Aloe

 Overview:

Aloes are a group of perennial succulents native to east and southern Africa. These plants can grow to a height of 4 feet with tough, spear-like leaves that are gray green and fleshy. These leaves can reach a length of 20 inches. Each plant produces a single flower stalk that is topped with multiple yellow flowers that are 2-3 inches long. Aloe has been valued as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Its use has been recorded by both ancient Greek and roman physicians. In fact, aloe is thought to have been used to preserve the body of Jesus Christ. This is another plant so valued in Europe that its cultivation was started in the West Indies for export. Aloe was one of the most highly prescribed medicinal herbs during the 18th and 19th century. Today, it is one of the most widely used herbs in the United States.

Active Ingredients:

Aloe contains two separate classes of active ingredients found in two different parts of the leaf. Aloe gel is the thick cooling gel found inside the aloe leaf while aloe latex is a bitter liquid found in the tough membrane that adheres to the inner leaf itself. These active ingredients in Aloe gel are:

The active ingredients in aloe latex are: Anthraquinones- the active ingredients in aloe latex that stimulate the lining of the gastro intestinal tract and are responsible for its laxative properties.

Traditional uses:

Traditional medicine has use aloe gel to heal wounds, treat skin infections and minor burns. The aloe latex has been used as an extremely potent laxative.

Clinical uses:

Aloes because of their long history of use in traditional medicine have been extensively researched as to their effectiveness. This research has confirmed that the traditional uses of aloe are confirmed by modern science. The active ingredients in aloe gel have proven to actually reduce inflammation and promote skin growth and repair. These properties make aloe gel effective in the treatment of:

1. genital herpes by spreading up the healing of the lesions caused by the herpes virus.
2. Psoriasis and dandruff as it helps relieve the itching and dry skin that accompanies both conditions.
3. minor burns including sun burn by relieving the pain and promoting healing

Aloe latex laxative effects as a laxative are so strong that it is not used as often as Seneca and cascara, two plants closely related to the aloes. Exciting preliminary studies in the laboratory and in animal testing show that aloe leaf extract (which contains both the aloe gel and the latex) may have stimulate the immune system and have anti cancer properties.

Recommeded Dosage:

Pediatric

Pure aloe gel is safe to use on children to treat minor skin irritations. Aloe latex, on the other hand, is much too potent a laxative and its use is not recommended in children.

Adult

For minor skin irritations, fresh aloe gel is preferred. Simply clean the affected area, split the leaf lengthwise and apply the gel.

To use the latex as a laxative

Take 50-200mg of powdered latex followed by copious amounts of water or two tablespoons of the liquid ONCE by mouth. Aloe latex can be taken two or three times a week to maintain normal bowel function but this should only be done under health care providers supervision.

Contra-indications:

Aloe gel is generally regarded as safe. It rarely causes an allergic rash or dermatitis when applied to the skin. Aloe latex may cause severe abdominal cramping. People who have a possible bowel obstruction or appendicitis should not take it. People who suffer from gastro-intestinal disorders such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, IBS or other chronic digestive tract disorders should avoid aloe latex as it may aggravate these conditions. Experts advise against the long term use of aloe latex as long term use may turn the urine red or brown, lead to nephritis and may even become addictive. Women who are pregnant should not use aloe latex as it may cause uterine contractions. Mothers who are breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using aloe latex as it whether its presence in breast milk affects infants has not been tested.

Drug interactions:

If you are being treated for Type II diabetes with glyburide consult your health care provider before using aloe latex. Aloe latex may enhance the effectiveness of this drug to lower blood sugar levels. If blood sugar levels are not monitored closely, it may fall to low. Aloe gel may increase the potency of hydrocortisones ability to reduce swelling. If you are taking digoxin for irregular heartbeat or diuretics to manage congestive heart failure, do not take aloe latex. Digoxin and diuretics deplete potassium levels. If used in combination with aloe latex, potassium levels could fall dangerously low.

Web References:

1. University of Maryland Medical Center
2. Aloe vera/barbarensis Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
3. Holistic Online

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