The History of Aloe Vera
Most botanists agree, and historical evidence suggests, that the Aloe Vera plant originated in the warm, dry climates of Africa. However, because the plant is readily adaptable, and because man has been so eager to carry it with him from place to place, it now can be found in many warm lands. In the United States, it is grown commercially in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, in California and Florida, and in specially-designed greenhouses in Oklahoma.
Although Aloe Vera is a tropical plant, the root can survive freezing air temperatures, so long as the ground is not frozen and the root destroyed. (When this took place in the Rio Grande Valley in the winter of 1983-84, ninety-six percent of the local crop was lost.) The plant need not be destroyed for damage to occur. The leaves may be damaged and vital nutrients may be lost at air temperatures of forty degrees Fahrenheit. Such damage may be severe at thirty-five degrees. Conversely, the plant can grow at temperatures as great as 104 F. It will survive temperatures higher still, and can withstand even severe drought. Nonetheless, it will thrive in humid jungles, so long as the root itself does not stand in water and drown.
At present, Aloe Vera has little official standing in the medical community. In spite of the lack of official promotion, it is among the most widely used substances in the U.S. for the treatment of burns and bruises. Additionally, it is used in a plethora of cosmetics, and consumed as a healthful drink. While it has not yet won the full endorsement of the medical community, serious examination continues. This study is far more serious, with many greater implications than most people realize. In a later chapter, we will explore some of the serious medical research performed with Aloe Vera this century. For the moment, it may be taken as an indication of the serious nature of such a study that the FDA has approved development aimed at the eventual use of Aloe Vera in the treatment of cancer and AIDS! More and more, attention is turning to Aloe’s unexamined possibilities as a powerful healing agent.
As we noted in the introduction–everything old is new again. The virtues of the plant have been recorded by many great civilizations, from those of Persia and Egypt in the Middle East, to those of Greece and Italy in Europe, to those of India and the African continent. The plant is widely known in Asia and the Pacific, and is found in the folklore of the Japanese, the Philippines and the Hawaiians. The Spanish used Aloe, and carried it with them to their new world colonies in South America and the Caribbean. Not that this considerable pedigree should call forth images of primitive peoples and their witch doctors. Among the plant’s earliest champions were some of the great figures in the history of medicine and medical thought. One of its earliest proponents was the Greek physician Dioscorides. In each age, on each continent, in each culture, Aloe Vera has drawn the attention of the most sophisticated of minds.
It took early man thousands of years to develop what we know today as the modern understanding of plants, of what can and cannot be consumed, of what will heal and what will harm. It is important to remember that this is the common history of all our knowledge of the world. Most of our marketed medicines are distillations, combinations, reproductions or variations of substances found in nature. Some of these substances were recommended by our forefathers long before their value was demonstrated and understood by scientific method. We should dismiss none of our common heritage of knowledge without real thought and serious investigation. Any serious scientist would acknowledge that the exploration of our world is far from complete.
One of the earliest books on the subject of natural medicine (the only kind known at the time) was the Rig Vede, compiled in India sometime between B.C.E. 4500 and B.C.E. 1600. While it lists hundreds of plants deemed useful in medicine and is the logical starting point for any discussion of alternative medicine, it does not specifically mention Aloe vera. Many believe that a Sumerian clay tablet, found in the city of Nippur, written around B.C.E. 2200, was the first document to include Aloe Vera among plants of great healing power. The first detailed discussion of Aloe’s medicinal value is probably that which is found in the Papyrus ebers, an Egyptian document written around B.C.E. 1550. This document gives twelve formulas for mixing Aloe with other agents to treat both internal and external human disorders. The first milestone in Western man’s detailed understanding of medicinal plants is the work of Hippocrites (460B.C.- 375B.C.), the father of modern medicine (doctors today still take the Hippocratic Oath). His Material Medica makes no direct mention of Aloe, but during that same period, the plant, according to Copra’s Indigenous Drugs of India, had come into widespread use. Interestingly, Copra writes, “The use of Aloes, the common musabbar, for external application to inflamed painful parts of the body and for causing purgation [internal cleansing] are too well known in India to need any special mention.”
