Aloe Vera- The Burnt Plant

Aloe vera is known as “The Burn Plant.” Aloe is the number one folk medicine in the U.S. Aloe gel can be used fresh from the plant, and contains an amazing array of healing nutrients. The botanical name of aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis. "Aloe" comes from the Arabic word for "bitter, clear, shining substance" while "vera" is a Latin word meaning "true". Aloe is a perennial succulent belonging to the Lily family. The Aloe plant has stiff, lance-shaped leaves with a sharp point on the end. The leaves are filled with a clear, gel-like, mucilagenous substance. Aloe vera is very hardy and can survive in arid conditions. Much of the commercial aloe is obtained from South Africa, Kenya and the West Indies. Texas and Mexico also contributes to the international supply. There are 350 species of aloe which have been identified. Aloe vera has a long documented history of medicinal use around the world. For centuries, Aloe vera has been used extensively in many cultures because of its remarkable effectiveness for treating burns and healing wounds. Historical documents of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Moroccans, Tunisians, Arabians, Indians and Chinese all report its use for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Historians state that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the Island of Socroto in order to obtain a good supply of Aloe to use on soldiers for wounds. Aloe is attributed with Cleopatra’s smooth and glowing complexion. Aloe is mentioned in the Bible (John 19:39) as part of the herbal mixture used for the anointing of the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.

Modern scientific studies of the chemistry and pharmacology of Aloe supports these ancient traditional uses. The gel of the aloe is utilized for wounds and burns, whereas the extract from the crushed green leaves contains a powerful bowel purgative called aloe-emodin. This compound is a type of glycoside known as an anthraquinone. These are also found in a number of plants, such as cascara sagrada, buckthorne, or senna, all common Over The Counter laxatives. In 1942 Rodney Stockton, a chemical engineer, was successful at stabilizing the medicinal qualities in the aloe plant so that it could be used in manufactured products. A 1959 report in Industrial Medicine and Surgery Journal showed that the aloe cream ointment he developed could change a deep thermal burn to a minor, second degree burn within 48 hours The aloe vera fostered the rapid regeneration of tissue. The burns which were control-tested on rabbits healed 30% faster with aloe than with standard burn ointments. Most importantly, healing took place without the formation of gross scar tissue. After more than four decades of laboratory analysis, scientists can still only partially explain aloe vera's incredible non- toxic potency. Aloe appears to increase the rate of healing in the inter-cellular matrix thus increasing the strength of new tissue as it forms. Aloe contains gamma linolenic acid, which decreases inflammation and is loaded with a storehouse of other nutrients. The gel of the plant leaf has been proven to have a mixture of antibiotic, astringent and coagulating agents. It also is a pain and scar inhibitor and stimulates grown of healthy tissue. References to research on the healing effects of Aloe vera have appeared in many authoritative medicinal publications, like The Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, Oral Surgery, Cancer, Industrial Medicine and Surgery and The International Journal of Dermatology.

These studies address aloe’s use in a broad range of conditions including acne, leg ulcers, digestive disorders, radiation burns and dental surgery, to name a few. Aloe vera has proven anti-microbial and anti-infective properties. Aloe also yields many pharmaceutically active polysaccharides, such as acemannan, which has demonstrated powerful immunomodulating and antiviral properties. Aloe is also used prolifically as a beauty enhancer and can be found in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners and many other cosmetic products. As mentioned earlier, Cleopatra was said to have attributed her great beauty to the daily use of Aloe. Some people use aloe by cutting the fresh leaf of Aloe barbadensis and squeezing the gel onto the affected area. Commercial preparations of aloe juice and gel are also available. Aloe is very safe to use for most people. Rare instances of skin allergies are possible. Consuming too much juice may cause loosen the stools and can cause painful intestinal cramping or gripe. In addition, tell your doctor if you have been drinking aloe very juice, since a discoloration of the colon mucosa may be seen during a colonoscopy, that can be attributed to the use of aloe. If you want a lovely houseplant, that doubles as a valuable first aid kit, be sure to include the burn plant aloe vera, in your, Natural Medicine Chest.