Aloe Vera

What Aloe Can Do
Aloe gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns. Applied Aloe becomes a protective coating on the affected areas, infusing burns with cooling moisture. It also speeds up the healing rate by increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and increasing the synthesis (creation of new skin) and strength of tissue. Many people drink Aloe juice to soothe digestive tract
irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. As a food supplement, Aloe is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions.

Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over-acidity, a common cause of indigestion. Acemannan, a newly discovered compound in Aloe, boosts T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system. Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema by rubbing the gel on the skin, and drinking the juice. Aloe taken internally is said to relieve arthritis and joint pain.


WARNINGS:
If you use Aloe, you should cut away the skin and drain off the inner layer of yellow juice, leaving only the actual gel in the middle of the leaves. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, has been known to irritate the skin upon contact.

Test for a reaction by rubbing a small amount on the inside of your forearm before using on large areas of skin. I use younger, smaller plants that have no juice, and so have never encountered this problem. Very large amounts of ingested Aloe Vera juice will induce vomiting and/or diarrhea.