The health benefits of aloe vera juice have long been known. It has been used historically as a soothing balm, applied externally for cuts, scrapes and burns. Modern uses of aloe vera are extensive.
The health benefits of aloe vera taken internally include: improved circulation, regulation of blood pressure, promotes healing of bones and joints, strengthens the immune system, defends the body against bacteria, heals internal tissue damage, heals ulcers, improves and even eliminates constipation, blood sugar regulation, and reduces itchiness in psoriasis helping it to heal.
Drinking two to four ounces a day is all that is required to gain the many benefits of aloe vera juice. If you drink it daily, aloe vera can aid your digestion, improve your circulation and detoxify your body and cleanse your colon.
The detoxification properties of aloe vera juice also act to detoxify your blood stream. If you have intestinal or stomach problems it can help your digestive tract to work smoothly.
Aloe vera also helps to dilate the capillaries and support cell growth, thereby improving circulation.
One of the most important health benefits of aloe vera juice is its operation as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, helping to prevent the onset of disease in the body. Thus, taking aloe vera juice daily helps to maintain good health and provide a sense of wellbeing and energy.
Aloe Vera Juice And Weight Loss
One of the most valuable health benefits for today's society is aloe vera's ability to assist weight loss. Aloe vera works to both reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells so that we burn more energy.
The energy used for this comes from fat and carbohydrate stores in the body. Drinking aloe vera juice every day has been likened to doing multiple workouts throughout the week.
Another reason why aloe vera works well as a weightloss supplement, is because it has a high content of collagen protein. When you drink aloe vera juice every day, the body has to spend additional energy to assimilate its protein into your system.
This extra expenditure of energy also supports weight loss and muscle development. Aloe vera reduces the amount of time food stays in your intestine, which means that less energy is absorbed from the food.
Throughout history aloe vera has been associated with achieving healthy body weight and it has been known as "the dietary plant" and "the harmony remedy."
Aloe Vera Juice And Detoxification
Detoxification is another of the health benefits of aloe vera juice. Carrisyn, an extract of aloe vera, has been shown to stimulate the production of infection-fighting blood cells and in so doing strengthen the immune system.
Aloe vera juice contains amino acids, methionine, serine threonine and molybdenum, which work together to detoxify heavy metals and additionally aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. This action prevents a build up of fat in the liver and the arteries.
These detoxification and laxative qualities of aloe vera juice, improve the efficiency of the colon, which is extremely important for good health. Poor colon health results in the re-absorption of toxins into the human body resulting in low energy and un-wellness.
Aloe vera juice contains nineteen amino acids, twenty minerals and twelve vitamins and as such is an excellent, natural nutritional supplement.
Any Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Juice?
Yet, aloe vera is not without possible side effects. Reported side effects include allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, nausea, dermatitis and strangely colored urine.
However, these side effects are rare and may well be the result of drinking too much of the juice. It is unwise to drink aloe vera juice as if it were orange juice. If you stay to the recommended dose, you should be fine.
Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to any side effects and stop drinking the juice if you detect a reaction. Aloe vera juice is not a magic potion or a cure-all.
Indications that you should avoid aloe vera are if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have kidney or heart disease, or are allergic to garlic or onions. It is also inadvisable to give aloe vera juice to children as they can experience toxic reactions.
For most people, the health benefits of aloe vera juice outweigh any risks, however it is important to use this supplement wisely and pay careful attention to your body's responses to it.
The American Chronicle, June 08, 2007.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Aloe and Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, a condition in which the body’s cells are unable to use the glucose in the bloodstream because of a lack of insulin activity, is one of the most common diseases among the Thai. Recently, Thai researchers have been studying Aloe vera juice, long used in Thailand as a folk remedy for diabetes, as a possible alternative to expensive imported drugs.
A 1995 clinical study of aloe juice showed promising results in new cases of diabetes. When thirty-nine diabetic patients took 1 tablespoon of the juice twice a day for at least two weeks, their blood glucose levels fell significantly by the end of the period.
When the same participants later took the same dosage of aloe vera juice together with 10 mg of glibenclamide, a drug often given at the onset of diabetes, the treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels within two weeks. By itself, glibenclamide did not reduce blood glucose. No effect on cholesterol levels was observed in either study.
Sources:
Yongchaiyudha, S., et al. “Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe vera L. Juice I. Clinical Trial in New Cases of Diabetes Mellitus”. Phytomedicine 1996,
A 1995 clinical study of aloe juice showed promising results in new cases of diabetes. When thirty-nine diabetic patients took 1 tablespoon of the juice twice a day for at least two weeks, their blood glucose levels fell significantly by the end of the period.
When the same participants later took the same dosage of aloe vera juice together with 10 mg of glibenclamide, a drug often given at the onset of diabetes, the treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels within two weeks. By itself, glibenclamide did not reduce blood glucose. No effect on cholesterol levels was observed in either study.
Sources:
Yongchaiyudha, S., et al. “Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe vera L. Juice I. Clinical Trial in New Cases of Diabetes Mellitus”. Phytomedicine 1996,
Sunday, August 30, 2009
2009 New FLP Products!
Forever Freedom2Go™ Enjoy all the benefits of Forever Freedom® combined with the exotic flavor of Pomegranate, in a convenient, easy-to-carry pouch. Forever Freedom2Go™ offers the great health benefits of our patented, stabilized aloe vera gel, plus Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM, and the sweet taste of antioxidantrich Pomegranate juice. Just grab, tear open, and drink in the tasty benefits of Forever Freedom2Go™!
Forever CardioHealth™ with CoQ10 is a special formula designed to easily dissolve in our Aloe Vera Gel to provide three important nutritional supports for cardiovascular health. It promotes healthy homocysteine levels, supplies co-enzyme Q10 to promote efficient metabolism, and provides heart-healthy antioxidants. Simply pour, stir and drink – it’s that easy – and your heart will thank you!
Sonya® Aloe Mineral Makeup glides on like a dream, evening out your complexion, minimizing pores, and giving skin a luminous glow. Acting as a concealer, foundation and powder all in one, this multi-tasking powder seamlessly blends and gives an ultimately natural-looking skin finish.
Sonya® Aloe Deep Moisturizing Cream with Pine Bark Extract is the newest addition to the Sonya Skin Care line. Pine Bark Extract combats free radicals to help preserve and strengthen the skin’s collagen – one of the best ways to counteract the signs of aging. Let Sonya Aloe Deep Moisturizing Cream help maintain and deliver moisture deep within the outer layers of your skin to restore and preserve your skin’s youthful glow, and quench your skin’s thirst for moisture like never before!
Forever CardioHealth™ with CoQ10 is a special formula designed to easily dissolve in our Aloe Vera Gel to provide three important nutritional supports for cardiovascular health. It promotes healthy homocysteine levels, supplies co-enzyme Q10 to promote efficient metabolism, and provides heart-healthy antioxidants. Simply pour, stir and drink – it’s that easy – and your heart will thank you!
