egyptian document estimated to have been written in 1550 BC and discusses 12 different methods for using Aloe along with other ingredients to treat a wide range of issues, external and internal.
There is a legend that claims Alexander the Great (356–323 BC) invaded and defeated the island of Socotra in order to secure Aloe Vera and use it to treat his troops, how much weight one can put in this myth is anyones guess. Aloe Vera next crops up in history around 50 BC when the Aloe plant was processed and exported to Asia where it was widely traded, it was also grown in India where they used it for external and internal healing.
Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen demonstrates one of the first accounts of using Aloe Vera for cosmetic reasons, she attributed some of her beauty to using the plant in moisturizer for an extended amount of time.
Aloe Vera was first discussed in-depth by the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides who lived from 40 AD to 90 AD, he wrote about herbal medicine in a 5 volume encyclopedia, commenting on Aloe Vera (sap not gel) he mentions its detoxifying and laxative effects, how it can be used to help clear boils, hemorrhoids, genital issues, heal the foreskin, soothe tonsils, clear up bruising, and aid gum irritation. He also discusses how mashing up an entire Aloe Vera leaf and applying it to a wound can stop almost any bleeding. He even mentions that the Aloe Vera sap can be used to stop hair loss and itchy flaky skin. This is by far the most detailed early account of the benefits and so called medicinal value of Aloe Vera.
Interestingly in 200 AD a Roman physician commented on Aloe Vera, he mimicked what Dioscorides had already said except what is interesting is he also comments on fake Aloe being produced and sold near Jerusalem, this is a clear indicator of how popular this substance was for it to be used enough that it was worth the time to create fake Aloe and sell it. As we know in the modern world imitation is the highest form of flattery and the fake market does not create things that are unpopular. The Roman was called Pliny the Elder and he named the fake Aloe ‘bastard kind’. by 700 AD the use of Aloe in Roman medicine was widespread, it is known that popular physicians at the time were using it as per Dioscorides instructions with few alterations.
900 AD saw Aloes first use in China, it was used for treating convulsions in kids and to heal fevers and sinus issues, the Chinese named it Lu-Hui.
By 1400-1600 Aloes was being used throughout the world, literature at the time shows it being used even in England, it had spread throughout the entire globe and was being used to treat anything from burns to joint pain, the Spanish even carried Aloe Vera with them as they set up colonies in South America and the Caribbean. Interestingly it was used in much the same way it is used now with very few differences.
Aloes and especially Aloe Vera has a distinguished past in medicine and it seems it will have an even more distinguished future if the current trend continues, evidence of Aloe being looked into for its anti-cancer abilities would indicate that soon the medical community could acknowledge it for the so called ‘medicine plant’ it is.
Related Aloe Vera Articles
- Quiz: Finding The Best Juice For YOU!
- Aloe Vera Benefits
- Aloe Vera Care
- Aloe Vera Pills
- Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera Plants
- Aloe Vera Juice
hi there i have been drinking aloe pura bio active aloe vera juice for 2 days now it contains natural aloe vera juice 99.9%antioxidant:ascorbic acid;preservatives potassium sorbate
i came across your site today and now am a bit concerned that this is not a good juice to drink ?
i have really bad heartburn and acid reflux all the time desperate to cure this,
i looked at the juice u recomended but because i live in england Aloe1 probably wouldnt reach me in time to keep it fresh to store i found this alternative could u advise me on what you think please or if you know any product uk based?
http://www.kiki-health.co.uk/products/supplements/Aloe_Ferox_Juice.asp
kind regards
chanel
Sorry for the late reply.
Did you try this aloe ferox juice? I never tried but it looks interesting. Will have to check it myself.
Is “Natural Request Aloe Vera Juice” getting from Sams is 100% natural Product and enough good to consume every day?
Please help me by letting your opinion.
Hi, thanks for the above information, very interesting and very useful indeed. I live in France and have just ordered Aloe vera freemove drink for myself and friends from the MWA catalogue Blue Nature. Firstly, can you advise me on the quality of this drink? and secondly, do you have a website in French that my friends might read, since they don’t understand English?
Hi Liz
I’m French myself but strangely enough I decided to create this site in English
I don’t have a French version of it but it’s a good idea… maybe in the future.
Concerning your 1st question, I have never tried the Aloe vera freemove drink – can you tell me what the ingredients are?
