Aloe vera is actually a common plant in many homes. A succulent perennial plant belonging to the lily family, the plant grows wild on the African continent. There are hundreds of species. The plant is often separated into two basic parts which are the gel and the latex. The gel is a clear jelly-like substance obtained from the inner portion of the leaves. Aloe latex, commonly referred to as the juice, is a bitter yellow exudate that happens to be just beneath the outer skin of the leaves and has laxative properties.
Benefit, what it is used for
For centuries, the gel of the aloe
vera plant has been of benefit as a soothing topical remedy for minor burns and
wounds. There have been many claims regarding its health benefit, but the one
that most people agree is that,
when ingested internally, it can promote bowel function and this could help certain
people if they have difficulty with passing their stools and hence it could be beneficial in
certain cases of constipation. The leaf extract is used as a laxative while the
gel has mucopolysacharides.
Now Foods, Aloe Vera Gels, 100 Softgels
Buy Aloe vera pills or Diet Rx for weight management
Supplement Facts | ||
Serving Size: 2 Softgels | ||
Servings Per Container: 50 | ||
Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | |
Calories | 5 | |
Calories from Fat | 5 | |
Total Fat | 0.5 g | <1%* |
Organic Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) (Inner Leaf) (200:1) (Equivalent to 20,000 mg of pure Aloe Vera Gel) | 100 mg | † |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie
diet. † Daily Value not established. |
Suggested Use, dosage: 1 to 3 aloe vera tablets. Each tablet contains the approximate equivalent of 1.33 fluid ounces of fresh juice. Little research is available in humans regarding long term use. Therefore, just to be on the safe side, you may consider using an internal aloe vera product at most 4 days a week and it may be a good idea to take at least a week off each month. We prefer being cautious until more research is done in humans.
Other products sold online
Thayers, Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula, Alcohol-Free Toner, Rose Petal,
12 fl oz (355 ml)
Antibacterial benefit
Org Med Chemistry Lett. 2013. Antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity
of Aloe vera. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Khoy Branch,
Islamic Azad University, Khoy, Iran. Individual phytochemicals identified
included various phenolic acids/polyphenols, phytosterols, fatty acids, indoles,
alkanes, pyrimidines, alkaloids, organic acids, aldehydes, dicarboxylic acids,
ketones, and alcohols. Due to the presence of the antioxidant polyphenols,
indoles, and alkaloids, the A. vera leaf gel shows antioxidant capacity as
confirmed by ORAC and FRAP analyses. Non-flavonoid polyphenols to contribute to
the majority of the total polyphenol content. Three different solvents such as
aqueous, ethanol, and acetone were used to extract the bioactive compounds from
the leaves of A. vera to screen the antibacterial activity selected human
clinical pathogens by agar diffusion method. Due to its phytochemical
composition, A. vera leaf gel may show promise in alleviating symptoms
associated with/or prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
neurodegeneration, and diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory
Antilipoxygenase activity and the trace elements
content of Aloe vera in relation to the therapeutic effect
Ceska Slov Farm. 2005.
The results of contemporary research on animal models indicate that the
extracts have an antiinflammatory property.
Thank you for your website. It is refreshing to find
one that offers unbiased medical information about the supplements that are
available. I have seen in several places that it has anti-inflammatory properties when
ingested, but I haven't been able to find out exactly where in the body these
properties provide relief. Is it only in the stomach and/or intestines, or is
the effect all around the body? The reason I'm asking is because I have IBS and
have found that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen
exacerbate my tendency toward constipation, and if aloe vera provides
anti-inflammation, it could really be the perfect solution for the two problems.
Most of the studies with have focused on the
gastrointestinal system and skin. It appears that components in aloe vera have
anti-inflammatory properties, and most likely these are systemic meaning that
they would have an influence on various parts of the body.
Antioxidant
Aloe improves the absorption of both vitamins C and E.
Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in
streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.
Pharmacol Rep. 2005.
Oral administration of aloe vera gel extract at a concentration of 300
mg/kg to diabetic rats significantly decreased the levels of blood
glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and increased hemoglobin. The increased
levels of lipid peroxidation and hydroperoxides in tissues of diabetic
rats were reverted back to near normal levels after the treatment with gel
extract. The extract treatment also resulted in a significant increase in
reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione
peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and kidney of
diabetic rats.