Sonya® Aloe Mineral Makeup glides on like a dream, evening out your complexion, minimizing pores, and giving skin a luminous glow. Acting as a concealer, foundation and powder all in one, this multi-tasking powder seamlessly blends and gives an ultimately natural-looking skin finish.
Sonya® Aloe Deep Moisturizing Cream with Pine Bark Extract is the newest addition to the Sonya Skin Care line. Pine Bark Extract combats free radicals to help preserve and strengthen the skin’s collagen – one of the best ways to counteract the signs of aging. Let Sonya Aloe Deep Moisturizing Cream help maintain and deliver moisture deep within the outer layers of your skin to restore and preserve your skin’s youthful glow, and quench your skin’s thirst for moisture like never before!
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Secret Behind Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe vera is a natural product that is now a day frequently used in the field of cosmetology. Though there are various indications for its use, controlled trials are needed to determine its real efficacy. The aloe vera plant, its properties, mechanism of action and clinical uses are briefly reviewed in this article.
Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.
Vitamins : It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
Enzymes : It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.
Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.
Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are known as mucopolysaccharides. The most prominent monosaccharide is mannose-6-phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan]. Acemannan, a prominent glucomannan has also been found. Recently, a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel.
Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.
Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, ?-sisosterol and lupeol. All these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.
Others : It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical preparations, enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are the soapy substances form about 3% of the gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties.
Mechanism of actions
Healing properties: Glucomannan, a mannose-rich polysaccharide, and gibberellin, a growth hormone, interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast, thereby stimulating its activity and proliferation, which in turn significantly increases collagen synthesis after topical and oral Aloe vera. Aloe gel not only increased collagen content of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the degree of collagen cross linking. Due to this, it accelerated wound contraction and increased the breaking strength of resulting scar tissue. An increased synthesis of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate in the granulation tissue of a healing wound following oral or topical treatment has been reported.
Effects on skin exposure to UV and gamma radiation: Aloe vera gel has been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. Exact role is not known, but following the administration of aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein, metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents suppression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the skin. It reduces the production and release of skin keratinocyte-derived immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and hence prevents UV-induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity.
Anti-inflammatory action: Aloe vera inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduces prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid. Recently, the novel anti-inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl chromone was isolated from gel extracts.
Effects on the immune system: Alprogen inhibit calcium influx into mast cells, thereby inhibiting the antigen-antibody-mediated release of histamine and leukotriene from mast cells. In a study on mice that had previously been implanted with murine sarcoma cells, acemannan stimulates the synthesis and release of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor from macrophages in mice, which in turn initiated an immune attack that resulted in necrosis and regression of the cancerous cells. Several low-molecular-weight compounds are also capable of inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen free radicals from activated human neutrophils.
Laxative effects: Anthraquinones present in latex are a potent laxative. It increases intestinal water content, stimulates mucus secretion and increases intestinal peristalsis.
Antiviral and antitumor activity: These actions may be due to indirect or direct effects. Indirect effect is due to stimulation of the immune system and direct effect is due to anthraquinones. The anthraquinone aloin inactivates various enveloped viruses such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster and influenza. In recent studies, a polysaccharide fraction has shown to inhibit the binding of benzopyrene to primary rat hepatocytes, thereby preventing the formation of potentially cancer-initiating benzopyrene-DNA adducts. An induction of glutathione S-transferase and an inhibition of the tumor-promoting effects of phorbol myristic acetate has also been reported which suggest a possible benefit of using aloe gel in cancer chemoprevention.
Moisturizing and anti-aging effect: Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino acids also soften hardened skin cells and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Its moisturizing effects has also been studied in treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure where aloe vera gel gloves improved the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema. It also has anti-acne effect.
Antiseptic effect: Aloe vera contains 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur. They all have inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses.
Clinical uses: The clinical use of aloe vera is supported mostly by anecdotal data. Though most of these uses are interesting, controlled trials are essential to determine its effectiveness in all the following diseases.
A. Uses based on scientific evidence: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, genital herpes, skin burns, diabetes (type 2), HIV infection, cancer prevention, ulcerative colitis wound healing (results of aloe on wound healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive results and others showing no benefit or potential worsening ), pressure ulcers, mucositis, radiation dermatitis, acne vulgaris, lichen planus, frostbite, aphthous stomatitis, and constipation.
B. Uses based on tradition or theory: The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Conditions: Alopecia, bacterial and fungal skin infections, chronic leg wounds, parasitic infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, arthritis and tic douloureux.
Side effects
Topical: It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin. It is best to apply it to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction.
Oral: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine, hepatitis, dependency or worsening of constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Laxative effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels).
Contraindication: Contraindicated in cases of known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometime causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.
Interactions : Application of aloe to skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. It reduces the effectiveness and may increases the adverse effects of digoxin and digitoxin, due to its potassium lowering effect. Combined use of Aloe vera and furosemide may increase the risk of potassium depletion. It decreases the blood sugar levels and thus may interact with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin.
Thus, though Aloe vera has wide spectrum of the properties and uses, some of them could be myths and some of them could be real magic. In future, controlled studies are required to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera under various conditions.
Source:Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian J Dermatol [serial online] 2008 [cited 2009 Feb 10];53:163-6. Available from: http://www.e-ijd.org/text.asp?2008/53/4/163/44785
Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.
Vitamins : It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
Enzymes : It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.
Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.
Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are known as mucopolysaccharides. The most prominent monosaccharide is mannose-6-phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan]. Acemannan, a prominent glucomannan has also been found. Recently, a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel.
Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.
Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, ?-sisosterol and lupeol. All these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.
Others : It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical preparations, enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are the soapy substances form about 3% of the gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties.
Mechanism of actions
Healing properties: Glucomannan, a mannose-rich polysaccharide, and gibberellin, a growth hormone, interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast, thereby stimulating its activity and proliferation, which in turn significantly increases collagen synthesis after topical and oral Aloe vera. Aloe gel not only increased collagen content of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the degree of collagen cross linking. Due to this, it accelerated wound contraction and increased the breaking strength of resulting scar tissue. An increased synthesis of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate in the granulation tissue of a healing wound following oral or topical treatment has been reported.
Effects on skin exposure to UV and gamma radiation: Aloe vera gel has been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. Exact role is not known, but following the administration of aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein, metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents suppression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the skin. It reduces the production and release of skin keratinocyte-derived immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and hence prevents UV-induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity.
Anti-inflammatory action: Aloe vera inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduces prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid. Recently, the novel anti-inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl chromone was isolated from gel extracts.
Effects on the immune system: Alprogen inhibit calcium influx into mast cells, thereby inhibiting the antigen-antibody-mediated release of histamine and leukotriene from mast cells. In a study on mice that had previously been implanted with murine sarcoma cells, acemannan stimulates the synthesis and release of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor from macrophages in mice, which in turn initiated an immune attack that resulted in necrosis and regression of the cancerous cells. Several low-molecular-weight compounds are also capable of inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen free radicals from activated human neutrophils.
