Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has become a familiar word in the world of homeopathic remedies; it is an ingredient added to many skin-care products due to its wound-healing properties. Aloe is a popular perennial houseplant that grows naturally in the East and South Africa; from its whitish green leaves two products can be extracted - aloe gel and latex, both have different medical uses:

The Aloe Vera gel is the leaf pulp, a clear jelly substance it is used topically for the treatment of wounds, minor burns and skin irritations and it encourages skin regeneration. Aloe Vera can also be taken orally, and has been used internally for the treatment of constipation, coughs, wounds, diabetes, headaches, arthritis and many other conditions. Internal consumption of aloes should be sparing - usually for a maximum of 8-10 days and should be avoided by those who are pregnant, have bowel or kidney conditions.

The Aloe latex is commonly referred to as 'aloe juice' and is extracted from beneath the outer skin of the plants leaves, it is bitter and used pharmaceutically as a stimulant laxative to aid constipation and other conditions of the digestive tract. It should be stressed that a professional medical opinion should be sought for abdominal pains at the first possible instance.

As a homeopathic remedy Aloe Vera has become increasingly popular, an analysis of the plant has shown that its makeup contains more of the essential substances needed by the human body than any other plant including amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals as such it is known throughout the world as 'The Medicine Plant' and 'The Miracle Plant'.