Aloe Vera "The Miracle Plant"

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent  plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces.

Toxicity

In 2011, the NTP carried out a series of short- and long-term carcinogenicity studies of a nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe vera) in rats and mice, in which the extracts were fed to the rodents in drinking water.

The studies found "clear evidence of carcinogenic activity" in the rats, but "no evidence of carcinogenic activity" in the mice.

Both the mice and rats had increased amounts of noncancerous lesions in various tissues.

Uses of Aloe Vera

Cosmetics:

•Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!

• Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles. Cleopatra did!

•Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.

•Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.

Foods:

Aloe vera gel is also used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some 

desserts, although at certain doses, its toxic properties could be severe whether ingested or 

topically applied.

Medicine:

•Aloe vera is used in traditional medicine as a multipurpose skintreatment. In Ayurvedic medicine it

is called kathalai, as are extract.

•Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.

•Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe 

vera ingredients.

•Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.