Laxative effects: Anthraquinones present in latex are a potent laxative. It increases intestinal water content, stimulates mucus secretion and increases intestinal peristalsis.
Antiviral and antitumor activity: These actions may be due to indirect or direct effects. Indirect effect is due to stimulation of the immune system and direct effect is due to anthraquinones. The anthraquinone aloin inactivates various enveloped viruses such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster and influenza. In recent studies, a polysaccharide fraction has shown to inhibit the binding of benzopyrene to primary rat hepatocytes, thereby preventing the formation of potentially cancer-initiating benzopyrene-DNA adducts. An induction of glutathione S-transferase and an inhibition of the tumor-promoting effects of phorbol myristic acetate has also been reported which suggest a possible benefit of using aloe gel in cancer chemoprevention.
Moisturizing and anti-aging effect: Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino acids also soften hardened skin cells and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Its moisturizing effects has also been studied in treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure where aloe vera gel gloves improved the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema. It also has anti-acne effect.
Antiseptic effect: Aloe vera contains 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur. They all have inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses.
Clinical uses: The clinical use of aloe vera is supported mostly by anecdotal data. Though most of these uses are interesting, controlled trials are essential to determine its effectiveness in all the following diseases.
A. Uses based on scientific evidence: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, genital herpes, skin burns, diabetes (type 2), HIV infection, cancer prevention, ulcerative colitis wound healing (results of aloe on wound healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive results and others showing no benefit or potential worsening ), pressure ulcers, mucositis, radiation dermatitis, acne vulgaris, lichen planus, frostbite, aphthous stomatitis, and constipation.
B. Uses based on tradition or theory: The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Conditions: Alopecia, bacterial and fungal skin infections, chronic leg wounds, parasitic infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, arthritis and tic douloureux.
Side effects
Topical: It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin. It is best to apply it to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction.
Oral: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine, hepatitis, dependency or worsening of constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Laxative effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels).
Contraindication: Contraindicated in cases of known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometime causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.
Interactions : Application of aloe to skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. It reduces the effectiveness and may increases the adverse effects of digoxin and digitoxin, due to its potassium lowering effect. Combined use of Aloe vera and furosemide may increase the risk of potassium depletion. It decreases the blood sugar levels and thus may interact with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin.
Thus, though Aloe vera has wide spectrum of the properties and uses, some of them could be myths and some of them could be real magic. In future, controlled studies are required to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera under various conditions.
Source:Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian J Dermatol [serial online] 2008 [cited 2009 Feb 10];53:163-6. Available from: http://www.e-ijd.org/text.asp?2008/53/4/163/44785
Aloe Vera for Dental Health
Bill Wolfe D.D.S., N.M.D.
History
In 1980 my dental laboratory technician suggested that Aloe Vera gel might have some uses in dentistry. I was not even sure what Aloe Vera was, so I decided to do some personal research. Through my readings, I discovered that the Aloe Vera plant had many medicinal uses dating back to pre-Christian times, and was even referred to in the Bible, as well as in many technical and professional journals over the past few decades.
I learned that the Aloe Vera plant is remarkable because it is one of the most durable plants known to mankind. The plant has a miraculous ability to self-seal and self-heal, and contains all the nutrients within its leaf in order to survive. When the leaf is damaged, the plant seals the wound and regenerates in accelerated time. Also, it thrives in an arid environment and can withstand extreme heat and physical abuse. Ancient Hebrew tribes used to uproot their aloe plants when they migrated, replant them upon arriving at their destination, and the plants would flourish again. With such a prestigious history, I wondered why I had not heard about Aloe Vera before. There are basically two reasons why the use of Aloe Vera for medicinal purposes was not widespread.
Although the plant is one of the most durable plants in the world, it is a succulent, and cannot survive extreme cold, damp, freezing climates. Therefore, knowledge of Aloe Vera did not spread into Northern Europe or Great Britain, where there are profound freezing winters. In these areas of the world, familiarity with the plant and its uses is still limited.
The second reason tor its limited usage was due to the inadequacy of Aloe Vera gel as a commercially viable product, because of it's "perishability." When a leaf is harvested, it is dissected to gain access to its gel. Exposure to air causes Aloe Vera to oxidize, and its potency is only maintained for about 48 hours at room temperature. Beyond this time, the plant can become contaminated, which often led to disappointing results on the part of people who were unaware of the shelf-life problem of the gel.
A resurgence of interest in the healing capabilities of the Aloe Vera plant developed in the 1950's. Through the work of Drs. Collins, Wright, and Crewe with radiation burns, the Aloe Vera plant assumed a degree of medical credibility. In 1959 the FDA concluded from studies conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission at the radiation burn center at Los Alamos Laboratories in New Mexico that aloe gel did have a healing effect on skin tissue. Further studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the plant's gel, but perishability was still a problem.
I was particularly interested in studies from Russia in 1976 reporting success in treating periodontal (gum and bone) disease with Aloe Vera, and the 1979 studies performed at the University of Chicago Burn Center. Then I ran across the name of Dr. Eugene Zimmerman. Dr. Zimmerman had been my oral pathology professor at Baylor College of Dentistry, and unknown to me, was conducting research on Aloe Vera and its properties at the same time I was attending dental school there in 1969.
I telephoned Dr. Zimmerman and asked him about his past Aloe Vera research. He expressed his positive feelings about the healing potential of the plant's gel for dentistry, especially since a "stabilization" process had been developed to preserve the Aloe Vera gel. The gel was now a viable commercial entity, with the ability to maintain its potency for years. However, Dr. Zimmerman felt that more research was required in order to substantiate its dental uses. I was now really curious.
After using the gel on various conditions with my dental patients, I phoned Dr. Zimmerman once again to tell him of our experiences, and asked him if he would be willing to perform any further dental research with the gel. His positive answer gave me the motivation and commitment to fund a grant to Baylor College of Dentistry to further investigate Aloe Vera and its oral health benefits. The following presentation is a synopsis of the results of research performed at Baylor (to A.O.A.C. standards) under the guidance or Dr. Zimmerman.
Bactericidal studies
Various percentages of Aloe Vera gels were tested in culture media consisting of the following organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium xerosis, and the five strains of Streptococcus mutans most commonly found in dental plaque. The gel was bactericidal against the above bacteria and fungicidal against Candida albicans (the cause of moniliasis or 'denture sore mouth.') An important finding by Zimmerman was that the dramatic effects of the aloe gel were not apparent until there was at least a 70% concentration of the gel. To achieve a 70% or greater concentration, an Aloe Vera gel must be stabilized with anti-oxidants in order to minimize the otherwise necessary preservatives which lessen the percentages of Aloe Vera in the product.
Virucidal studies
The Aloe Vera gel formula was found to be virucidal against Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster viruses.
Anti-inflammatory studies
Prednisolone and Indomethacin (common anti-inflammatory drugs) were utilized in a comparative study with the Aloe Vera gel to observe the effects on tissue culture cells. The gel was found to be just as effective as Prednisolone and Indomethacin, without having the long term toxicity of either drug.
