Aloe Vera Verses everything else
The highly effective properties of Aloe Vera have given this plant an almost perfect reputation. Considered as the world’s most medicinal magical wonder plant, Aloe Vera can be regarded as the all in one supreme natural product ranked in a classification of its own. And the varying composition within each plant cannot compare to the composition within any man-made juices, antiseptics or healing remedies inclusive with skin care.
The plant itself produces antiseptic agents such salicylic acid, urea nitrogen acid, lupeol, cinnamonic acid, sulphur and phenols, all which are recognized as such because they control or kill fungus, bacteria, mold and viruses. These highly effective agents are the reason why the Aloe Vera plant has extreme potential to eradicate many infections inside the body and out. The Aloe Vera juice itself contains salicylic and Lupeol acids which confirms its effectiveness for relieving pain.
Ironically though, most resort to the modern man-made synthetic counter remedies and pay a small fortune for them unaware and uninformed in regards to what the Aloe Vera plant actually is and its self possessed components. And it’s not surprising that the information that is widely available now has only surfaced since the Internet. And advertisements in any form prior to the internet were commonly focused on these counter remedies for alleviating pain, burns, cuts, arthritis, ulcers, digestion etc, the list goes on.
How the Body can benefit from Aloe Vera
Well with 200 nutrients in the gel fillet (parenchyma) how can one not benefit from what this earthly wonder has to offer. Containing B-sitosterol (plant sterols), cholesterol, and campersterol, these anti-inflammatory fatty acids are a tremendous aid for the treatment of scrapes; abrasions; burns; rheumatoid arthritis; acid indigestion; allergic reactions; rheumatic fever; cuts and ulcers. Even cholesterol levels can be lowered from the potency of B-sitosterol which is also known as an anti-cholestromatic. Provoking conditions of internal organs inclusive with the pancreas, liver, small intestine, colon and the stomach can also be treated from the fatty acids of the Aloe Vera plant.
Aloe juice, an additional remedy aids in the control of immune system diseases and aliments because Aloe itself also contains immune stimulators called polypeptids. And as it is stated there is a total of 23 polypeptids in Aloe Vera gel. Thus patients with HIV and AIDS can also benefit from these immune stimulators. And to add to the advantages of polypeptids, anti-tumour agents like Aloe lectins and Aloe emodins have the ability to control cancer. It’s amazing how one plant can produce such a vast array of functional elements and although the 75 known ingredients in the Aloe Vera plant have little relativity to each other, it’s the synergistic connection between them that has given this plant its renowned title “Medicine Plant".
Whole Leaf or Inner Gel
It’s become a common process for companies in their production of Aloe Vera products to use the entire leaf inclusive with the outer green rind. And many promote the use of it claiming the additional benefits from their “whole leaf" Aloe Vera products. However, the filtration methods used to filter out impurities once the whole leaf is liquidized are believed to have some effect on the more valuable ingredients.
Bacteria and cellulose are present in the green rind either on its surface or just beneath it. And during processing these two components are most likely to destroy the poly-saccharides which provide Aloe its famous properties. The inner leaf fillet or gel constitutes for the majority of beneficial ingredients in the plant itself. And the world’s largest growers who process Forever Living Aloe Products actually hand fillet the leaf using only the inner gel. There is a variety of Aloe plant species however, research has proven the most effective to be Aloe Barbadensis Miller and because Aloe Vera is a natural plant product each plants composition will vary slightly depending on its age and size. And the ideal maturity level in a plant is two to three years.
Properties of Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera and leaf)
Amino Acids: 7 of the 8 essential amino acids which the body doesn’t produce. And 20 others the body produces and requires. Aids in the building of proteins for the creation of muscle tissues, skin renewal etc.
Enzymes: Lipase, Peroxidase; Carboxypeptidase; Alijase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Catalase; Amylase and Cellulase. Enzymes aid in the breakdown of sugars and fats for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Hormones: Gibberellins and Auxins which are excellent for anti-inflammatory and the healing of wounds.
Vitamins: Antioxidants A, C, and E for neutralising free radicals. Vitamins B, B12, Folic Acid and Choline-Folic acid needed for the growth of blood cells. B12 is needed for the growth of red blood cells and B’s and Choline for amino acid metabolism.
Minerals: Potassium; Zinc; Calcium; Manganese; Iron; Copper; Chromium; Sodium and Magnesium. Work in conjunction with each other, vitamins and other elements for over all good health.
Anthraquinones: Known as laxatives, these are found in the sap and in reasonably small concentrations along with the Gel portion they supply anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic and anti-viral properties. However, used in high concentration levels on their own they can be toxic. These are contained in the green rind just below its surface and are one reason why the sap is not used in filleted products. Antranol; Aloin; Aloe emodin; Aloetic Acid; Anthracine; Chrysophanic Acid; Emodin; Barbaloin; Ethereal Oil; Isobarbaloin; Ester of Cinnamonic Acid; and Resistannol.
Lignin: Lignin is excellent for the allowance of penetration in Aloe Vera skin products and is a Cellulose based substance. When the gel itself is used on the skin, absorption is almost immediate and the skin’s texture is smoother.
Sugars: Gluco-mannans/polymannose (Polysaccarides) and Glucose and fructose (Monosaccharides. Their role: anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and immune control.
Salicylic Acid: For pain relieve Salicylic acid is an aspirin like complex.
Sterols: B Sitosterol, Lupeol, Cholesterol and Campesterol are plant sterioids and are supporting anti-inflammatory properties. Lupeol also consists of analegisic and antiseptic agents.
Saponins: Consistent with a soapy like material Saponins are Clycosides and are good for antiseptic and cleansing.
Overview
With the over all comparison of the pros and cons within the beneficial properties of this remarkable little wonder, Aloe Vera can be the all in one, all you need plant. The juice is widely available and people are making homemade juices mixing it with orange or lemon juices. It provides an excellent source of the above ingredients and the gel straight from the plant is a perfect anti-aging skin treatment aiding in cell renewal. And for the cost of a single mature plant, the savings alone cannot be ignored.
Nature’s silent healer Aloe Vera, the “Medicine Plant" is indeed a remarkable wonder.
Resources
Aloe Vera; natures soothing healer by Diane Gage ISBN:0-89281-627-9
www.aloevera-usa.com/plaskett.htm
www.aloevera-usa.com/RHDavis.htm
Kellie Hastings copyright 2006 |