In Greek pharmacology, the plant was first mentioned by Celsius (B.C. 25-50 A.D.), but his comments were limited to its power as a purgative. The first Western benchmark in man’s understanding of Aloe is the Greek herbal of Dioscorides (41 A.D.-68 A.D.). This master of Roman pharmacology developed his knowledge and skill as he traveled with that great empire’s armies. Dioscorides gave the first detailed description of the plant we call Aloe Vera, and attributed to its juices “the power of binding, of inducing sleep.” He noted as well that it “loosens the belly, cleansing the stomach.” He further added that this “bitter” Aloe (the sap) was a treatment for boils; that it eased hemorrhoids; that it aided in healing bruises; that it was good for the tonsils, the gums, and all general mouth irritations; and that it worked as a medicine for the eyes. Dioscorides further observed that the whole leaf, when pulverized, could stop the bleeding of many wounds.
ALOE FACTS AND FICTION
Chronology of References – Ancient To Present Day
Spencer, the English poet wrote:
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument and cannot help but keep man in everlasting ignorance, which is condemnation without investigation.”
This is the principle which has been applied to Aloe Vera by modern medicine, in the United States!
(AMMM refers to “Aloe Myth-Magic Medicine” Universal Graphics, 1989)
2200 B.C. AMMM PG 10
Sumerian clay tablets found in the city of Nippur. Whole leaf Aloe used as a laxative agent no other uses are mentioned.
1550 B.C. AMMM PG 10
Egyptian “Papyrus Ebers”. Whole leaf ground up and mixed with other medical agents – product boiled. 12 formulas used for healing both internally and externally.
400 B.C. AMMM PG 10 & 158-161
Aloe plant and processed product exported to Asia. Whole leaf or sap boiled down for domestic use and exported. Traded extensively by Arabs throughout western Asia. Plant grown and used in India (a practice which continues today) as a healing agent both internally and externally. List of uses to extensive, to include here. (Note: See Aloe Vera A-Z)
50 B.C. AMMM PG 10
Celsius, Greek physician. Aloe introduced into western medicine. Sap used as a laxative no other usage mentioned.
41-68 A.D. AMMM PG 10-11
“Greek Herbal” of Dioscorides. First detailed description of the plant we call Aloe vera. Notes that the sap, not the gel is the healing agent. States that the sap is collected and boiled down into a thick black mass for storage and transportation. Notes that the more bitter the Aloe the more effective it is as a healing agent. Induces sleep, cleanses the stomach, treatment for boils, ulcerated genitals, heals foreskin, good for dry itchy skin irritation, hemorrhoids, bruises, stops hair loss, mouth pain, and stops bleeding of wounds, heals tonsillitis and diseases of the mouth and eyes.
23-79 A.D. AMMM PG 11-12 & 38-39
Pliny the Elder, a Roman physician, generally repeats the findings of Dioscorides. Adds that the juice checks perspiration and the boiled root heals leprous sores. States that fake Aloe was being made and sold near Jerusalem, he calls it the “bastard kind”.
200 A.D. AMMM PG 12
Aloe had become an important part of Roman medicine. Used by physicians such as Galen, Antyllus, Aretaces, and many other southern European physicians. Used as described by Dioscorides and Pliny, with some additions.
700-800 A.D. AMMM PG 12
Chinese “Materia Medicas”, first use of Aloe in China. Chinese referred to plant as Lu-hui, meaning “black deposit,” or “Hsiang-tqan” referring to the bitter taste of Aloe. Notes Aloe’s value as a sinus treatment and treatment of fever and convulsions in children. Also re-confirmed use as a treatment for skin diseases. Whole leaf ground and boiled down.