Cell cytotoxicity studies
Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK cells) were utilized to determine the effectiveness of aloe gel on cellular longevity. The cellular death rate was found to be reduced by 2/3 when cultured with the aloe gel. Note: It is important to acknowledge research by Dr. Wendell Winters, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Winters found that although Aloe Vera promoted the growth and healing of healthy human cells, the gel did not have the unwanted effect of stimulating the growth of cancer cells.
Dr. Zimmerman's studies proved the Aloe Vera gel formula to be nontoxic, bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal against a broad range of micro-organisms, and a stimulator of cellular life-extension. This research and the clinical effects which I had witnessed in my office resulted in a commitment on my part to discover the uses of the aloe gel in all aspects of dental health. Now that I had laboratory and clinical evidence of the effectiveness and biocompatibility of my Aloe Vera formula, I felt that the next step for oral health should be to develop an Aloe Vera-based toothpaste.
Because a tooth paste or a tooth gel must include abrasives (of which examples are listed below), a surface active agent (foaming agent), a sweetener to counter the taste of the various ingredients (including the pungent taste of aloe gel), and a breath freshener, I was concerned about how much the healthful properties of the gel might be compromised by being combined in such a formula.
Relative Abrasiveness of Various Compounds on Tooth Enamel
Abrasive Surface loss of Enamel
Flour of pumice .300 (highest index of abrasiveness)
Alumina .300
Tin Oxide .083
Calcium Carbonate .012
Magnesium Trisilicate .009
Calcium Pyrophosphate .005
* Hydrated Silica .002
Sodium Metaphosphate .001
Tribasic Calcium Phosphate .001 (lowest index of abrasiveness)
* Abrasive used in the Aloe Vera toothpaste formulation
The bactericidal effects on dental plaque are a primary concern in evaluation and measuring the effectiveness of a toothpaste. Such bactericidal potency can be measured in the laboratory by means of a 'sensitivity disc' method of analysis. This method utilizes agar plates ("Petri" dishes) upon which are grown bacterial cultures of the various micro-organisms to be tested. The next project tested the Aloe Dent toothpaste formula against the various bacterial components of dental plaque (LM-7, BHT, AHT, 6715, and GS-5 strains of Streptococcus mutans bacteria.) After two hours of incubation, sterile paper discs were placed on the inoculated dishes. On each disc 0.3 grams of sample toothpaste was used in each experiment.
Each dish was examined after 24 and 48 hours to detect zones of clearing for inhibition (kill) of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The measurement from the edge of the disc to the end of the clear zone surrounding the disc indicates the depth of 'kill' of the bacteria, i.e., the larger the number of millimeters, the more potent the bactericidal effects. The chart below demonstrates the results after 48 hours of bactericidal analysis, comparing the Aloe Vera toothpaste formula to two popular brands of flourided toothpaste.
Streptococcus
Mutans Bacteria
Strain Numbers Aloe Vera toothpaste Brand 1 Brand 2
After 48H After 48H After 48H
LM-7 16mm 9mm 11mm
GS-5 15mm 12mm 13mm
6715 10mm 11mm 9mm
BHT 20mm 10mm 14mm
AHT 16mm 16mm 10mm
This chart demonstrates the bactericidal effectiveness of Aloe Vera toothpaste against the 5 strains of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in dental plaque. The fact that the Aloe Vera toothpaste™ range was greater than that of either Brand 1 or Brand 2 is very noteworthy, as the bactericidal results from the Brand 1 or Brand 2 testing are due to fluoride. Aloe Vera toothpaste was able to achieve equal or better results without the addition of fluoride, which is controversial due to its wide range of potentially harmful systemic effects.
Conclusion
The previous research is only a partial indication of the potential benefits which Aloe Vera can provide for dentistry. I encourage health professionals to investigate, experiment, and conclude for themselves as to the effectiveness, new uses, and exciting future which Aloe Vera has in dentistry.
References
1) Kent CM. Aloe Vera. Arlington VA. 1979:14.
2) Goats BC. The Silent Healer: A Modern Study of Aloe Vera. Garland, TX, 1979.
3) Sims RM, Zimmerman ER. Report on effect of aloe vera on growth of certain micro-organisms. Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas Microbial Assay Services. Ava Inc Archives. 1969; Vol 1:230-233.
4) El Zawahr M, Hegazy RM, Helal M. Uses of aloe in treating leg ulcers and dermatosis. Dermatology (1973 Jan-Feb):72.
5) Crewe J. The external use of aloe. Minn J of Med. (1937 Oct) 20 (538-539.)
6) Collins E. Alvagel as a therapeutic agent in treatment of Roentgen and radiation burns. Radiological Review and Chicago Medical Recorder. (1935 June) 57:137-138.
7) Wright CS. Aloe vera in the treatment of roentgen ulcers and telangiectasis. JAMA. 1936 (106):1363-1364.
8) Lushbaugh CC, Hale DB. Experimental acute radiodermatitis following beta irradiation. Cancer.
1953:698.
9) Brasher JW, Collings CK, Zimmerman ER. The effects of prednisolone, indomethacin and aloe vera gel on tissue culture cells. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology. 1969.27 (1): 122-128.
10) Bovik EG. Aloe vera: Panacea or old wives tale? Texas Dental J. 1966:15.
11) Rowe TD, Parks LM, Lovell BK. Further observations on the use of aloe vera leaf in the treatment of third degree x-ray reaction. JAMA. 1941:270.
History
In 1980 my dental laboratory technician suggested that Aloe Vera gel might have some uses in dentistry. I was not even sure what Aloe Vera was, so I decided to do some personal research. Through my readings, I discovered that the Aloe Vera plant had many medicinal uses dating back to pre-Christian times, and was even referred to in the Bible, as well as in many technical and professional journals over the past few decades.
I learned that the Aloe Vera plant is remarkable because it is one of the most durable plants known to mankind. The plant has a miraculous ability to self-seal and self-heal, and contains all the nutrients within its leaf in order to survive. When the leaf is damaged, the plant seals the wound and regenerates in accelerated time. Also, it thrives in an arid environment and can withstand extreme heat and physical abuse. Ancient Hebrew tribes used to uproot their aloe plants when they migrated, replant them upon arriving at their destination, and the plants would flourish again. With such a prestigious history, I wondered why I had not heard about Aloe Vera before. There are basically two reasons why the use of Aloe Vera for medicinal purposes was not widespread.
Although the plant is one of the most durable plants in the world, it is a succulent, and cannot survive extreme cold, damp, freezing climates. Therefore, knowledge of Aloe Vera did not spread into Northern Europe or Great Britain, where there are profound freezing winters. In these areas of the world, familiarity with the plant and its uses is still limited.
The second reason tor its limited usage was due to the inadequacy of Aloe Vera gel as a commercially viable product, because of it's "perishability." When a leaf is harvested, it is dissected to gain access to its gel. Exposure to air causes Aloe Vera to oxidize, and its potency is only maintained for about 48 hours at room temperature. Beyond this time, the plant can become contaminated, which often led to disappointing results on the part of people who were unaware of the shelf-life problem of the gel.
