Aloe Vera – Inside The Leaf
Aloe vera gel contains at least 75 known ingredients and maybe more which are yet to be discovered. These ingredients can be divided into the groups shown below.
Vitamins – It contains a wide range, but the most important ones are the antioxidant vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A. It is also one of the very few plants in the world to contain vitamin B12.
Minerals – these include magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, calcium, sodium, potassium and iron.
Amino Acids – the human body requires 20 amino acids, the building blocks of proteins and aloe vera gel provides 19 of them. More importantly, it provides seven of the eight essential amino acids that cannot be manufactured by the body and which therefore have to be consumed as food.
Sugars – these include the important long chain polysaccharides which act on the immune system to boost its effects.
Enzymes – lipases and proteases which break down food and aid digestion as well as a carboxypeptidase that is involved in the inflammatory process.
Plant Sterols – the three main types act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents.
Saponins – these are soapy substances that exert a powerful anti-microbial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts such as candida or ‘thrush’.
Lignin – this woody substances bestows an aloe vera its penetrative ability to reach deep into the skin.
Anthraquinones – the most important ones being aloin and emodin, but altogether they are strong painkillers, and are acknowledged to possess anti-bacterial and virucidal activity. In their pure form, they are very powerful laxatives.
Salycylic Acid – this aspirin-like compound is anti-inflammatory when taken orally and used topically it helps to break down dead tissue.
Which Type of Aloe?
In my opinion the filleted inner leaf gel is superior to aloe ‘juices’ produced by the whole leaf method because whole leaf products are filtered and often concentrated. This process using a powerful filter may remove ingredients we are not yet even aware of.
In terms of consumer products, the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) allows the term ‘Juice’ to be used for a liquid containing only 15% certified aloe vera. To qualify as ‘Gel’ the product must contain at least 85% certified aloe vera. Even when buying an inner leaf gel look for the Seal of Approval of the International Aloe Science Council.
Why Does It Work?
It works by providing a rich cocktail of nutritional elements whose combined action and balance produce a more powerful effect together than would be expected from the actions of the individual components. This is because they work as a team, enhancing each other’s effect – known as synergism. It also has adaptogenic properties which means it is a substance which increases non-specific resistance of an organism to adverse influences such as infection or stress.
Where Does It Work?
Aloe vera, because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, helps firstly to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and when they are damaged, it promotes its healing.
Antioxidants fight the destructive ‘free radicals’, the unstable compounds produced by our metabolism and found in environmental pollutants. They are thought to cause various ailments including some cancers as well as contributing towards the ageing process.
An epithelium is an anatomical term defined as follows:- “An epithelium is a layer of cells that covers the body or lines a cavity that connects with it”. Our largest epithelium is our skin but also included are the lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes and the genital tract. No wonder that aloe works just as well on damaged skin as it does, say, on an inflamed bowel or in asthma i.e. it works on surfaces and membranes rather than solid organs.
How Does It Work?
It’s natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action combined within its nutritional constituents promote cell growth and therefore healing.
However, it is not only helpful for people with problems as most people taking it report a greater sense of wellbeing – they just feel ‘better’ or they report feeling calmer and less anxious.
I believe this last comment is due to aloe’s second effect on the immune system which you may say becomes balanced or fine-tuned and therefore more efficient at defending the body from attack.
Aloe vera is not a panacea for all ills and there is no magic about it. I believe it works primarily in the two areas mentioned previously – epithelial tissue and the immune system. This is supported by a considerable amount of anecdotal evidence but is now being backed up by clinical trials.
Many thousands of people over the centuries have reported benefit for various skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, acne, even stings and bites. They have found relief for bowel disorders such as colitis, diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other conditions resulting from a disordered immune system such as arthritis, asthma and ME (post viral fatigue syndrome) and LE (lupus) have improved after a regular ingestion of aloe vera gel.
Aloe vera therefore has a complementary role to play in the management of various conditions. As I have said its positive effects are now being demonstrated in clinical trials, such as in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.
It is very important however that people always seek the advice of their doctor when a diagnosis is in doubt or where a condition does not improve. Self-diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious conditions can mimic the more simple ones.
Forever Living Products
Founded in 1978, and operating in over 150 countries, Forever and its affiliates have become the largest grower, manufacturer and distributor of aloe vera and bee products in the world. Avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides, our patented stabilisation process ensures our aloe vera is essentially identical to the inner leaf gel. And because we are not dependent on any other supplier, we can guarantee the quality of our aloe.
For more details on Forever Living Products contact Julie Allfrey on 07850001919
Email: julie@teamja.flppro.biz
Dr Peter Atherton MB. ChB., D.Obst.R.C.O.G., F.R.C.G.P.
Qualified at Leeds University and after six years in the Royal Army Medical Corps, he became an NHS General Practitioner and GP trainer in Buckinghamshire where he practiced for 25 years. After leaving the NHS he spent two years as a visiting research fellow at the University of Oxford. After which he was appointed as Director of the Tyringham Clinic, Europe’s largest residential naturopathic clinic.
During his medical practice, he developed an interest in Dermatology, having spent three years in the Skin Department of a District Hospital. This interest combined with an understand of the power of herbal remedies gained whilst serving in the Far East led to his fascination with aloe vera. He lectures extensively on the medical aspects of aloe vera and is the author of three books on the subject. The latest entitled ‘Aloe Vera the Medicine Plant’ is already on the way to being an international best seller.
He has just been elected a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners, the highest recognition in his branch of the profession.
This article is provided for educational purposes and is not an endorsement of any particular products containing Aloe Vera.