Side Effects of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a very versatile and succulent plant that is used for healing purposes. Aloe Vera can be helpful when taken internally and also as a topical agent. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for the betterment of the digestive system, to heal burns and small wounds, as well as for beauty and skincare purposes.

Caution Regarding Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has not been shown to have too many side effects, but there are some things users should be cautious about:

• The oral use or overuse of Aloe Vera has been linked to cramps in the abdominal area and diarrhea. Never overdo a good thing, as even natural substances such as Aloe Vera can be taken to extremes.
• The consumption of Aloe Vera by mouth can cause the laxative effect to take place. This can lead to diarrhea in some people and can therefore reduce the absorption of other types of drugs the individual may be taking.
• Diabetics who take glucose-lowering medication should use oral Aloe Vera with caution because studies suggest that the Aloe may be responsible for lowering blood glucose levels.
• If you take Aloe Vera for a health condition, make sure you let your doctor know. If your doctor has the complete picture of your health this can lead to safer health care. Be responsible with your health and tell all to your healthcare provider.

Long Term Use of Aloe Vera

If a person over-consumes Aloe Vera on a long term basis, they can increase their risk of suffering from a loss of potassium in their system and/or a fluid imbalance. Replenishing your fluids on a regular basis is important for everyone. Aim for six to eight glasses of water per day. A lack of potassium in the system can give way to weakness of the muscles. It can also result in unbalanced beats of the heart.

Other Side Effects of Aloe Vera

Overdosing on Aloe Vera can lead to dehydration, stomach cramps and/or intestinal spasms. Severe diarrhea can also be the unfortunate result, as can the development of a kidney problem. It is important to always follow the directions when you buy an Aloe Vera product. One of the best products on the market today is Aloeride, which is 100 percent pure Aloe Vera.

In rare cases, Aloe Vera has been shown to turn urine either a pink or red color. This is most often noted if an individual consumes the sap of the Aloe Vera plant.

Avoid Aloe Vera

There are certain individuals who should avoid consuming Aloe Vera:

• if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant
• if you suffer from abdominal pain that has not been diagnosed by a doctor
• if you have appendicitis or an inflamed intestinal disorder
• if you are breast feeding
• if you are currently taking antiarrythmic medication
• if you have recently had the surgery laparotomy
• if you are taking drugs that contain cardiac glycosides
• if you take corticosteroids for a medical condition, or if you take diuretics or licorice

As with any supplement, overconsumption leads to a lack of balance in your body. However, when consumed appropriately, Aloe Vera brings tremendous benefits, improving your body from the inside out.

The History of Aloe Vera

Although there are more than 400 species of the Aloe plant growing on the Earth, it is Aloe Vera or “true Aloe,” also known scientifically as Aloe Barbadensis Miller, that is used for its healing and medicinal properties .

Aloe Vera has been used for centuries and early records have shown that the Egyptians were the first to recognize its unique ability to heal. It is believed that the therapeutic benefits date back over 4000 years. The very earliest record of Aloe Vera was found on a Sumerian tablet that dates back to 2100 BC.

Culture Rich Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been used by many cultures throughout the history of the world. Greek and Roman doctors used it to help heal the ailments of their patients. Researchers have discovered that the ancient Chinese and Indian cultures benefitted from the use of Aloe Vera as well.

The Egyptians, and in particular the Egyptian queens such as Cleopatra and Nefertiti used Aloe Vera as a skincare and beauty product. They believed it gave their skin a radiant glow and helped to keep them looking young.

In the Philippines, Aloe Vera was mixed with milk and used to treat a variety of kidney infections. Aloe Vera is referred to as “Aloes” in the Bible and there are many biblical references to the healing quality of the plant.

Alexander the Great is documented in history as having used Aloe Vera to treat his wounded soldiers. This was reputed to have taken place when he conquered the Island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. Alexander the Great “secured supplies of Aloes” in order to help his men after the battle.

Tropical Growing Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera grew in tropical climates such as in southern Africa and the Mediterranean. In these areas, it became known as a miracle cure because of its “remarkable healing powers.” However due to the more temperate climate of Europe, many physicians there scoffed at the claims about the healing and therapeutic power of Aloe Vera. In Europe, Aloe Vera was considered to be a folk remedy that was more of a myth than a scientific fact.

Aloe Vera continued to be very popular in the tropical areas of the planet. After World War II came to an end, other parts of the world began to develop a renewed interest in the plant’s unique ability to help a number of different medical conditions.

The problem that existed was that there was a need to find ways to prevent the Aloe Vera gel from deteriorating, as this could happen easily due to excessive heat. It took many years for this problem to be solved.