Blood
sugar and diabetes
Oral administration of aloe vera gel extract to diabetic rats for a period of
three weeks resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose,
hepatic transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase),
plasma and tissue (liver and kidney) cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty
acids and phospholipids and a significant improvement in plasma insulin. In
addition, the decreased plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
and increased plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein-and very low-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol in diabetic rats were restored to near normal levels
following treatment with the extract.
Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Aloe vera Gel
on Experimentally Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice.
Am J Chin Med. 2007.
A polyphenol-rich extract (350 mg/kg) with known concentrations of aloin and aloe-emodin was administered orally for a period of 4
weeks to insulin resistant ICR mice. Results showed
that the polyphenol-rich extract was able to decrease both body
weight and blood glucose levels and to protect animals.
Burns
Aloe vera is popular as a gel or salve for those with burns. Studies regarding
the benefit of aloe vera’ as a burn treatment have produced conflicting
findings.
Cancer treatment
Biotherapy with the pineal immunomodulating
hormone melatonin versus melatonin plus aloe vera in untreatable advanced
solid neoplasms.
Nat Immun. 1998.
We
have carried out a clinical study to evaluate whether the concomitant
administration of aloe may enhance the therapeutic results of melatonin in
patients with advanced solid tumors for whom no effective standard
anticancer therapies are available. The study included 50 patients
suffering from lung cancer, gastrointestinal tract tumors, breast cancer
or brain glioblastoma, who were treated with melatonin alone (20 mg/day orally
in the dark period) or MLT plus Aloe vera tincture (1 ml twice/day). A
partial response (PR) was achieved in 2/24 patients treated with MLT plus
aloe vera and in none of the patients treated with melatonin alone. Stable disease
(SD) was achieved in 12/24 and in 7/26 patients treated with melatonin plus aloe
or melatonin alone, respectively. The percentage of nonprogressing
patients was significantly higher in the group treated with
melatonin
plus aloe vera than in the melatonin group. The percent
1-year survival was significantly higher in patients treated with
the combination. Both treatments were well tolerated.
Am J Chin Med. 2014. Potential antineoplastic effects of Aloe-emodin: a comprehensive review. Aloe-emodin, a bioactive anthraquinone derived from both Aloe vera and Rheum officinale, has recently been demonstrated to have various pharmacological activities.
Gastrointestinal
system
Aloe vera juice has been tested in a number of conditions including
inflammatory
bowel disease. Some people find it helps them with their
GERD symptoms.
Aloe vera could be of benefit in certain instances of
gastric mucosal healing. In a mouse study, administration of 20% acetic acid
induced gastric inflammation, increased leukocyte adherence in postcapillary
venules and TNF-alpha levels and reduced IL-10 level. Treatment
reduced leukocyte adherence and TNF-alpha levels, elevated IL-10 level and
promoted gastric ulcer healing.
GERD
I was happy to discover
aloe juice for gastroesophageal reflux. It is effective for me, almost as much as Prilosec.
Oral lichen planus
The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a
randomized controlled trial.
Br J Dermatol. 2007.
Fifty-four patients were randomized into two groups to
receive aloe vera gel or placebo for 8 weeks. Fifty-four consecutive patients
(34 women and 20 men) participated in the study. We found erosive and ulcerative
lesions in 83% and 17%, respectively. The most common site of oral lichen planus
was the lower lip. Twenty-two of 27 patients treated with aloe vera (81%) had a
good response after 8 weeks of treatment, while one of 27 placebo-treated
patients (4%) had a similar response. Aloe vera gel is statistically
significantly more effective than placebo in inducing clinical and
symptomatological improvement. Therefore, the gel
can be considered a safe alternative treatment for patients with oral lichen
planus.
Psoriasis
We are not aware of research done with aloe vera juice and psoriasis, however
there is one research study we found with gel and
psoriasis and the benefits appeared to be modest.
Radiation treatment
A Phase III study on the efficacy of topical aloe
vera gel on irradiated breast tissue.
Cancer Nurs. 2002.
The aim of the study was to see if topical aloe vera gel would be
beneficial in reducing the identified skin side-effects of radiation
therapy, including erythema, pain, itching, dry desquamation, and moist
desquamation, when compared with aqueous cream. A Phase III study
was conducted involving 225 patients with breast cancer after lumpectomy
or partial mastectomy, who required a course of radiation therapy using
tangential fields. Patients were randomized to either topical aloe vera
gel or topical aqueous cream to be applied 3 times per day throughout and for 2
weeks after completion of radiation treatment. In this study, aloe vera gel did not significantly reduce
radiation-induced skin side effects. Aqueous cream was useful in reducing
dry desquamation and pain related to radiation therapy.