A resurgence of interest in the healing capabilities of the Aloe Vera plant developed in the 1950's. Through the work of Drs. Collins, Wright, and Crewe with radiation burns, the Aloe Vera plant assumed a degree of medical credibility. In 1959 the FDA concluded from studies conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission at the radiation burn center at Los Alamos Laboratories in New Mexico that aloe gel did have a healing effect on skin tissue. Further studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the plant's gel, but perishability was still a problem.
I was particularly interested in studies from Russia in 1976 reporting success in treating periodontal (gum and bone) disease with Aloe Vera, and the 1979 studies performed at the University of Chicago Burn Center. Then I ran across the name of Dr. Eugene Zimmerman. Dr. Zimmerman had been my oral pathology professor at Baylor College of Dentistry, and unknown to me, was conducting research on Aloe Vera and its properties at the same time I was attending dental school there in 1969.
I telephoned Dr. Zimmerman and asked him about his past Aloe Vera research. He expressed his positive feelings about the healing potential of the plant's gel for dentistry, especially since a "stabilization" process had been developed to preserve the Aloe Vera gel. The gel was now a viable commercial entity, with the ability to maintain its potency for years. However, Dr. Zimmerman felt that more research was required in order to substantiate its dental uses. I was now really curious.
After using the gel on various conditions with my dental patients, I phoned Dr. Zimmerman once again to tell him of our experiences, and asked him if he would be willing to perform any further dental research with the gel. His positive answer gave me the motivation and commitment to fund a grant to Baylor College of Dentistry to further investigate Aloe Vera and its oral health benefits. The following presentation is a synopsis of the results of research performed at Baylor (to A.O.A.C. standards) under the guidance or Dr. Zimmerman.
Bactericidal studies
Various percentages of Aloe Vera gels were tested in culture media consisting of the following organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium xerosis, and the five strains of Streptococcus mutans most commonly found in dental plaque. The gel was bactericidal against the above bacteria and fungicidal against Candida albicans (the cause of moniliasis or 'denture sore mouth.') An important finding by Zimmerman was that the dramatic effects of the aloe gel were not apparent until there was at least a 70% concentration of the gel. To achieve a 70% or greater concentration, an Aloe Vera gel must be stabilized with anti-oxidants in order to minimize the otherwise necessary preservatives which lessen the percentages of Aloe Vera in the product.
Virucidal studies
The Aloe Vera gel formula was found to be virucidal against Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster viruses.
Anti-inflammatory studies
Prednisolone and Indomethacin (common anti-inflammatory drugs) were utilized in a comparative study with the Aloe Vera gel to observe the effects on tissue culture cells. The gel was found to be just as effective as Prednisolone and Indomethacin, without having the long term toxicity of either drug.
Cell cytotoxicity studies
Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK cells) were utilized to determine the effectiveness of aloe gel on cellular longevity. The cellular death rate was found to be reduced by 2/3 when cultured with the aloe gel. Note: It is important to acknowledge research by Dr. Wendell Winters, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Winters found that although Aloe Vera promoted the growth and healing of healthy human cells, the gel did not have the unwanted effect of stimulating the growth of cancer cells.
Dr. Zimmerman's studies proved the Aloe Vera gel formula to be nontoxic, bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal against a broad range of micro-organisms, and a stimulator of cellular life-extension. This research and the clinical effects which I had witnessed in my office resulted in a commitment on my part to discover the uses of the aloe gel in all aspects of dental health. Now that I had laboratory and clinical evidence of the effectiveness and biocompatibility of my Aloe Vera formula, I felt that the next step for oral health should be to develop an Aloe Vera-based toothpaste.
Because a tooth paste or a tooth gel must include abrasives (of which examples are listed below), a surface active agent (foaming agent), a sweetener to counter the taste of the various ingredients (including the pungent taste of aloe gel), and a breath freshener, I was concerned about how much the healthful properties of the gel might be compromised by being combined in such a formula.
Relative Abrasiveness of Various Compounds on Tooth Enamel
Abrasive Surface loss of Enamel
Flour of pumice .300 (highest index of abrasiveness)
Alumina .300
Tin Oxide .083
Calcium Carbonate .012
Magnesium Trisilicate .009
Calcium Pyrophosphate .005
* Hydrated Silica .002
Sodium Metaphosphate .001
Tribasic Calcium Phosphate .001 (lowest index of abrasiveness)
* Abrasive used in the Aloe Vera toothpaste formulation
The bactericidal effects on dental plaque are a primary concern in evaluation and measuring the effectiveness of a toothpaste. Such bactericidal potency can be measured in the laboratory by means of a 'sensitivity disc' method of analysis. This method utilizes agar plates ("Petri" dishes) upon which are grown bacterial cultures of the various micro-organisms to be tested. The next project tested the Aloe Dent toothpaste formula against the various bacterial components of dental plaque (LM-7, BHT, AHT, 6715, and GS-5 strains of Streptococcus mutans bacteria.) After two hours of incubation, sterile paper discs were placed on the inoculated dishes. On each disc 0.3 grams of sample toothpaste was used in each experiment.
Each dish was examined after 24 and 48 hours to detect zones of clearing for inhibition (kill) of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The measurement from the edge of the disc to the end of the clear zone surrounding the disc indicates the depth of 'kill' of the bacteria, i.e., the larger the number of millimeters, the more potent the bactericidal effects. The chart below demonstrates the results after 48 hours of bactericidal analysis, comparing the Aloe Vera toothpaste formula to two popular brands of flourided toothpaste.
Streptococcus
Mutans Bacteria
Strain Numbers Aloe Vera toothpaste Brand 1 Brand 2
After 48H After 48H After 48H
LM-7 16mm 9mm 11mm
GS-5 15mm 12mm 13mm
6715 10mm 11mm 9mm
BHT 20mm 10mm 14mm
AHT 16mm 16mm 10mm
This chart demonstrates the bactericidal effectiveness of Aloe Vera toothpaste against the 5 strains of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in dental plaque. The fact that the Aloe Vera toothpaste™ range was greater than that of either Brand 1 or Brand 2 is very noteworthy, as the bactericidal results from the Brand 1 or Brand 2 testing are due to fluoride. Aloe Vera toothpaste was able to achieve equal or better results without the addition of fluoride, which is controversial due to its wide range of potentially harmful systemic effects.
Conclusion
The previous research is only a partial indication of the potential benefits which Aloe Vera can provide for dentistry. I encourage health professionals to investigate, experiment, and conclude for themselves as to the effectiveness, new uses, and exciting future which Aloe Vera has in dentistry.
References
1) Kent CM. Aloe Vera. Arlington VA. 1979:14.
2) Goats BC. The Silent Healer: A Modern Study of Aloe Vera. Garland, TX, 1979.
