Friday, May 25, 2007

ALOE VERA: The WONDER PLANT

Dr.Avinash Kumar Mishra IFS

Resident Commissioner,

Government of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Bhawan; New Delhi.110021

The Wonder Plant

The use of herbs to treat human ailments has been in practice since eternity. Even the modern pharmaceutical industry, with its unprecedented capabilities, can’t do without herbs. If one takes a walk through the success trail of the ‘pharma’ industry, it will end at one or other herb. Herbs are an essential part of our ecological system and add beauty to ‘Planet Earth.’ Herbs makes man’s existence smooth, more rewarding, and devoid of infirmity. Slow and steady wins the race’ — this holds true in the case of herbal medicines, as they take time to give results. One of the best herbal products available is ‘Aloe Vera’ —The gel is tasteless,colourless and odourless. The dried Aloe juice is chocolate brown in colour, opaque and bitter in taste. Ayurveda calls it Ghrit Kumari.

Aloe Vera
Family-Name-LILIACEAE
Botanical Name : ALOE VERA, ALOE BARBADENSIS, ,ALOE INDICA,ALOE BARBADOS .
Common Name : ALOE, BARBADOS ALOE, CURACAO ALOE, INDIAN ALOE, GHI KUNVAR, GHIRITA,GAWARPALTRA,BARBADOS ALOE,LU HUI .

Parts Used : FLOWERS, ROOTS
Habitat : South and South Western India., America, Africa.

Dose: For internal use of aloe gel, two tablespoons (about 30 ml) three times per day is used by some people for inflammatory bowel conditions, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. For constipation, dose of 40 to 170 milligrams of aloe latex per day, for no longer than seven days, has been taken by mouth. The use of oral aloe latex is not currently recommended for children.

Aloe Vera’s ability to detoxify is sufficient to gently and gradually break down, loosen and assist in the natural dispersal of these residues filled with toxins from intestine.

  • The Greeks scientists, 2000 years ago regarded Aloe Vera as the universal

Panacea.

  • The Egyptians called the Aloe "The PLANT of IMMORTALITY"
  • The American Indians called Aloe " The WAND of HEAVEN"

Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves.There are around 300 species of Aloe Vera out of which 11 are poisonous and only 4 are of medicinal value .Most potent is Barbadensis Miller. Full potency is achieved at the age of around 3 years. Aloe Vera contains over 200 nutritional substances, which makes it the most nutritional plant on the earth. Aloe Vera contains: Barb loin , Aloin (glycosides), aloe emodin, lupeol, salicylic, magnesium, salicylic acid, campesterol, B-sitosteral, anthraquinones, cinnamic acid, phonon, sulphur, calcium, potassium, chromium,zinc and vitamins, steroids, 6 Antiseptic Agents, Anti-Microbials Lectins, Amino Acids (over 21), Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6,B12,C, D & E(Vitamins cannot be manufactured to sustain a continuous supply) 3 types of Carbohydrates, over 20 minirals Minerals(All of which are essential for human body), Enzymes and Fibers. Its prostaglandin inhibitor effect justifies its use as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.Together they form a very strong and unique combination which makes Aloe Vera the wonder plant . Thus Aloe Vera exhibits number of activities such as analgesic, anti microbial, anti-inflammatory, powerful immune modulator (stimulator), anti- tumor agent, antioxidant.

The human body requires 22 amino acids for good health -- eight of which are called "essential" because the body cannot fabricate them. Aloe Vera contains all of these eight essential amino acids, and 11 of the 14 " within the body, and some cannot be stored by the body, so it is necessary for the diet secondary" amino acids. . It contains a newly discovered compound in aloe, Acemannan, which is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the bodies natural resistance. Studies have shown Acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system.

Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema. It can relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power come from increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and by increasing the synthesis and strength of tissue. The gel of the Aloe plant, when exposed to oxygen for a prolonged time (about four hours) oxidizes - rendering it worthless. (This is the same reaction to air as an apple undergoes when the "insides" are exposed to air - it quickly browns due to oxidation. This natural product is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives such as sulfur dioxide. According to the researchers, this gel operates through a combination of mechanics (Serrano et al., 2006), forming a protective layer against the oxygen and moisture of the air and inhibiting, through its various antibiotic and antifungal compounds, the action of micro-organisms that cause foodborne illnesses.

Plant for a Future

The use of aloe vera can be traced all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Aloe was held in such reverence in Egypt that it was considered to be the "Plant of Immortality". Drawings of the aloe plant have even been found inscribed in the tombs of pharaohs.