Aloin is a part of the Aloe Vera plant that has very strong laxative qualities. It is the laxative effect of the Aloe Vera plant that propelled it full force into the world of Western medicine. From there it was researched further and was found to have many therapeutic benefits.

Today Aloe Vera is used throughout the world for many health conditions. It is good for the skin, as well as the digestive system, and it can help those suffering from conditions such as asthma and eczema. Aloe Vera is also helpful for the immune system in that it gives it an extra jolt to keep it functioning at a high level.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a plant that originates from southern Africa. It is often referred to as a “miracle plant” or a “natural healer.” Aloe Vera is a green plant with long thick heavy looking leaves that resembles a cactus. It is not a cactus however, but is instead a member of the lily family. Aloe Vera is also sometimes referred to as being the lily of the desert, the burn plant, and the elephant’s gall.

Aloe Vera is well documented for its ability to heal, as well as for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is a very succulent plant that can be grown inside or out. During the summer months, it benefits from being outdoors. As a home remedy, Aloe Vera has been used for many centuries for everything from treating burns to cuts to helping the digestive system.

Leaves of the Aloe Vera Plant

The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant house a clear gel. When a leaf is broken off from the plant, the gel runs out and can be applied directly to skin that has been burned, scraped or cut. The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant can also be used in another manner as well. They can be crushed up and then used as a salve.

Benefits Of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

There are many benefits to aloe vera for both the skin and other qualities. Many people do not know what the benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.

The aloe vera plant is most associated with the healing powers that it offers through creams and gels, however there are a lot of benefits both internally and externally to drinking aloe vera. The following are benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.

The first benefit of drinking aloe vera juice is that it is a great detoxing agent. Aloe vera juice is an adapter that allows the aloe vera to adapt to the body's needs. This means that the aloe vera juice provides a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that help keep the body clean and natural.

Another benefit of aloe vera juice being drunk is by helping in the digestive health of a person. Through the vitamins that aloe vera juice provides it helps the body absorb and use the vitamins and minerals the correct way. This goes along with the detoxing as the body doesn't have a lot of the bad stuff that is causing it to work improperly. Aloe vera juice is also known to regulate bowl movements, and help with stomach ulcers.

The reduction in inflammation is another benefit of drinking aloe vera juice. Aloe vera contains a lot of essential ingredients that are known to help reduce the amount of inflammation within the body when there is a situation that arises that causes inflammation such as arthritis.

Another benefit of drinking aloe vera is that it helps with skin conditions. By adding aloe vera to a person's regular diet the vitamins and minerals become a part of the body and it helps in the improvement of the skin and hair. The added vitamins that aloe vera juice contains allows the skin to heal itself of many different conditions such as cracking, and drying out it also helps in the elasticity of the skin and helping it look younger.

The last benefit of aloe vera juice is the amount of amino acids that it contains. Aloe vera juice is known to contain over 8 amino acids. So along with the added benefit of all the vitamins and minerals there are also a health amount of amino acids that help in the immune system of the person that is drinking the aloe vera juice.

Benefits of Aloe vera Plant

Get a healing touch from various usage and benefits of Aloe vera plants!

From the ages Aloe vera plants usage are well know and appreciated. The Greek scientists and researchers has mentioned the benefits of Aloe vera plants some 2000 years ago and regarded Aloe vera as best medicinal plant available. Aloe vera plants usage and benefits can’t be replaced by any other alternative, its globally accepted fact that Aloe vera has been making its mark from time to time. Showing the best effect on skin problems and at present the benefits of Aloe vera plants are being shifted to cure many acute and serious diseases.

From the immortal times benefits and usage of Aloe vera plants was well known facts.

Egyptians were so found of Aloe vera plants that they termed them as "The plant of immortality".

Americans were aware of the medicinal and cosmetic use of Aloe vera plants and termed them as "The wand of heaven".

At present aloe is commonly known as "Aloe vera" or "the burn plant". The benefits of Aloe vera plants are innumerable, starting from medicinal use to cosmetic use.

If we talk about the family of Aloe vera and why it’s so beneficial. We would start from lily family where Aloe vera plants belong. It’s a succulent and closely resembles cactus. It contains almost 95% of water and it contains more than 70 essential medicinal ingredients including mineral, enzymes, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, vitamin b12 and polysaccharides. These all combines and make Aloe vera plant really beneficial. There are more than 200 species of Aloe vera plants but some are more nutritious and benefits and usages of those plants are more than other. One of the species called "Aloe vera barbadensis" is one of the most beneficial species. The healing nature of Aloe vera plant is fully established and needs no introduction.