3) Sims RM, Zimmerman ER. Report on effect of aloe vera on growth of certain micro-organisms. Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas Microbial Assay Services. Ava Inc Archives. 1969; Vol 1:230-233.
4) El Zawahr M, Hegazy RM, Helal M. Uses of aloe in treating leg ulcers and dermatosis. Dermatology (1973 Jan-Feb):72.
5) Crewe J. The external use of aloe. Minn J of Med. (1937 Oct) 20 (538-539.)
6) Collins E. Alvagel as a therapeutic agent in treatment of Roentgen and radiation burns. Radiological Review and Chicago Medical Recorder. (1935 June) 57:137-138.
7) Wright CS. Aloe vera in the treatment of roentgen ulcers and telangiectasis. JAMA. 1936 (106):1363-1364.
8) Lushbaugh CC, Hale DB. Experimental acute radiodermatitis following beta irradiation. Cancer.
1953:698.
9) Brasher JW, Collings CK, Zimmerman ER. The effects of prednisolone, indomethacin and aloe vera gel on tissue culture cells. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology. 1969.27 (1): 122-128.
10) Bovik EG. Aloe vera: Panacea or old wives tale? Texas Dental J. 1966:15.
11) Rowe TD, Parks LM, Lovell BK. Further observations on the use of aloe vera leaf in the treatment of third degree x-ray reaction. JAMA. 1941:270.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Aloe Vera and Swine Flu
This is an article from aloeveraexpress.com.
Aloe vera is the ideal tool to deal with swine flu. It would seem,that this form of flu,is a very mild form, but the doom-mongers and panic producers are out in great force, telling everybody that there will be increase in severity and fatalities come autumn and winter of this year.
Well,it not have to be like that to be like that. Every one of us can take steps tha will minimise the risks, without resorting to untested, speedily produced vaccines which could in all probability make us worse, but those drug companies that we all love so much, even richer.
We only succunb to colds, flu, or any other infectious illness if our immune system is not as efficient as it should be. We are surrounded by millions of germs every day, but most of us only rarely get ill. This is because the body is perfectly capable of protecting itself, given the right support.
This is where Aloe vera, amongst other substances comes in. As previously mentioned, one of the main areas aloe helps is in the immune system, where approx 70% of our immune system is.Along with a healthy wholefood diet, probiotics, most of the time this is sufficient to keep us healthy, especially when taking exercise, and relaxation to keep stress at bay.
Whatever infectious illness we are talking about, basic measures, like frequent hand-washing, personal cleanliness, without being fanatical are helpful.
Forever also do supplements which are beneficial in these instances: Garlic and thyme are both potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal, you can take more than the suggested dose if necessary. There is Echinacea supreme, which as well as high-quality echinacea, contains goldenseal and grapeseed extract, which have the added benefits of being powerful against Candida and thrush, as well as colds and flu.
Bee propolis is another powerful anti-viral agent, used by the bees to keep their hives sterile.
Not forgetting Vitamin C, which is helpful in normal doses to boost the immune system, and in higher doses to combat infections : absorbent-C.
Aloe vera is the ideal tool to deal with swine flu. It would seem,that this form of flu,is a very mild form, but the doom-mongers and panic producers are out in great force, telling everybody that there will be increase in severity and fatalities come autumn and winter of this year.
Well,it not have to be like that to be like that. Every one of us can take steps tha will minimise the risks, without resorting to untested, speedily produced vaccines which could in all probability make us worse, but those drug companies that we all love so much, even richer.
We only succunb to colds, flu, or any other infectious illness if our immune system is not as efficient as it should be. We are surrounded by millions of germs every day, but most of us only rarely get ill. This is because the body is perfectly capable of protecting itself, given the right support.
This is where Aloe vera, amongst other substances comes in. As previously mentioned, one of the main areas aloe helps is in the immune system, where approx 70% of our immune system is.Along with a healthy wholefood diet, probiotics, most of the time this is sufficient to keep us healthy, especially when taking exercise, and relaxation to keep stress at bay.
Whatever infectious illness we are talking about, basic measures, like frequent hand-washing, personal cleanliness, without being fanatical are helpful.
Forever also do supplements which are beneficial in these instances: Garlic and thyme are both potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal, you can take more than the suggested dose if necessary. There is Echinacea supreme, which as well as high-quality echinacea, contains goldenseal and grapeseed extract, which have the added benefits of being powerful against Candida and thrush, as well as colds and flu.
Bee propolis is another powerful anti-viral agent, used by the bees to keep their hives sterile.
Not forgetting Vitamin C, which is helpful in normal doses to boost the immune system, and in higher doses to combat infections : absorbent-C.
Top Ten Reasons to use Aloe Vera
10. Dental Health and Hygiene
Aloe Vera is extremely healthful for your mouth and gums. Take that to your next dentist appointment!
9. Provides Rapid Soothing
Aloe Vera enhances fibroblast function. Fibroblasts are those remarkable little cells responsible for collagen formation. They also assist in the soothing of minor cuts, burns, scrapes and skin irritants.
8. Aids in Healthy Digestion
A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the foods we eat are absorbed into the blood stream. Aloe Vera has natural, detoxifying abilities. Taking Aloe Vera regularly may improve bowel regularity and increase protein absorption, while at the same time decrease unfriendly bacteria and yeast - all done naturally! Aloe Vera has also demonstrated its ability to assist in soothing heartburn and other types of digestive upset.
7. Immune Support and Function
Aloe Vera provides natural support for the immune system. Since the immune system works around the clock protecting the body, aloe vera, with its natural immune enhancers, gives the body a continual arsenal from which to draw.
6. Regulates Weight and Energy Levels
Aloe Vera naturally, and with regular use, allows the body to cleanse the digestive system. Our diets include many unwanted substances, which can cause lethargy and exhaustion. Taken regularly, Aloe Vera ensures a greater feeling of well being, allowing energy levels to increase and helping to maintain a healthy body weight.
5. Collagen and Elastin Repair
Aloe Vera can add a rich supply of building materials to produce and maintain healthy skin. The skin replenishes itself every 21 to 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of Aloe Vera, the skin can utilize these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of aging! A daily dose of Aloe Vera can be just what your skin is thirsting for.
4. Daily Dose of Minerals
Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. What a powerful storehouse! We all know that adding foods to our diets with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals is recommended for overall health. It is a natural and healthful way to replenish the body’s supply.
3. Daily Dose of Vitamins
Aloe Vera includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin. The human body simply cannot store some of these vitamins; therefore we need to supplement them regularly through our diet. What better way than by taking a daily dose of Aloe Vera, while at the same time building the body’s defense system naturally against oxidative stress?!
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aloe Vera has 12 natural substances that have been shown to inhibit inflammation without side effects. Aloe may also support proper joint and muscle mobility.
1. Body "Building Blocks"
Amino acids are our body’s building blocks. Eight which are essential and cannot be made by the body are found within the aloe plant! Taking Aloe Vera on a regular basis allows you to help maintain your health by replenishing your body naturally with these essential amino acids. An analysis of the aloe vera plant shows that it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of essential amino acids.