The blue nature catalogue has a wide choice of Aloe Vera products. The Freemove gel drink is 92% Aloe Vera and also contains the glucosamine and chondroïtine I need for arthrosis and arthritis problems. Apparently the combination works wonders. I was hoping someone could tell me if there was anything else in the drink (i.e. preserv.) since there is no mention in the catalogue. I see however that the products are certified Institut Kuhlmann and also International Aloe Science Council so I hope they are very safe to drink as I have recently applied for permission to sell them myself. Will let you know as soon as I receive my first order if there is any mention of anything else in the gel.
Received my first order this morning.Tastes quite pleasant. Freemove fitness gel drink contains 92% AV gel,fructose, orange juice&aroma, 0.7%chrondroïtin sulphate, 0.7%glucosamine sulphate, citric acid, 0.3% MSM (?), xanthane, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, ascorbic acid, vit. E (can’t remember the English translation for some of those names!)
What’s MSM?
The product has the International ALoe Science Council certification. It’s the sodium benzoate that’s worrying me.
Ah, interesting… Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound
MSM is a chemical found in green plants, grains, fruits, vegetables, and some algae. It is used to treat upset stomach, inflammation (pain and swelling), arthritis and allergies. MSM is also used for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cancer, bacterial infections, some skin problems, and to boost the immune system. often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis. According to one review, “The benefits claimed [for MSM] far exceed the number of scientific studies. It is hard to build a strong case for its use other than for treating arthritis problems.”[7] The biochemical effects of supplemental methylsulfonylmethane are poorly understood. Some researchers have suggested that MSM has anti-inflammatory effects.[8]
A few years ago I was taking MSM for my crohn’s disease.
I had very good results with it.
hi, its great i found your site and find its very interesting with all cures and concerns, i dont see any photos of identifying the true aloevera this would be very helpfull information as garden centres selling this plant just say on the label aloe vera, also i need info on (i have a plant now wot do i do next to be able to use it properly for my skin) i look forward to hearing from you b.f.n
Hi Dorothy
When you say true aloe vera do you mean the barbadensis miller?
About the way to use it for your skin, you first need to extract the gel from it. Please download my electronic magazine as it explains how to do that (enter your email address in the box above the comments).
I’m suffering from Gastritis for a 2 decade now and I’m drinking a lot of medicine but my problem now is I’m afraid of my kidney for long taking of a lot of medicine and i heard about aloe vera that good in acidity and i tried and it works but my problem after more than 2 weeks in drinking my migrain strike and killing me in headache pain for drinking aloe vera juice.
Hey Dante, did you stop using your usual medecine? Sometimes when you stop a treatment too abruptly it causes headaches. If you stopped, maybe you ought to start up again and then slowly ween yourself off? Been there, done that, worked
If this is not your case, perhaps you could stop the Aloe to see what happens. If the headaches go, and you think Aloe was causing them, try to reintroduce Aloe starting with a half dose mornings only for a week, increase to a full dose for a week then begin to take midday in small doses and increase until you get to the normal daily amount.
hi lisa,
Yes, i stop drinking my usual medicine when i drink aloe vera cause i wan’t to know if it will work to stop my acidity and it works my acidity did not strike for morethan 2 weeks but my migraine strike! my friend is suffering also with the same problem (acidity) and she tried also the aloe vera and her acidity never strike when she is drinking but her migraine strike also after morethan 2 weeks and she stop. but i decided to continue drinking aloe vera every day or every other day for 1 teaspoon full only but i need to drink my medicine cause i feel full of acid in my stomach not as good when im drinking every day for 6-10ml 2-3 times a day my acidity never strike.
Hi
I want you to help me to know that what is the critical pressure and critical temperature IN SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION of aloe vera?
what is the effect of addition of co solvent to mixture of supercritical solvent an aloe vera?
the best regards
Helo, my skin is very sensitive and hardly any cosmetics suits it. I feel that instead of these chemicals I should better go for natural products like herbs. some one recommended me aleo vera but I am confused that how should I apply it over my skin. U plz guide me whether it is good for every type of skin or some particular? if for all then how can it be used? directly on skin or it should be added with something?
thanking in anticipation
You can try using Aloe Vera in its gel form & mix it w/your favorite moisturizer.
How can I idenify true Aloe vera barbadensis I hear there are many aloe vera varities I have one sort with speckled leaves and another type of aloe with 15-18inch leaves pure dark green leaves with lots of gel inside…I have been using the latter but not sure which one is best…please help or do I need a different sort?
Hi Andrea
You can recognize the Barbadensis Miller thanks to its yellow flowers. Look at this picture.
