Many people know it as
“Aloe vera”, others call it simply
“Aloe”, and yet, in other countries it is refered to as even a
“Doctor”. The plant is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in northern Africa, and is known for its medicinal properties, including treating skin problems, healing wounds and treating intestinal problems.
SEE MY PHOTO GALLERY
[/color]
The natural range of the plant is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated throughout the world. It has been suggested that naturalised stands of the species occur through North Africa in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, along with the Canary and Madeira Islands.The species is widely naturalised elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of Australia, Barbados, Belize, Nigeria, Paraguay and the USA. It has been suggested that, like many Aloes, the species is originally from Southern Africa and that populations that occur elsewhere are the result of human cultivation.
Aloe can be grown indoors or outdoors. It reproduces by little off shoots at the base of the main or mother plant. These smaller plants can be taken and potted in their own pot. Cuttings form the leaves can also be taken and repotted to produce more aloe plants.
Aloe vera is used in many forms for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a home remedy. The one that comes directly from the plant is a yellowish liquid. It can be obtained by simply breaking off a piece of the aloe vera plant. The liquid will run out and can be applied topically. The leaves can also be crushed and used as a salve.
The healing properties of aloe vera come from the 18 amino acids it contains. The plant has been well known for centuries for its healing properties, and both oral intake and topical dressings have been documented to facilitate healing of any kind of skin wound, burn, or scald - even speeding recovery time after surgery. Situations to try it on include blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete's foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin. The raw plant is best, but commercial preparations can also be used, especially for taking orally, as this plant tastes horrible. Other topical uses include acne, sunburn, frostbite (it appears to prevent decreased blood flow), shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema.
Aloe Vera Side Effects: Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a medicinal substance. Although, side effects of aloe vera are rare they can occur. Aloe vera can be used by almost anyone and without consulting a doctor, but in certain cases a doctor should be consulted before using aloe vera. In most cases aloe vera can be used and be beneficial.
People with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor before using or taking aloe vera because some of the side effects from the medicine can adversely effect the person. In most cases monitoring by a doctor during use is all that is needed and the person can still use aloe vera. People with the following conditions should speak with their doctor before using aloe vera in any form: menstruating women, Crohn's disease, colitis, appendicitis and intestinal problems. In addition to people with these conditions, people taking certain medications should also consult their doctor before taking aloe vera as certain side effects from aloe vera can effect the way the medicine works.
The side effects of aloe vera are normally minor and for a person not on medication or suffering from a medical condition should be able to use aloe vera without problems. However, it is advisable before using anything for a medical purpose to know the side effects. The following are the side effects one can experience when using aloe vera:
- electrolyte loss
- can delay healing of major wounds
- can color urine pink when taken internally
- fluid imbalance
- intestinal cramps
Most of these side effects only occurring when a person overdoses or uses aloe vera for too long.