As you can see from these 10 great reasons, taken daily - Aloe Vera is one of the best nutritional supplements available!
(Source: Forever Today Magazine, Feb. 2006)
Aloe Vera is extremely healthful for your mouth and gums. Take that to your next dentist appointment!
9. Provides Rapid Soothing
Aloe Vera enhances fibroblast function. Fibroblasts are those remarkable little cells responsible for collagen formation. They also assist in the soothing of minor cuts, burns, scrapes and skin irritants.
8. Aids in Healthy Digestion
A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the foods we eat are absorbed into the blood stream. Aloe Vera has natural, detoxifying abilities. Taking Aloe Vera regularly may improve bowel regularity and increase protein absorption, while at the same time decrease unfriendly bacteria and yeast - all done naturally! Aloe Vera has also demonstrated its ability to assist in soothing heartburn and other types of digestive upset.
7. Immune Support and Function
Aloe Vera provides natural support for the immune system. Since the immune system works around the clock protecting the body, aloe vera, with its natural immune enhancers, gives the body a continual arsenal from which to draw.
6. Regulates Weight and Energy Levels
Aloe Vera naturally, and with regular use, allows the body to cleanse the digestive system. Our diets include many unwanted substances, which can cause lethargy and exhaustion. Taken regularly, Aloe Vera ensures a greater feeling of well being, allowing energy levels to increase and helping to maintain a healthy body weight.
5. Collagen and Elastin Repair
Aloe Vera can add a rich supply of building materials to produce and maintain healthy skin. The skin replenishes itself every 21 to 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of Aloe Vera, the skin can utilize these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of aging! A daily dose of Aloe Vera can be just what your skin is thirsting for.
4. Daily Dose of Minerals
Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. What a powerful storehouse! We all know that adding foods to our diets with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals is recommended for overall health. It is a natural and healthful way to replenish the body’s supply.
3. Daily Dose of Vitamins
Aloe Vera includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin. The human body simply cannot store some of these vitamins; therefore we need to supplement them regularly through our diet. What better way than by taking a daily dose of Aloe Vera, while at the same time building the body’s defense system naturally against oxidative stress?!
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aloe Vera has 12 natural substances that have been shown to inhibit inflammation without side effects. Aloe may also support proper joint and muscle mobility.
1. Body "Building Blocks"
Amino acids are our body’s building blocks. Eight which are essential and cannot be made by the body are found within the aloe plant! Taking Aloe Vera on a regular basis allows you to help maintain your health by replenishing your body naturally with these essential amino acids. An analysis of the aloe vera plant shows that it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of essential amino acids.
As you can see from these 10 great reasons, taken daily - Aloe Vera is one of the best nutritional supplements available!
(Source: Forever Today Magazine, Feb. 2006)
Forever Cardio Health
Forever Living is announce our new products.
Forever CardioHealth™ with CoQ10 is a special formula designed to easily dissolve in our Aloe Vera Gel to provide three important nutritional supports for cardiovascular health. It promotes healthy homocysteine levels, supplies co-enzyme Q10 to promote efficient metabolism, and provides heart-healthy antioxidants. Simply pour, stir and drink – it’s that easy – and your heart will thank you! Contains soy.
Forever CardioHealth™ with CoQ10 is a special formula designed to easily dissolve in our Aloe Vera Gel to provide three important nutritional supports for cardiovascular health. It promotes healthy homocysteine levels, supplies co-enzyme Q10 to promote efficient metabolism, and provides heart-healthy antioxidants. Simply pour, stir and drink – it’s that easy – and your heart will thank you! Contains soy.
FOREVER Nutri-Lean Program
Do you want to lose those few extra pounds?
Would you like your pants to fit a little bit better?
Are you ready to take charge of your health and feel better?
If the answer is "YES" to any of these questions, then Forever Living Products has created a weight loss program that could work for you.
Clean 9 is a nine-day program that is designed to cleanse your body of harmful preservatives and other chemicals, as well as start to burn your excess fat.
FOREVER Nutri-Lean™ is the second step in the program.
It is a 30-day program that teaches how to eat properly, exercise, increase your metabolism and live a healthier lifestyle.
http://myflpbiz.com/esuite/home/aloeveralife/Products.html
Would you like your pants to fit a little bit better?
Are you ready to take charge of your health and feel better?
If the answer is "YES" to any of these questions, then Forever Living Products has created a weight loss program that could work for you.
Clean 9 is a nine-day program that is designed to cleanse your body of harmful preservatives and other chemicals, as well as start to burn your excess fat.
FOREVER Nutri-Lean™ is the second step in the program.
It is a 30-day program that teaches how to eat properly, exercise, increase your metabolism and live a healthier lifestyle.
http://myflpbiz.com/esuite/home/aloeveralife/Products.html
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe has been well known for centuries for its healing properties, and both oral intake and topical dressings have been documented to facilitate healing of any kind of skin wound, burn, or scald - even speeding recovery time after surgery. Situations to try it on include blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete's foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin. The raw plant is best, but commercial preparations can also be used, especially for taking orally, as this plant tastes horrible. Other topical uses include acne, sunburn, frostbite (it appears to prevent decreased blood flow), shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema.
Internally, aloe is showing real promise in the fight against AIDS, and the virus has become undetectable in some patients who used it on a regular basis, due to its immune system stimulant properties. It also seems to help prevent opportunistic infections in cases of HIV and AIDS. It appears to be of help in cancer patients (including lung cancer) by activating the white blood cells and promoting growth of non-cancerous cells. The National Cancer Institute has included Aloe Vera in their recommendations for increased testing because of these apparent cancer fighting properties. Taken orally, aloe also appears to work on heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma, and studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Other situations in which it appears to work when taken internally include congestion, intestinal worms, indigestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, kidney infections, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and as a general detoxifier. Lastly, many people who take aloe internally report just feeling better overall, which is in and of itself something of a testament to its remarkable properties.
Commercially, aloe can be found in pills, sprays, ointments, lotions, liquids, drinks, jellies, and creams, to name a few of the thousands of products available. Unfortunately, the aloe industry is virtually unregulated, and some products that advertise aloe content actually have little to none. Therefore, if you are embarking on a regimen with aloe, you should become an avid reader of ingredients. Look for the word aloe to appear near the top of the ingredient list first and foremost, then follow the guidelines below:
Sunburn treatments - 20% or more aloe content
Creams & Ointments - 20% or more aloe content
Juices - 95% or more aloe content
Beverages - 50% or more aloe content
Drinks - 10% or more aloe content
Capsules - 5-10% or more aloe content
As far as dosages are concerned, start small and work your way up to a therapeutic dose. Juices are a good way to start, and pills are probably the worst way to go with aloe. Aloe pulp is 95% water, and if you consider the process of drying this, then sticking it back together into a pill form, you can see why pills are probably not the best way to go. Also, give your regimen time to work. Sometimes it takes a couple of months for you to see the real effects of aloe treatments, so don't give up too soon.