Legend has it that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the Isle of Socroto, to secure enough Aloe vera to heal his soldiers’ wounds. The glamorous Cleopatra relied on it for her unlined, youthful complexion, whilst the Chinese hailed Aloe as an elixir of youth. Aloe is also listed in St. John’s gospel as an anointing ingredient for the body of Christ.For over 3500 years,tales of “Healing Aloe Vera” have been handed down through centuries by words of mouth . The earliest documented use of Aloe Vera comes from the ancient Egyptians,but it was also grown and used by King Solomon,Who was said to have valued it highly.Writings of the early Greeks show how they valued it for relieving blisters, burns and leg ulcers as well as bowel and stomach disorders.

WONDERS OF ALOE VERA

1. AGING (Elderly and Patients):

Aloe Vera is one of the most potent sources of anti-oxidants, Vitamins E and C and Vitamin B-12 (only known natural source). Recent studies are demonstrating the remarkable benefits of anti-oxidants. Oxidation in cells, can damage DNA, leading sometimes to cancer, other diseases and, to the changes associated with aging. The anti-oxidant compounds counter the aging effects wrought by the free radicals. Patients too have weak health and immune system. Treasure of over 200 nutritional elements in Aloe Vera gives immediate boost to overall health and immune system. People drinking Aloe Vera regularly were shown to suffer less from life threatening diseases and overall live about 10% longer life.


2. AIDS / CANCER:

There is, to-date, no known cure for cancers, HIV nor AIDS. All such patients have very weak Immune System. They are helped in 4 ways. Aloe Vera helps to boost the strength and Immune System by giving it the nutrients it needs. It also cleans the toxins that may build up in the system from the strong medicines given to such patients. The anti oxidants kill free radicals thus prevent further damages to the body.

Aloe Vera activates whites blood cells and promotes growth of non-cancerous cells apparent cancer fighting properties. Helpful chemicals are Lectins, Arginine, Germanium, Beta Carotene. They are powerful anti-turnor agents and immune modulators and were shown to retard the growth of turners (such as S-180 and cancer. The increase the number of T-4 and T-8 T Iymphocytes which destroy microbes and cancer cells.

Trails on AIDS patients showed that fever and night sweats, diarrhea and opportunistic infections (which are usually responsible for the dath of the AIDS patient) were controlled or eliminated in most patients. Clinical toxicity and side-effects were entirely absent. In 1994, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human testing against the human immune deficiency approved Aloe Vera for the treatment of HIV virus, which is believed to cause AIDS.


3. ARTHRITIS:

Aloe Vera has been shown to help arthritis in many ways. It helps in strengthening the thigh muscles and ligaments. It also helps in development of cartilage. Phenylalanine, Boron, Proline, Cysteine, Valine is very helpful in this. They improve bone health, strengthen joints, aid skin and cartilage healing, are helpful in metabolism of calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. Aloe Vera is naturally rich in calcium. It also helps in absorption of calcium.


4. BALDNESS:

One of the main reasons for hair loss is toxins in small intestine. Thus toxins removal by Aloe Vera helps repair this problem. Local application of Aloe Gelly on the scalp creates new cells.


5. BLOOD:

Aloe Vera is natural blood purifier. Thus is many skin diseases. It increases hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets. It also dilates blood vessels thus increasing blood circulation. Iron, Copper, Lysine, Threonine, Folic Acid, Thiamin are helpful chemicals. They help in blood formation and the oxygenation of red blood cells, enhance the use of iron, promote maturation of the red blood cells and increases their life span, aid in production of anti-bodies, in tissue repair, gain in energy, strengthening immunity, assist in blood formation. This combined effect of amino also helps reduction of high blood pressure.


6. BRAIN:

Aloe Vera is very beneficial for brain. It contains Choline which has been shown to boost memory retention. It directly affects nerve signaling and is needed for proper transmission of nerve impulses from the brain through the central nervous system. Other helpful chemicals are Boron, Phenykakanine, Gultamic acid, Thiamin, Asparagine. They increase mental alertness, neuron activity in central nervous system, neuro-transmitter activity in brain and spinal cord, aid in detoxifying ammonia out of the brain, optimize cognitive activity and brain function, also act as antioxidant, maintain balance in the central nervous system thus stabilizing nervous system. Thus improvement in Parkinson's disease, migraine is also seen.


