Meditation and visualization are powerful techniques for
maintaining optimum health.

Aloe vera gel is an effective treatment for minor burns. The best source of the gel is the live plant; the gel is unstable, and may not be as effective in a different formulation, such as a cream. Aloe juice or aloe latex are different parts of the plant, and contain ingredients called anthraquinones, which are effective laxatives.
However, aloe vera taken internally is not to be recommended, because of possible side effects.

The aloe plant contains compounds that are being studied, including acemannan, aloeride, and DHEP, for possible immunomodulating and anticancer effects. Emodin, an extract of aloe vera, can inhibit cell growth. More research is needed before the aloe juice or plant can be recommended for treatment of specific tumors.

In conclusion, Aloe Vera Gel can accelerate wound healing. Because many of the active ingredients appear to deteriorate on storage, the use of fresh gel is recommended for minor burns, minor wounds, and minor ulcers.

Recent literature reviews indicate aloe vera may be beneficial for mouth ulcers or oral mucositis from chemotherapy. It also may be effective for a variety of conditions including: psoriasis, scabies,wrinkles (study with oral dose of 1200 mg per day), vulvar lichen planus, genital herpes, seborrheic dermatitis, and dry skin.
Rare side effects from internal use include a reversible hepatitis; from the gel
contact dermatitis or rash; erythema or redness; and sun sensitivity (photosensitivity).

Aloe vera has a long history of use as a medicinal plant, with written records of its use going back to 1750 BC. Today it is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations, including the Caribbean, southern United States, Latin America, and the Middle East. Many people also grow a small potted version indoors for use in healing minor burns and cuts.
Aloe vera is a perennial plant with yellow flowers. Its tough, fleshy, spearlike leaves can grow up to 20 inches long, and the whole plant up to 4 feet high. Only the leaves are used for medicine, but different parts of the leaves are used for different purposes. The clear, thick gel that is most commonly associated with aloe vera comes from the inner part of the leaf. Between this gel and the outer skin of the leaf are some special cells that contain a bitter yellow juice. When this juice is dried, if forms aloe latex.
Aloe gel contains glycoproteins, which stop pain and inflammation and speed the healing process, and polysaccharides, which stimulate skin growth and repair. The anthraquinones in aloe latex work as powerful laxatives, and in smaller amounts, these chemicals can help stop kidney stone formation.
Aloe gel can be used to heal both internal and external wounds. It greatly speeds the healing of many skin injuries, including ulcerations, burns, and frostbite. Aloe latex is a powerful laxative, but because it can cause painful cramping, it is not used frequently. In smaller doses, aloe latex can help prevent kidney stones, or reduce their size. It is also useful as a stool softener, particularly in people who have painful hemorrhoids.
Aloe juice is a liquid form of aloe gel that you can take internally. Because it has antibacterial properties, aloe juice can be used to treat bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also effective for healing peptic ulcers because it reduces the stomach acids that aggravate ulcers.
Recent studies have shown that acetylated mannose, an antiviral component of aloe, has important HIV fighting properties. Acetylated mannose attacks the virus itself, but more importantly, it greatly enhances the action of AZT, a powerful drug used to treat HIV infection. If taken in conjunction with aloe, the amount of AZT taken for HIV could be reduced by 90 per cent, which would greatly reduce the expense and side effects associated with AZT.

Aloe gel is best fresh from an aloe plant, but is also available commercially in a stabilized gel form. Aloe latex is available in a powdered form or in 500 mg capsules for use as a laxative. Aloe juice is a liquid form of the gel.

Aloe gel is best when taken fresh from the plant. Many people keep an aloe plant in their kitchen to treat minor burns or cuts. It can also be effective for treating hives and poison ivy. To use the gel, slit a leaf lengthwise and remove the gel inside. Apply liberally to the affected area.
Aloe latex has been used traditionally as a laxative, but it is used infrequently in the US. Because it can produce painful cramping, other gentler herbal laxatives such as cascara and senna are recommended first.
For kidney stones, and as a stool softener, take .05 to .2 grams of dry aloe extract or latex.

Aloe gel is safe for external use, unless it causes a rare allergic reaction. Discontinue use if it irritates the skin. Aloe gel is not useful for treatment of deep wounds. Aloe latex may cause severe intestinal cramps or diarrhea. Pregnant or nursing women should not take aloe latex because it may cause uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. Also latex is not recommended for gastrointestinal illness, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, or stomach pain of unknown cause. It may aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. If it’s taken over a long period of time, aloe latex can cause dependence or disturb the electrolyte balance. It may also cause urine to turn a harmless red color. Children under the age of 12 should not use aloe latex.

Chronic internal use of aloe could cause potassium deficiency. Low potassium levels can interfere with certain heart medicines, like digoxin or other antiarrhythmic medications used to correct irregular heartbeat. The potential for potassium deficiency is greater if you use aloe with licorice, corticosteroid medications, and most diuretics (except potassium sparing diuretics that do not deplete potassium levels). It is best to avoid taking aloe with any of these medications.

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Interesting site. I’d like to see more content on women’s health topics.

Glad to see that Pet Wellness Care has been added as a content section, as I’m concerned about keeping dog, Penny, healthy and want to learn more about holistic pet care and nutrition.

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