900 A.D. AMMM PG 12-13
AL-Kindi, Arab philosopher, engineer, and physician. States that Aloe is an effective treatment for inflammatory pain, eye ulcers, melancholy, and other medical problems. He adds that Aloe is used in Iran as a purgative, and in Egypt as a detersive to clean the digestive system and detoxify the entire body. Method of processing not mentioned.
1000-1300 A.D. AMMM PG 12
Dried sap and plant becomes a widely accepted healing agent throughout Europe.
1300-1500 A.D. AMMM PG 12
Processed Aloe (dried sap) introduced to English medicine. Used throughout British Isles as a purgative and as a treatment for external wounds and diseases. Dried sap imported from Africa mainly from the islands of Socotra.
1500-1600 A.D. AMMM PG 26-27
Plant brought to new world by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. Planted around Catholic missions and used extensively by missionaries and native population as a universal healing agent throughout Caribbean Islands, Central and South America.
1600-1700 A.D. AMMM PG 26-28
Plant developed as a commercial crop throughout Caribbean by Spanish, particularly the island of Barbados, and the Dutch planters, mainly on the island of Curacao. Sap extracted from plant and boiled down into a black mass for export, mainly to Europe.
1700-1900 A.D. AMMM PG 62-63
Name Aloe Vera first used to describe plant by Carl Von Linne in 1720. Scientific name given, Aloe Vera Linne, also refered to today as, Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Hundreds of papers and references published by physicians and laymen world-wide describing Aloe’s many uses as a healing agent. Aloe officially listed as a purgative and a skin protectant by the United States pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) 1820.
1900 A.D. AMMM PG 28-36
Plant grown in warm regions world wide for its healing benefits, and as a commercial source of sap or purified Aloin. Fresh or dehydrated whole leaf sold as a treatment for radiation injuries; including ulcers, burns, dermatitis, and other skin injuries and diseases. Colonel H. W. Johnston, first commercial U.S. Aloe Vera farm, established in Florida 1912.
1934 A.D. AMMM PG 85-87
First modern medical paper published in the United States, C.E. Collins. Paper describes use of whole Aloe leaf to heal radiation dermatitis on the forehead of a 31 year old female. Aloe healed dermatitis in approximately 3 months, skin returned to normal with little or no scarring and normal skin color. Collins and son report on the use of Aloe on fifty patients with radiation injuries, burns, ulcers, and dermatitis, paper states all fifty patients successfully healed. Used Aloe Vera leaf split in half or ointment made from combination of sap and gel. Ointment was described as having a yellow color and an offensive odor.
1936-1939 A.D. AMMM PG 32 & 87-90
Dr. Carroll S. Wright, M.D., Philadelphia, Adolph B. Loveman, M.D., Louisville, KY, Archie Fine, M.D., Cincinnati, OH, Samuel Brown, M.D., Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Frederick B. Mandeville, M.D., Richmond VA. All above used Aloe Vera leaf as described by Dr. Collins, with a few additional applications, all reports that Aloe heals radiation burns, ulcers, and dermatitis.
1940-1941 A.D. AMMM PG 32-33 & 91
- Rowe, B.K. Lovell, and Lloyd M. Parks, note that Aloe heals burns much faster than any other treatment available. Leaf does not need to be fresh to be effective. Healing agent is found in the sap and skin – not in the gel. Rowe states that product was heated to a high temperature (boiled) with no loss of healing effects. Researchers report that they found free Aloe mannose in test samples. (Note: First researchers to report finding Aloe mannose)
1945 A.D. AMMM PG 91
- P. Filatov Russia, reported that boiled Aloe juice was a very effective treatment of a skin disease caused by parasites. Adds that drinking Aloe juice is an effective treatment for many types of lung disorders.
1947 A.D. AMMM PG 91-92
T.C. Barnes, Hahneunan Medical College and Hospital of Philadelphia, PA. Aloe Vera heals skin injuries at least one-third faster than any other treatment.
