Aloe Vera Soothes

In an earlier post entitled “What Alternative Medicine Offers,” we mentioned that Aloe Vera has been found to be the most widely used herbal therapy by patients with active ulcerative colitis.

Aloe vera has been used all around the world to treat various conditions for centuries. The plant is commonly kept in household kitchens because it is known for its ability to quickly soothe burns and cuts. It is a desert plant that can be grown easily indoors, but is also available in gels, sprays, creams, capsules and as a liquid.

Many people are surprised to learn that, in addition to being rubbed onto the skin, aloe vera can be taken internally. Aloe vera helps to aid digestion and works as a laxative when consumed. The anti-bacterial properties of aloe work as a natural colon cleanser. Aloe vera taken internally is also believed to improve circulation and aid in bone and joint health.

A study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center's Department of Physiology showed that rats who ingested aloe vera experienced a 10 percent increase in life span and had a lower incidence of disease than the average rat population. The rats suffered no ill effects from ingesting the aloe.

Remarkably and very fortunately, the aloe polymannans (AMP) are not digested by the enzymes of the digestive tract, but rather, they remain intact as long chain molecules, creating a mesh-work of protection throughout the digestive tract.

Information from eHow.com.