An all-purpose herb aloe was recognized by the Seminoles, who

believed that aloe vera had rejuvenating powers. They thought that a

cluster of the prickly succulents actually sheltered a Fountain of

Youth.

"If any herb claims to be America's number one folk remedy," says

botanist Steven Foster, "it's aloe." The dagger-shaped leaf contains a

bitter sap, which is often dried and powdered, and a gooey gel, popular

in both skin care products and medicines. Aloe juice, which is

commercially produced from the gel, is used "in gels with or without

lanolin (to treat) abrasions, burns, and skin irritations," says

herbalist James A. Duke, PhD. "Fresh aloe vera juice taken internally

purges the stomach and lower intestines and relieves fevers."

The synergy (or combined action) of its plant constituents, more

than 75 of which have been identified, may be what makes aloe so

beneficial. Aloe supports the immune system, works as a laxative and

anti-inflammatory, and promotes the absorption of nutrients in

digestion. Its juice has been studied for its role in treating

diabetes.

Taking internally, aloe juice helps treat the skin--and a variety

of other conditions. Add a few tablespoons of aloe juice to your

morning smoothie, juiced vegetables, or superfood blend for a morning

tonic to improve the quality of your skin, hair, and digestion. "Aloe

vera juice or gel helps remove toxins from the system while soothing

the digestive tract," says Taste for Life contributing editor CJ

Puotinen, who recommends 1-2 tablespoons three times a day (less if

using a concentrated product, but more during rapid detoxification) to

protect the body against toxins.

Much of the early research on aloe focused on its protective

effects against radiation. As an antioxidant, aloe absorbs free

radicals caused by x-rays and other radiation treatments.

Interestingly, aloe is one of the few plants that will grow where

nuclear testing has been performed.

A medicinally active complex sugar in aloe, alo A appears to

regulate aspects of the immune system, slowing inflammation in tumor

growth. Other substances in aloe protect the liver from cancer-causing

toxins--without causing the liver to create new toxins. Lab studies

suggest that acemannan, an immune stimulant in aloe may be useful in

HIV.

One five-year study of more than 3,000 patients with diabetes and

atherosclerotic heart disease points up the potential for aloe in

stimulating insulin in individuals with Type II diabetes, a condition

in which the pancreas still secretes this sugar-regulating hormone.

One of aloe's special benefits in this condition is that, unlike some

diabetes drugs, it does not cause weight gain. Alemannan, another

constituent of aloe, enhances the growth of healthy kidney cells--and

may slow the rate of crystal formation in kidney stones.

Aloe's benefits extend to more mundane or chronic conditions. For

instance, people with arthritis often notice improvement after drinking

aloe juice and massaging with aloe cream. Puotinen, the author of

Natural Relief from Aches & Pains, suggests taking 2 ounces of aloe gel

or juice up to three times daily for ulcer pain. For constipation,

anthraquinones in aloe's bitter sap exert a powerful laxative effect

that draws less fluid from the body into the large intestine than such

herbal laxatives as cascara sagrada or senna. But aloe juice may not

be as effective as "bitters." For people with Crohn's disease,

however, aloe juice is a useful anti-inflammatory and stool softener,

whereas aloe bitters or laxatives can cause painful cramping with this

condition.

Clinical research shows that burns--and cuts for that

matter--treated with aloe heal up to three days faster than those

treated with synthetic antiseptic gels While enzymes in aloe appear to

relieve pain and decrease inflammation and redness, the gel itself

offers a mild anesthetic action in itching, pain, and swelling. And

the sap stimulates blood circulation at the wound's site to speed

healing. (If you use fresh plant aloe, be sure to avoid the yellow sap

taken from the leaf base, which may irritate your skin.)

Although aloe is not a sunblock, it is an effective moisturizer,

making it a popular ingredient in "after-sun" products to treat dry and

sun-damaged skin. To minimize peeling if you stay in the sun too long,

use pure aloe gel. And to treat mild sunstroke in hot weather apply

cooling gel to your forehead and the back of your neck.

As more consumers turn to natural beauty aids, they'll find aloe

frequently heading ingredient lists. Research within the cosmetics

industry indicates that aloe gel increases production of cells in the

dermis layer of skin, which in turn produces the collagen that keeps

skin firm and supple. Since aging retards collagen production, aloe

appears to protect against wrinkles, while its moisturizing

mucopolysaccharides prevent drying (another sign of aging).

Aloe is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and bactericide. This

makes it particularly effective for sensitive and problem skin, even

treating itching (and possibly scarring) from chickenpox and shingles.

No wonder aloe is also recommended in topical treatments for eye

infections, eczema, frostbite, hemorrhoids, insect bites and stings,

psoriasis, and both oral and vaginal infections

Aloe is a category 1 herb, the safest designation according to the

American Herbal Products Association. But because a few individuals

may be allergic even to this healing plant, first dab fresh gel from a

cut plant or an aloe product of the inside of your elbow. Should a

rash or irritation occur, wash off aloe and avoid products that contain

this herb.

For internal use, anyone with a history of cystitis, gallbladder

or liver conditions, or uterine hemorrhaging should consult a

helathcare provider before taking aloe. Because of its laxative

effects, breast-feeding and pregnant women are not advised to use aloe.

Dried, whole-leaf aloe vera and whole-leaf preparations are most

likely to have a laxative effect--and tend to be more concentra5ted

than aloe gel or its juice.

Long-term use (two weeds or more) of aloe is not advised, since it

may deplete electrolytes like potassium, particularly when aloe is used

with diuretic products, or by anyone taking potassium-depleting drugs

for bipolar disorder, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure.

Quality an be an important consideration in choosing an aloe

product. Look for reputable manufacturers (avoiding any that make

dramatic or unequivocal claims). Also, read labels to ensure that aloe

is the first or second ingredient listed and that products are free f

artificial colors, flavors, and stabilizing agents. Organically grown

aloe is advised, whenever possible.

Selected Sources

*Aloe Ver in a Nutshell by Jill Rosemary Davies

*Herbs of the Bible by James A. Duke, PhD

*Natural Relief from Aches & Pains by CJ Puotinen

*101 Medicinal Herbs by Steven Foster

*Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC