Why Aloe Works

Which type of aloe?

There is no evidence to suggest that whole leaf aloe, which is filtered and usually concentrated, is any more effective than just the inner leaf gel. In fact, it may be less effective as the powerful filter used may remove ingredients that we are not even aware of. However, what is most important is the quality and quantity of aloe in the product being sold.

Unfortunately, many products on the market labelled as ‘Aloe Vera juice' may contain only a small amount or proportion of the actual inner leaf gel. If in doubt, look for the Seal of Approval of the International Aloe Science Council . This is an independent American regulatory body, which monitors the quantity of aloe in the products. If their Seal of Approval actually appears on the container (not simply a claim), it is bona fide.

Why does it work?

It works by providing a rich cocktail of nutritional elements whose combined action and balance produce a more powerful effect together than would be expected from the addition of the individual components. This is because they work as a team, enhancing each other's effect – known as synergism. It also has adaptogenic properties which means its is a substance which increases non-specific resistance of an organism to adverse influences such as infection or stress.

Where does it work?

Aloe Vera, because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, helps firstly to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and when they are damaged, it promotes healing.

Antioxidants fight the destructive ‘free radicals', the unstable compounds produced by our metabolism and found in environmental pollutants. They are thought to cause various ailments including some cancers as well as contributing towards the ageing process.

An epithelium is an anatomical term defined as follows:

“An epithelium is a layer of cells that covers the body or lines a cavity that connect with it” .

Our largest epithelium is our skin but also included are the lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes and the genital tract. No wonder that aloe works just as well on damaged skin as it does, say, on an inflamed bowel or in asthma.

How does it work?

Its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial action combined within its nutritional constituents, promote cell growth and therefore healing.

However, it is not only helpful for people with problems; most people taking it report a greater sense of well being – they just feel ‘better' or they report feeling calmer and less anxious.

I believe this last comment is due to aloe's second effect on the immune system, which you may say becomes balanced or fine-tuned and therefore more efficient at defending the body from attack.

Conclusion

Aloe Vera is not a panacea for all its ills and there is no magic about it. I believe it works primarily in the two areas mentioned previously – epithelial tissue and the immune system. This is largely backed up by anecdotal evidence, as many thousands of people over the centuries have reported benefit for various skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, acne, even stings and bites. They have found relief for bowel disorders such as colitis, diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other conditions resulting from a disordered immune system such as arthritis, asthma and ME (post viral fatigue syndrome) and LE (lupus) have improved after a regular ingestion of Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera therefore has a complementary role to play in the management of various conditions. It is very important however that people should always seek the advice of their doctor when the diagnosis is in doubt or where a condition does not improve. Self diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious conditions can mimic more simple ones.