Aloe vera - digestive, antifungal and antibacterial properties

 

​Originally from Africa, the gel from inside the fleshy leaves of the aloevera plant has been used since the 4th century BC to treat minor burns,intestinal problems like stomach ulcers, and to help speed wound healing.

Scientific studies have shown that a complex carbohydrate in aloe vera, acemannan, combines antiviral properties, antibacterial action and alsostimulates the immune system.Gel-based creams are effective when applied externally to skin burns andwounds. Aloe vera gel-based drinks have also proved useful for peoplesuffering mouth ulcers and peptic ulcers (unless they are drug-orstress-induced). Aloes and aloe gel are often confused with each other.  Aloes, which areobtained by evaporating water from the bitter yellow juice drained from theleaves, contains anthraquinones - a strong purgative often used as alaxative.

Aloe vera gel, on the other hand, is obtained from the jelly-liketissue in the centre of the leaf, and does not contain any anthraquinones. For this reason, pregnant women should avoid taking (internally) aloe veraproducts that could contain anthraquinones.

Externally-applied aloe veragel during pregnancy is not believed to cause concern. Aloe vera can vary in strength, according to its preparation, therefore itis usually advised to follow the dosing directions given on each product'spackaging.

-Emil Jones