1950 A.D. AMMM PG 33 & 36 & 107
R.Y. Gottschall, stated that the sap from the Aloe Vera leaf is the healing agent. Experiment
proved that boiled sap kills Tubercle Bacilli (Tuberculosis).
1953 A.D. AMMM PG 33-34 & 92
C.C. Lushbaugh,
M.D., and D.B. Hale, B.S., performed studies for U.S. atomic commission. Aloe Vera heals radiation dermatitis and ulcers in test animals at least fifty percent faster than other treatments.
1956-1957 A.D. AMMM PG 92-93
- Nordvinov and B. Rostotsky, Russia, stated Aloe prevents radiation burns. Reduces time for healing from 30-45 days to 15-16 days in 2nd and 3rd degree radiation and fire burns, frostbite, cuts, blisters, etc. Greatly improves skin texture, eliminates dryness, itching, eczema, psoriasis, neurodermititis, and other skin diseases including cancer.
1956-1957 A.D. AMMM PG 93-94
- Levenson and K. Somova, Russia, used Aloe extract (sap) for the treatment of periodontal disease. 150 patients were treated by injecting extract at the site of each affected tooth. Treatment completely eliminated periodontal disease in most if not all patients. Research concluded that Aloe is a biogenic stimulator.
1959 A.D. AMMM PG 77-83
Gunnar Gjerstad and T.D. Riner, reviewed data submitted by E.P. Pendergrass. They stated that FDA admitted Aloe ointment regenerated skin cells, it eliminated scarring and promotes regeneration of natural skin color, and does so without toxicity. According to this paper, Pendergrass gave credit to traumatic acid for the ability to regenerate skin cells. Merks index lists traumatic acid as a wound healing hormone.
1963 A.D. AMMM PG 95
Julian J. Blitz, D.O., James W. Smith, D.O., and Jack R. Gerard, D.O. Aloe vera emulsion (sap and gel mixed with mineral oil) was used to treat 18 patients with peptic ulcers. All patients had been treated with long term conventional therapy with little or no benefit. Each patient was given a daily dose of Aloe Vera emulsion orally. Researchers reported that 17 of the 18 patients completely recovered from all symptoms of peptic ulcers. Patient 18 left study after 1 dose, no follow up.
1969 A.D. AMMM PG 78 & 100-103
Dr. Eugene Zimmerman, and the Baylor College of Dentistry. Performed an extensive study on the use of Aloe Vera as a treatment for dental-related disorders and its ability to kill or control various organisms including: Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Viridaus, Candida Albicans, Corynebacterium Xerosis, and the five strains of Streptococcus Mutant. Researchers conclude that Aloe is a very powerful anti-inflammatory and it kills a broad spectrum of micro-organisms.
1973 A.D. AMMM PG 35 & 95-96
- El Zawahry, M.D, M. Rashad Hegazy, M.D, M. Helal, B.Ph., Ph.Ch., Cairo, Egypt. Researchers used Aloe Vera (combination of sap and gel) to treat, seborrhea, acne, alopecia, chronic leg ulcers, vulgaris, and hair loss. They said that Aloe was highly effective against all the above skin problems.
1975 A.D. AMMM PG 99-100
Robert B. Northway, D.V.M, reported that the plant was effective on ringworm, skin allergies, abscess, hot spots, fungal infections, dermatitis, lacerations, and inflamed cyst, in animals.
1978 A.D. AMMM PG 70
Dr. G.R. Waller, Oklahoma State University, reported that Aloe contains a broad spectrum of free amino acids, free monosaccharides, and total saccharides released upon hydrolysis, sterols (mainly B-sitosterol) plus lupeol. Note: B-sitosterol is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterolmatic. Lupeol is a powerful pain killer and anti-microbial. The report adds that these active ingredients were found in the oil of the plant (skin or sap portion of the leaf).
1980 A.D. AMMM PG 78 (see pictures and text pg 145) PG 100-103
Dr. Bill Wolfe D.D.S., P.A., Albuquerque, NM. Repeated work done in 1969 and once again showed Aloe highly effective against Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Viridaus, Candida Albicans, Corynebacterium Xerosis, and the five strains of Streptococcus Mutant, and that it is non-toxic. Quickly relieves pain, eliminates soreness, irritation, swelling, and is a very effective treatment for herpes.
1980 A.D. AMMM PG 104-106
John Heggars, M.D., Chicago Burn Center. Demonstrated the ability of the Aloe Vera to heal third degree burns and frost bite up to six times faster than accepted modern medical treatment. Dr. Heggars concluded that healing effects were due to steroidal like compounds, (acts like cortisone), and salicylic acid. He further stated that Aloe treatment eliminated scarring; normal skin color returned and unbelievably the Aloe completely regenerated the hair follicles, and allowed for regrowth of hair in burned area. Said Aloe was more effective in preventing and controlling infections than Silver Sulfadiazine.
1982 A.D. AMMM PG 70 , 104-105
John Heggers, University of Chicago Burn Center, reconfirmed the presence of salicylic acid in Aloe. This is an aspirin-like compound, which explains why Aloe helps control pain. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent.
1983 A.D. AMMM PG 51-58, 72-75
The National Aloe Science Council (NASC), reported to the FDA that it had developed a standard chemical fingerprint for Aloe Vera. Provided fingerprint and petitioned FDA to set U.S. standards for Aloe juice drink, Aloe Gel, and other topical products which claim to contain Aloe juice or Gel. NASC standard rejected by FDA.
1985 A.D. AMMM PG 78-79
Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., Linus Pauling Institute. Drinking Aloe vera juice improves protein digestion, helps normalize bowel habit, control yeast infections, promotes proper balance of digestive bacteria, relieves indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, acid stomach, and concluded that Aloe juice has no toxic effects.
1987 A.D. AMMM PG 106-107
Dr. Rosalie Burns, M.D. Describes the disease commonly known as shingles (Herpes Zoster). She points out that shingles is caused by the same virus that also causes chicken pox and common herpes. Stated that sap from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant is remedy for pain and speeds healing when spread over the blisters.
1987 A.D. AMMM PG 108-111
Dr. H. Reg McDaniel Dallas, TX. Stated “Aloe extract may mimic AZT without toxicity.” Research shows Aloe Vera stopped progress of AIDS. Reports corresponding drop in antibodies to HIV and the number of free virus in blood samples. McDaniel further concluded that the Aloe would control or kill many other retro viruses, including the viruses that cause the common cold, measles, mumps, chicken pox, flu, and other viral diseases.
1988 A.D. AMMM PG 109-111
Dr. Terry Pulse Dallas, TX., stated that 20oz of whole leaf Aloe vera juice was orally administered to 69 AIDS patients daily. Symptoms disappear almost completely in 81 per cent of the patients. Patients with the AIDS virus who showed no symptoms of the disease remain free of symptoms.
ALOE VERA UPDATE:
INFORMATION NOT INCLUDED IN “ALOE MYTH-MAGIC MEDICINE” –
2ND ADDITION
1967
Dr. A Farkas and Robert A. Mayer M.D,. filed for and received U.S. patent on Aloe Polyuronide. Their patent application proposed that this was the active healing agent in various species of the Aloe plant, including Aloe barbadensis Miller. (Note: This substance is a complex compound which contains four separate mannose compounds, similar to those described by Carrington Laboratories)
1984
Dr. O.P. Agarwal, M.D., F.I.C.A, Uttar Pradesh, India. Recorded that Aloe had virtually eliminated heart disease, stress related disorders, and diabetes in over 4700 of the 5000 patients, which were followed for five years. All patients were instructed to take approximately 4oz. of fresh Aloe vera plant and 3/4oz of the husk of isabgol and mix it with wheat flour to make a loaf of bread. Treatment consisted of eating one loaf of Aloe bread per day.