Phase II double-blind randomized study comparing
oral aloe vera versus placebo to prevent radiation-related mucositis in
patients with head-and-neck neoplasms.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2004.
In a single-institution, double-blind, prospective, randomized trial,
we determined whether oral aloe vera gel can reduce radiation-induced
mucositis in head-and-neck cancer patients. We randomized 58 head-and-neck
cancer patients between oral aloe vera and placebo. Oral aloe vera did not improve tolerance to head-and-neck
radiotherapy, decrease mucositis, reduce soreness, or otherwise improve
patient well-being.
Shingles
Does aloe vera cream applied on the skin
reduce the pain from shingles?
We have seen this mentioned on some websites, but we have not seen
any studies regarding the use of cream applied on
the skin for shingles pain relief.
Spinal stenosis
My son suffers from Crohn's Disease and I have already
undergone surgery for spinal stenosis. We both succumbed to the Mannatech fairy
tale and it was costly, 6 months of glyconutrients. Now there is a Dr. Webber
in Oregon who is pedaling aloe vera as a way to regenerate the nerves in my
spinal column. Does it take care of these problems?
We are not aware of extensive human studies with aloe vera in regards to
Crohn's disease or spinal stenosis. It may have some benefit in
inflammatory bowel disease.
Sunburn
Aloe vera cream appears to offer no sunburn or
suntan protection and no efficacy in sunburn treatment.
Ulcerative colitis
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004.
Aloe vera has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory effects and,
despite a lack of evidence of its therapeutic efficacy, is widely used by
patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Forty-four evaluable hospital out-patients were randomly given oral aloe vera gel or
placebo, 100 mL twice daily for 4 weeks, in a 2 : 1 ratio. Oral aloe vera taken for 4 weeks produced
a clinical response more often than placebo; it also reduced the
histological disease activity and appeared to be safe.
Vision
I've
heard there is some correlation between aloe vera and vision, as well as emphysema. Would you know if this is fact or fiction?
I have personally not taken an aloe vera supplement yet so I
don't know if vision if improved by using it and we are not aware of research
regarding aloe vera use and emphysema or
COPD. There are many
supplements that are known to improve
eyesight.
Weight loss
Aloe vera is sometimes found in herbal weight loss products, but its
effectiveness for this purpose in humans is not clear.
If you have an interest in losing weight, consider an appetite suppression product
that I have formulated called
Diet Rx. See
weight loss pill
for supplements that could help.
Availability over the counter
Aloe vera products are sold for internal use in the form of aloe vera juice, gel,
and aloe vera drink. You can also find aloe vera in tablet and capsule form. Aloe
vera is sold also for topical use to apply on skin in the form of cream, spray,
and lotion.
Sometimes the terms "gel" and "juice" are not clearly
defined by makers of aloe vera and often are confused by consumers. Then there
is the term aloe vera drink which is also confusing. It is quite possible that
the aloe vera gel and the aloe vera juice can be mixed in many aloe vera
products.
Aloe Vera product use suggestions
Until more research is done on the internal use of aloe vera products, it
would be best to take breaks from the use of aloe vera gel or juice. Sometimes a
plant can provide health benefits if ingested occasionally but could prove to be
toxic if overused. I don't know if this is the case with aloe vera, but to be on
the safe side take at least 2 days off a week and one week off each month. It
would be helpful to have human research with aloe vera tablets or juice to
determine whether this plant has any long term beneficial effects on blood
sugar, blood lipids, and whether aloe vera has antiinflammatory properties.
Skin
Aloe vera is a natural product that is frequently used in soothing skin care
products such as lotions for use after excessive sun exposure. It appears that
aloe vera could be helpful for this purpose.
Investigation of the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of
Aloe vera Gel (97%) in the Ultraviolet Erythema Test.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2008.
The Aloe vera gel tested here
might be useful in the topical treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as
UV-induced erythema.
What are some of the substances
in it?