Aloe is safe when used in moderation, but there are a few contraindications. If you have a heart problem and use any kind of digitalis medication, consult your doctor before using any aloe product internally, as the interaction may cause irregular heartbeat. Avoid aloe preparations if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or menstruating, as it can cause uterine contractions.
http://myflpbiz.com/esuite/home/aloeveralife/Products.html
Internally, aloe is showing real promise in the fight against AIDS, and the virus has become undetectable in some patients who used it on a regular basis, due to its immune system stimulant properties. It also seems to help prevent opportunistic infections in cases of HIV and AIDS. It appears to be of help in cancer patients (including lung cancer) by activating the white blood cells and promoting growth of non-cancerous cells. The National Cancer Institute has included Aloe Vera in their recommendations for increased testing because of these apparent cancer fighting properties. Taken orally, aloe also appears to work on heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma, and studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Other situations in which it appears to work when taken internally include congestion, intestinal worms, indigestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, kidney infections, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and as a general detoxifier. Lastly, many people who take aloe internally report just feeling better overall, which is in and of itself something of a testament to its remarkable properties.
Commercially, aloe can be found in pills, sprays, ointments, lotions, liquids, drinks, jellies, and creams, to name a few of the thousands of products available. Unfortunately, the aloe industry is virtually unregulated, and some products that advertise aloe content actually have little to none. Therefore, if you are embarking on a regimen with aloe, you should become an avid reader of ingredients. Look for the word aloe to appear near the top of the ingredient list first and foremost, then follow the guidelines below:
Sunburn treatments - 20% or more aloe content
Creams & Ointments - 20% or more aloe content
Juices - 95% or more aloe content
Beverages - 50% or more aloe content
Drinks - 10% or more aloe content
Capsules - 5-10% or more aloe content
As far as dosages are concerned, start small and work your way up to a therapeutic dose. Juices are a good way to start, and pills are probably the worst way to go with aloe. Aloe pulp is 95% water, and if you consider the process of drying this, then sticking it back together into a pill form, you can see why pills are probably not the best way to go. Also, give your regimen time to work. Sometimes it takes a couple of months for you to see the real effects of aloe treatments, so don't give up too soon.
Aloe is safe when used in moderation, but there are a few contraindications. If you have a heart problem and use any kind of digitalis medication, consult your doctor before using any aloe product internally, as the interaction may cause irregular heartbeat. Avoid aloe preparations if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or menstruating, as it can cause uterine contractions.
http://myflpbiz.com/esuite/home/aloeveralife/Products.html
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Aloe Vera to lower the glucose level of a person with diabetes.
Several studies have shown efficacy of Aloe Vera to lower the glucose level of a person with diabetes. Source: expressBuzz.
For more information visit our website
http://myflpbiz.com/esuite/home/aloeveralife/
For more information visit our website
http://myflpbiz.com/esuite/home/aloeveralife/
Historically
Historically, Aloe Vera has been used to treat problems from A to Z, and many more uses for the aloe leaf have been suggested in contemporary literature:
A. Allergies, abscesses, abrasions, asthma, acne, acid indigestion, allergic reactions, anemia, arterial insufficiency, arthritis, athlete’s foot, AIDS
B. Bad breath, burns, boils, bursitis, baldness, blisters, bruises, bronchitis, bowel regularity, body cleanser, bladder infections, blood pressure
C. Candida, cancer, contusions, canker/cold sores, cuts, cataracts, chapped/chafed skin & lips, coughs, colds, colitis, colic, cradle cap, cystitis, chemotherapy, constipation
D. Dermatitis, dandruff, dry skin, denture (gum) sores, diaper rash, dysentery, diabetes, depression
E. Edema, Epstein-Barr virus, exanthema, eczema, ear ache
F. Fissured nipples, fever blisters, fungus
G. Gingivitis, glaucoma, gangrene
H. Heat rash, headache of all kinds, hemorrhoids, heart burn, high blood pressure, herpes zoster/simplex
I. Impetigo, inflamed joints, insomnia ingrown toenails, indigestion, insect bites
J. Jaundice, joints
K. Keratosis, kidney infections
L. Laxation, leprosy, laryngitis, lupus, liver ailments
M. Multiple sclerosis, mouth irritations, muscle cramps/strains, moles
N. Nausea
O. Onycholysis, oral disorders
P. Pin worms, psoriasis, prostatitis, poison ivy/oak, pancreas
R. Razor burn, radiation burns, radiation dermatitis, rashes
S. Stings, sties, sprains, senile moles, sores of all nature, seborrhea, stretch marks, sore throat shingles, staph infections, sunburns, sciatic nerve, sick-cell disease
T. Tonsillitis, tendonitis, trachoma, tuberculosis, tumors
U. Ulcerations of all kinds, urticaria, ulcers (peptic and duodenal)
V. Vaginitis, venereal sores, venous stasis, varicose veins
W. Wind burns, wounds of all kinds, warts
X. X-ray burns
Y. Yeast infections
Z. Zoster (shingles)
A. Allergies, abscesses, abrasions, asthma, acne, acid indigestion, allergic reactions, anemia, arterial insufficiency, arthritis, athlete’s foot, AIDS
B. Bad breath, burns, boils, bursitis, baldness, blisters, bruises, bronchitis, bowel regularity, body cleanser, bladder infections, blood pressure
C. Candida, cancer, contusions, canker/cold sores, cuts, cataracts, chapped/chafed skin & lips, coughs, colds, colitis, colic, cradle cap, cystitis, chemotherapy, constipation
D. Dermatitis, dandruff, dry skin, denture (gum) sores, diaper rash, dysentery, diabetes, depression
E. Edema, Epstein-Barr virus, exanthema, eczema, ear ache
F. Fissured nipples, fever blisters, fungus
G. Gingivitis, glaucoma, gangrene
H. Heat rash, headache of all kinds, hemorrhoids, heart burn, high blood pressure, herpes zoster/simplex
I. Impetigo, inflamed joints, insomnia ingrown toenails, indigestion, insect bites
J. Jaundice, joints
K. Keratosis, kidney infections
L. Laxation, leprosy, laryngitis, lupus, liver ailments
M. Multiple sclerosis, mouth irritations, muscle cramps/strains, moles
N. Nausea
O. Onycholysis, oral disorders
P. Pin worms, psoriasis, prostatitis, poison ivy/oak, pancreas
R. Razor burn, radiation burns, radiation dermatitis, rashes
S. Stings, sties, sprains, senile moles, sores of all nature, seborrhea, stretch marks, sore throat shingles, staph infections, sunburns, sciatic nerve, sick-cell disease
T. Tonsillitis, tendonitis, trachoma, tuberculosis, tumors
U. Ulcerations of all kinds, urticaria, ulcers (peptic and duodenal)
V. Vaginitis, venereal sores, venous stasis, varicose veins
W. Wind burns, wounds of all kinds, warts
X. X-ray burns
Y. Yeast infections
Z. Zoster (shingles)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