1986
Doctors of Department of Medicine, King Saud University, audi Arabia, stated that the dried sap of the Aloe plant is used in the Arabian peninsula for its ability to lower the blood glucose in diabetic patients. Paper concludes that Aloes contain a hypoglycemic agent which lowers the blood glucose.
1989
Researchers from Okinawa, Japan reported in the Japanese Journal of Cancer Research, that Aloe contained at least three anti-tumor agents, emodin, mannose, and lectin. The researchers concluded that Aloe controls pulmonary carcinogenesis and is effective in the treatment of leukemia and sarcoma and that it would prevent the development of tumors.
1989
According to the Cosmetic, Fragrance, and Toiletry Association (CTFA), Aloe is by far the most popular cosmetic and toiletry ingredient in the United States. Named as number one by over thirty three percent of a cross section of consumers.
1990
The following DVM and PhD’s presented a paper in Brussels Belgium, in April 1990, Jasbir B. Kohlon, Maurice C. Kemp, Ni Yawei, Robert H. Carpenter, William M. Shannon, and Bill H. McAnalley. Research concluded that Aloe, or a substance extracted from it, is a very effective treatment against HIV-1 and other strains of the virus which causes AIDS. Research confirms that daily ingestion (20 oz. or more) can act as a immunization against the HIV infection. In HIV positive or AIDS patients, Aloe: (1.) keeps infected T-4 cells from reproducing the virus, (2.) either kills free virus in the blood or it stimulates the individual’s immune system to kill the virus or both, (3.) it stops the disease AIDS from developing in HIV positive patients and can completely reverse the disease in those with AIDS, and (4.) some patients become Syro-negative. (The virus or antibody to the virus can no longer be found in the blood.)
1991
Ian R. Tizard, PhD, of Texas A&M, reported in the Journal of Molecular Biotherapy, that Aloe mannose was highly effective against feline leukemia and soft tissue cancer in cats and dogs.
1992
Dr. James Duke, United States Department of Agriculture, approved the use of Aloe mannose as a treatment of soft tissue cancer in animals and feline leukemia.
1994
United States Food and Drug Administration approves Aloe for human testing against the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV), the virus which causes AIDS. M.D. Anderson, Cancer Center, study suggests that Aloe can stop immune system damage caused by sunburn. According to the International Aloe Science Council (IASC), most major bands of cosmetic and toiletries contain less than two percent Aloe. Most experts agree that a concentration of 25 to 40% is necessary for a cosmetic product to have any benefits. Dr. Wendell Winters, University of Texas Health Science Center, at San Antonio, reported Aloe contains at least 140 substances. Substances which control cell growth and division, reduce inflammation, stimulates the growth of white cells and other immune-function cells, wound healer and infection fighter. Winters calls Aloe “a pharmacy in a plant.”
Current
There are no test procedures which can be used to absolutely identify the presence of Aloe in a health drink or in a cosmetic product, much less its concentration. Latest of these tests, including those developed by International Aloe Science Council, can be easily manipulated to produce false test results. Aloe industry is virtually unregulated and no government agency has taken any action to eliminate bad Aloe products from the market. Chemical testing of the plant has repeatedly shown that the plants healing agents are produced in the green skin and yellow sap, not in the gel (colorless and tasteless jelly like center portion of the leaf). Most experts agree that no single agent is responsible for the plants ability to heal, and therefore the most effective products are made from the whole leaf.