The outer structure of Aloe vera leaf is smooth and rubbery and beneath lays the medicinal Aloe vera gel. This gel is considered as wound healing hormone, which is helpful in healing affected areas. The benefits and usage of Aloe vera plants gel is due to its complexion. The gel is a mixture of antibiotic, coagulating agent, cell growth stimulator, astringent, pain inhibitor and scar inhibitor. All these combines and gel to make Aloe vera gel a medicinal plant.

Various benefits and usage of Aloe vera plants when taken internally helps to cure - arthritis, insomnia, ulcers, infection, hemorrhoids, indigestion, constipation, heartburn and apart from these there are many more.
When taken externally benefits and usage of Aloe vera plant lies in curing- sprains, burns, bruises, sunburn, cold sores, scalds, sore muscles, psoriasis, abrasion, eczema, scrapes, acne, stings and many more.
Apart from medicinal uses there are various cosmetic benefits and uses of Aloe vera plants. Aloe vera gels are now widely used in all the skin care products and cosmetic products as ingredients. Also widely used in lift masks, medicated jelly, facial cleansing wash, medicated cream, moisturizers, heat rub and the list is endless.
Aloe vera is not a drug nor medicine but seeing benefits and usage of Aloe vera plants and gel, people are bound to get benefited from the Aloe vera plants.

History of Aloe vera Plants

When we talk about history of Aloe vera plant it starts with one of the earliest books on the subject of natural medicine (rig Veda). The compilation time of the book was around B.C.E 4500 and B.C.E 1600. The book was having hundreds of medicinal plant and their medicinal uses. Discussing all the advantages and disadvantages of the medicinal plant of that era. But the book doesn’t mentioned Aloe vera plants uses specifically.

It is widely spread that Aloe vera plants uses were mentioned in Sumerian clay tablet book written around B.C.E. 2200, which was considered the first document to deal with Aloe vera plants and its medicinal uses. At last full detail about Aloe vera plants medicinal used was found in Papyrus ebers, Egyptian document written in B.C.E. 1550. There were around 12 formulas given in this book to mix the Aloe vera gel with other agents to solve disorders of skin and internal disorders also. Gradually getting noticed due to medicinal use and various advantages, Particularly in India the use of Aloe vera plants were widely spread around 375 B.C. They were aware of its medicinal use and how to use the gel.

Use Aloe Vera at Home

For sunburn, rashes, insect stings, and frostbite: Simply spread aloe vera gel gently on irritated skin and let it soak in and dry. Many people find that aloe vera gel stops pain and itching as soon as it touches the skin. You can reapply it as often as you wish.

For cuts and scrapes: Be sure to wash wounds well before applying aloe vera gel.

For minor burns: Immediately cool a burn first by running it under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes. Don't put ice on a burn, because the coldness can damage burned skin. Then, if the burn is minor (not blistering), you can gently apply aloe vera gel.

Ways To Use Aloe Vera

Way to Use

· Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.

· Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils.

· For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a homemade burn healer.

· Banish black and blue bruises by swapping on the good goo.

· Soother and heal sunburns the feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties similar to menthol.

· Take the sting or itch out of insects bites.

· Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.

· Alleviate mysterious rashes.

· Make feet baby soft with an ex foliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.

· Help heal herpes outbreaks.

· Fight Athlete’s Foot.

· Swab over blisters for quick relief.

· Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.

· Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!

· Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.

· Soothe Psoriasis.

· Prevent scarring and stretch marks.

· Help rid of Rosacea.

· Shrink warts.

· Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles. Cleopatra did!

· Help eliminate Eczema.

· Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.

· Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.

· For rougher patches mix together an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.

· Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.

· Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse.

· Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier, smoother hair.

· Remove eye makeup.

· Treat minor vaginal irritations.

Oral Aloe Uses

· Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.

· Sip it to aid in elimination. Many times, it’s recommended for its laxative effects.

· Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.

· Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.

· Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.

· Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.

· Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe vera ingredients.

· Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems.

· Take orally to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart.

· Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.

· Toast to its general detoxifier and health boosting qualities!

Introduction

Aloe vera has been used around the world for thousands of years!

Aloe Vera is a species of Aloe, native to northern Africa. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 80�100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2 to 3 cm long.

Aloe Vera has long been a popular houseplant. Often called the 'miracle plant' or the 'natural healer', Aloe Vera is a plant of many surprises. It flourishes in warm and dry climates, and to many people it looks like a cactus with fleshy thorny leaves. In fact it is a member of the Lily family, staying moist where other plants wither and die by closing its pores to prevent moisture loss.

There are around 400 species of Aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera or "true aloe") plant which has been of most use to mankind because of the medicinal properties it displays.