7. DIABETES:

Many Studies have shown that regular consumption of Aloe Vera leads to lowering blood glucose level with no toxic effects on kidney or liver function as assessed by blood chemistry. Aloe Vera helps toning up of Pancreas, thus regularizing the insulin flow. Insulin breaks up the sugar, molecules floating in the blood and pushes it in cells. Cells do not open without insulin. Sometimes insulin is not potent enough to open the cells. Insulin requires chromium to function properly. Aloe Vera contains chromium picolinate. Which helps improve glucose utilization, which is important for energy, maintains stable blood sugar levels. Helpful chemicals are Copper, Isoleucine, Leucine, Alanine, Manganese. They enhance the use of iron, aid in metabolism of glucose and help utilize glucose thus help in reducing, regulation sugar level, promote maturation of the red blood cells and increases their life span.

Aloe Vera helps accelerate healing of Diabetic wounds. It dramatically lessens inflammation and improve pain response.


8. DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS:

Aloe Vera helps in indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome, ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcer, chronic colon problems including constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis and Crohn's disease. It helps removal of excess acid (pitta) and cough (Ayurveda). Glutamine is antigastial duodental ulcer drug which helps maintain proper body pH/alkalinity.

9. HEART:

Indians whether in India or abroad have a 4-5 times higher rate of heart attacks and that too at a much younger age. It is predicted that by 2010, over 60% of the heart attack victims will be Indians.

Aloe Vera helps the heart in many ways. The heart rate is showed through Chronotropic effect, so the diastolic period is longer. Electrical impulses are slowed through the Dromotropic effect. Through the inotropic effect, the force of the heart contraction is increased. Thus giving the body a better supply of fresh blood... improving stable blood pressure. Silicone plays major role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Aloe Vera has been shown to:

  1. Decrease total cholesterol levels, triglyceride, phosholipid, nonesterified fatty acid levels.
  2. Increase HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels and also HDL/Total cholesterol ratios.

Aloe Vera contains major Antioxidents like Vitamin C,A and E. They reduce risk of heart attack and offer a vital protection against death from coronary disease.


10. FAT METABOLISM:

Amino acids Methionine, Serine, Threonine and Molydbenum are useful. They detoxify heavy metals. Help in proper metabolism carbohydrate, fat and protein thus prevent buildup of fat in liver, arteries.


11. IMMUNITY: (allergies):

Aloe Vera is a rich source of Vitamins E and C. They help in boosting the immune system tremendously. Thus it's an ideal solution to many allergies we suffer such as colds, asthma. Serine maintains healthy immune system. Aspartic Acid helps increase stamina.

12. KIDNEY:

Aloe Vera helps expel excess water in the cells. Thus it is helpful in many kidney problems such as Kidney stones, painful urination. It works wonders in people with failed kidneys.

13. REPRODUCTION & LADIES PROBLEMS:

Aloe Vera is described as 'Woman's friend' in Ayurveda. Thus Aloe Vera is very helpful in variety of ladies problems. Irregularity in period, cramps and other painful syndromes, Menopause related problems are helpful in many ways. In men it is shown to remove semen defects.

14. SKIN:

Aloe has been well known for centuries for it's healing properties. It facilities healing of any kind of skin wound, burn, or scald - even speeding recovery times after surgery. It works on include blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete's foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions and dry skin. Aloe gel helps to protect the outer layers of the skin by helping it to reorganize skin cells. Skin absorbs moisture from Aloe gel three to four times faster than water. Glycine: repairs damaged tissue and promotes healing while Threonine is a natural moisturizer. Beta Carotene helps prevent acne and other skin disorders. Aloe modifies skin tine.


15. PSORIASIS AND SKIN PROBLEMS:

Aloe Vera helps the skin pores to open and receive the moisture and nutrients of Aloe Vera. For skin problems such as psoriasis, rashes, and "shingle", the Aloe treatment includes large daily doses of Aloe Vera gel, daily topical applications of Aloe Vera Gelly and Aloe Propilis Cream (most powerful natural antibiotic), supplemented by a specific regimen of megavitamins and anti-oxidants is recommended. Zinc treats acne, eczema and other skin diseases.

16. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT:

Yes, Aloe is excellent for people wanting to diet and lose weight. With over 200 nutritional compounds (including vitamin B-12) in Aloe Vera, you should include it (the drink) in any diet/nutrition program. Aloe Vera alone cannot take the weight off and keep it off. Aloe drink twice a day makes sure that you are getting the vitamins and nutrients your body needs a sit burns off fat, and builds a lean, tone body!. It facilitates the weight loss by helping in expelling excess water from the cells.

Many other problems such anemia, appetite loss, bleeding gums, body swelling, cramps, epilepsy, gall bladder stones, gout, jaundice, liver detoxification, muscular and back pain, parkinson's piles, prostate, sinus problems, toothaches, varicose veins are also helped by Aloe Vera.

All above data is confirmed scientifically

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