Many Aloe companies continue to promote the following false ideas:
- Aloe gel contains the plant’s healing agents. FALSE
This idea is most often based on the erroneous idea that Collins & Collins in 1935 used the gel alone, when in fact, they used a combination of the sap and gel. - Aloe mannose is responsible for the plants ability to heal. FALSE
This idea is dismissed by the results achieved through the use of whole leaf Aloe. Experimental use of whole leaf Aloe has shown that it is up to six times more effective than Aloe mannose alone. - Aloe must be “cold processed”, heat destroys its active ingredients and therefore its ability to heal. FALSE
Cold processed Aloe has great sales appeal, but it is not supported by facts. In antiquity the sap (yellow juice that drips from the leaf when is cut or broken) or the whole leaf was ground up and boiled or cooked to preserve its value. Thousands of modern researchers agree that the juice must be pasteurized or even boiled (212 degrees F) to preserve its value. In addition to these facts chemical reference books, including Mercks Index and the CRC, state that the polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and the plants other active ingredients have breakdown temperatures which occur well above the boiling point of water. The polysaccharides, for example, do not even begin to break down until exposed to temperatures above 230 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Aloe vera juice can look and tastes like water. FALSE
Note: Raw whole leaf Aloe vera juice has a yellow color and a bitter taste. In the early 70’s processors discovered that carbon filtration eliminates Aloe’s yellow color and lessons its bitter taste. Unfortunately they have failed to mention that carbon filtration; strips the plant of its nutritional value by removing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, fatty acids, etc.; greatly reduces Aloes healing effects because it removes almost all of the plants healing agents, with the exception of Aloe mannose and lectins. The agents removed include: Aloin, emodin, B-sitosterol, and the plants other anti-inflammatory plant sterols, salicylic acid, cinnamonic acid, phenols, sulfur, urea nitrogen, lupeol, and other hydrochlorides. While carbon filtered Aloe looks like water it does not taste like it. Some processors have used the fact that carbon filtered Aloe looks like water to sell the public water – yes, water.
Remember …. “If it looks and taste like water – it probably is water. “
- Concentrating Aloe vera juice destroys its active ingredients. FALSE
All ancient references which mention processing state, that Aloe must be concentrated to preserve its medical value. This was done by boiling it in a pot or drying it in the sun. Modern research has shown that concentrated Aloe juice is highly effective, and that it may be much more effective in many cases, especially wounds and diseases.
- Diluting Aloe with water or mixing it with other liquids destroys its active ingredients. FALSE
Throughout history Aloe has been commonly mixed with water, milk, wine, honey, and many other natural and synthetic substances, to make it easier to use and more palatable, with no loss of effectiveness.
- The plant’s enzymes or other common nutrients are responsible for the plant’s ability to heal. FALSE
Aloes common nutrients are no different then those found in other vegetables. If these common nutrients were responsible for its ability to heal, then all vegetables would have the ability to heal in a like manner, which is not the case.
- Aloe vera gel was used historically as a healing agent. FALSE
All ancient references refer to the sap or whole leaf as the product of choice, the gel itself is not mentioned. All successful modern studies use a combination of the sap and gel, or the whole leaf.
CONCLUSION
Why Aloe Works!
It could be said that it works because the Aloe Vera plant produces at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulphur. All of these substances are recognized as antiseptics because they kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses, explaining why the plant has the ability to eliminate many internal and external infections. The Lupeol and salicylic acid in the juice explains why it is a very effective pain-killer.
Next, it could be said that Aloe Vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids, cholesterol, campersterol and B-sitosterol (plant sterols) which explains why it is a highly effective treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney, and pancreas. B-sitosterol is also a powerful anti-cholestromatic which helps to lower harmful cholesterol levels, helping to explain its many benefits for heart patents.
If we add that Aloe contains at least 23 polypeptids (immune stimulators), then we understand why Aloe juice helps control a broad spectrum of immune system diseases and disorders, including HIV and AIDS. The polypeptids, plus the anti-tumor agents Aloe emodin and Aloe lectins, explains its ability to control cancer.
If the SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP between the elements found in the sap, gel, and throughout the entire plant does not explain why whole leaf Aloe works, then NOTHING DOES! All of which explains why “Across Time” lay persons and physicians alike, have proclaimed that Aloe has the ability to heal, alleviate, eliminate, or even cure a monumental list of human diseases and disorders. Therefore it truly deserves the name, “Medicine Plant”.