Kind Regards
where can i buy this aloe vera
You mean the plant itself? If yes you can get it from here.
Is herbalife aloe vera concentrate any good?
I have been using aloe vera gel from a fresh leaf cut every day. I peel the leaf and apply gel directly to my face. I have been doing this for the last 3 years. The effects are fantastic. My skin is smooth, unblemished and firm. I have the skin tone of a woman 10 years younger. Any burns, rash or insect stings it works wonders. The title of miracle plant is true
How do you care for your plant? I would like mine to survive.
I agree with you.
I have some fab looking Aloe vera plants in my garden (in Spain). I brought some back to the uk to use for myself. I cut it into 1 inch wide strips and wrapped it in clingfilm then stored it in the freezer for later use. I washed my skin and my hair, I had tons of the stuff, so i decided to sell some to health and beauty shops. No one new what to do with it in its natural form, so it ended up in the bin, next time I go to Spain i might bring a fresh batch with me if only i new what to do with it…..any ideas?
Many thanx
Lee
I am a patient of guestic & Ulcer. Now removed from Ulcer but not cure from gustic problem. I have tried to drink two times a day, unfurtunately the problem increases. so desided my self not to take any more, My question : Have you any suggestion about this metter.
From Bangladesh.
I grow the aloe vera in my backyard aqnd would like to know, how can I drink it,can I blend it by itself or just peel and put in a container,then drink?.Plz I need to know.I also trouble with heartburn,can the aloe vera help?.Plz explain how to do it,thanks.
Dear Marcia,I haven’t gotten a reply to my ques.I’ve seen when u answer other ppl,dn’t get me wrong but,I need answer,help!!!!.I also have osteoarthritis and my knees,hips are killing me.
Hi Jean,
I’m not Marcia but if you download my electronic magazine you will learn how to prepare the juice yourself (do NOT blend it – you must remove the aloin).
Enter your email address in the following page and you will receive the magazine almost instantly:
http://www.aloe-vera-studies.org/optins/aloeveraoptintop.php
Kind Regards.
I have very painful knee arthritis…an obese…please help! Which brand tobuy here in the U. S. A. And how much to drink/consume Shen? What to apply on knee joints? Thanks and God bless
After reading the above comments, I wish to share that I had been taking Aloe Vera Gel and find it very good. Now after a very long gap of time, I am considering taking it again for overall good health. Also, whenever I get a slight burn or scald in the kitchen, I immediately apply an aloe vera gel locally manufactured, and don’t suffer a blister. The aloe vera gel that I had been taking is in the form of liquid, like a juice, and I take one tablespoon in the mornings on an empty stomach. That is good enough to keep me fit and fine.
No Comments but asking suggestion.
I’am 42 years old.
Problems:
1. Form gastricts Sevier level
2.High Collesterol & High blood pressure
I have heard the goodwill of Aloe vera and convinced to take this product
but I can not understand what item of this product is suitable for me. Can you suggest me about this.
From Dhaka.
no comment but a question, i have been told i can make a skin cream by blending my aloe vera with a cream called aqueous do you have any info on this cream,
Hi Dorothy
You can find more information about this cream here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueous_cream
Kind Regards
hi.. i have acne on my face, thanks to some hormonal problems. i was told to drink aloe vera juice everyday to improve the condition. is this something you recommend as well?? does also application of the aloe gel on my face, help in improving its texture and getting rid of the pimples.? awaiting ur response.
Hey there!
I have a few questions. I live in Oman and here there are fields of Aloe Vera here. We have around 30 plants in our garden and we recently found out about their health benefits. So I heard people say cut a leaf off and cut a small slice off that and scrape the jelly out of it into a blender, mix it with whatever you like and drink the mixture. Then just wrap the remaining Aloe Vera leaf in cling film and put it into the fridge so the jelly part that is exposed to air wont oxidize and the vitamins will remain in it. Now as you said there are only 4 species of Aloe Vera that are safe to be consumed, how do i know that ours are safe? Is it safe to directly consume it ,just chopped off the pant, without any processing? Also if it is safe, will the vitamins still remain if it is left in the fridge wrapped in cling film for about a week and a half until all of it is consumed? I do have a friend who started drinking Aloe Vera milkshakes and in a few weeks her skin had got a lot brighter and looked more healthy. It tastes alright mixed with pomegranate, banana and some milk. Also are there benefits if you just rub the jelly on your skin?
Thank you in advance.