Aloe Vera
Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites
Basil's House of Herbs: Herb Recipes | When Herbs & Medicines Collide
Aloe Vera - Culinary Notes & Roots
Cosmetically perfect for even Cleopatra, aloe vera is also a healing, soothing potion that works well in treating skin irritations such as boils and cysts and also in treating radiation burns. Topical aloe vera extracts may hold antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which assist in the healing process.
Aloe vera holds impressive moisturizing powers and can be found in a myriad of over the counter commercially sold products including: moisturizers, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioners and body lotions.
It can even been found in food products such as juice, yogurt and beverages. These products are usually touted as holding significant medicinal benefits for the body - but of course, that doesn't mean that such health claims are true.
Aloe Latex as a Laxative, Side-Effects & Health Risks
Just below the skin however, resides a property that is often sold as a laxative. If you are shopping for a constipation remedy, you should avoid those products containing aloe latex.
The latex extract has been connected with cancer of the kidneys, in addition to gastric disturbances which may present the following symptoms: excessive gas, bloating abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Aloe Vera Juice Health Claims, Side-Effects
'Aloin' is the gel inside the leaf of the plant which forms the active ingredient supporting healing powers. Although the gel is the most common form of use for the Aloe Vera plant, aloe vera juice is also sold as a healing mixture.
The juice is typically pitched as a heartburn remedy in addition to other digestive remedies such as reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.
Unfortunately, consumption does not come without risk of uncomfortable side-effects.
Those include but are not limited to: abdominal cramping, pressure in the abdominal region of the body, gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea.
Aloe Vera Juice Calories
One cup of Aloe Vera Juice contains about 25 calories.
Aloe Vera - Herbal Medicine Uses
Aloe Vera has been used in treating:
burns, including sunburn, chemical burns, first degree burns
bedsores
insect bites & stings
plant stings
herpes simplex
digestive issues
ulcerative colitis
boils, cysts and various infections of the skin
PLEASE NOTE: Basil's House of Herbs is a collection of information and studies by Tom, a biologist and is intended for informational and reading purposes only.
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