There are many compounds in aloe vera including glucomannans or pectic
acid, plus various other organic and inorganic compounds. Glucans have been
isolated. Veracylglucan B demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative
effects, while Veracylglucan C exhibited significant cell proliferative and
anti-inflammatory activities. From another research source: The dried flowers from Aloe vera Burm (Aloe barbadensis) have chlorogenic, caffeic,
5-P-coumaroylquinic, caffeoylshikimic, 5-feruloylquinic,
5-P-CIS-coumaroylquinic, P-coumaric and ferulic acid as well as luteolin,
apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, isoorientin, isovitexin and their
7-O-glucosides, saponarin and lutonarin. Anthranoids in the flower extract
include aloe-emodin as well as the glycosylchromone aloeresin B. Aloin is the
precursor to aloe-emodin. From another source: aloe vera leaf gel has various phenolic acids
/ polyphenols, phytosterols, fatty acids, indoles, alkanes, pyrimidines,
alkaloids, organic acids, aldehydes, dicarboxylic acids, ketones, and alcohols.
Due to the presence of the antioxidant polyphenols, indoles, and alkaloids, the
Aloe ferox leaf gel shows antioxidant capacity.
Nat Prod Commun. 2014. Acemannan, an extracted polysaccharide from Aloe vera: A literature review.
Does the aloe vera supplement product contain Aloin and Emodin or whether these physically
irritating substances / laxatives are removed in the process of production.
Thisproduct is made Source Naturals and they would
know more about the exact content of aloin and emodin.
Aloe vera, side effect,
safety, risks, danger and
caution
The primary class of compounds responsible for aloe-induced
toxicity are anthraquinones. One of these, aloe-emodin, has been
extensively investigated for apoptosis inducing effects. Aloin is the
precursor to aloe-emodin. There have been rare cases of serious aloe vera side effects
including hepatitis.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura associated with
aloe vera administration.
Eur J Intern Med. 2005.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic vasculitis that occurs
most often in children and rarely follows exposure to drugs or other
environmental factors. Aloe is one of the most widely used traditional
remedies and has been associated with gastrointestinal and renal
complications. We report a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in an adult patient who had
previously received the herb Aloe vera.
Oral aloe vera induced hepatitis.
Ann Pharmacother. 2007. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, USA.
To report a case of possible oral aloe vera induced hepatitis. A
73-year-old female was admitted to the hospital for acute hepatitis.
Extensive laboratory testing did not reveal the cause of the patient's
disease. She was asked multiple times whether she was taking any home
medications, which she initially denied. It was only after an extensive
medication history done by a clinical pharmacist that the patient admitted
to using oral aloe vera capsules for constipation. Upon discontinuation of
the oral aloe vera, liver markers of liver toxicity returned to normal
levels.
Acute
hepatitis induced by an
aloe vera
preparation: a case report.
World J Gastroenterol. 2005.
Aloe vera, plant extracts of Aloe barbadensis miller, is widely
used in phytomedicine. The first case of acute hepatitis due to this
compound was described.
Hepatitis in a 57-year old female could be linked to the ingestion of Aloe barbadensis miller compounds. The patient's hepatitis resolved completely
after discontinuing this medication. The case emphasizes the
importance of considering phytopharmaceutical over-the-counter drugs as
causative agents of hepatitis.
My
mom cuts aloe vera and keeps it refrigerated for weeks. Is that not a good
thing? She consumes it. I guess what I want to know is what are some side
effects of intoxication from aloe vera? Are vomiting, upset stomach, no appetite,
headaches, sleepiness, tired, nightmares, and dizziness side effects?
It is possible that excessive use could result in
gastrointestinal side effects and other symptoms. However, the symptoms you
mention above can be caused by quite a large number of supplements, medications,
and medical conditions.
Combining with other dietary
supplements
Is it okay to take a small amount of aloe vera juice with other
supplements such as
curcumin or saw palmetto?
Probably. We don't suspect there would be a problem.
Are there any suspected interactions between
taking an aloe vera supplement in the morning and
5-HTP at night?
I don't see any problems with this combination.
Historical uses
Plants of the genus Aloe have perhaps the longest recorded history of
medicinal usage and are amongst the most widely used plants for traditional
medicinal purposes worldwide. Aloe vera, Aloe ferox, Aloe arborescens and Aloe
perryi are the best known and most widely used, but many other species are also
used for their therapeutic properties. The Aloes have been used since ancient
times, particularly for the treatment of microbial infections, gastrointestinal
disorders and inflammatory conditions. In addition to their myriad uses in
traditional therapeutics, the Aloes have also been used as components of
cosmetic formulations, and in the food and beverage industries.
Aloe Vera Plant research
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a commercial Aloe vera
gel in the treatment of slight to moderate
psoriasis vulgaris.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005.
The Aloe vera plant has been used for an array of ailments,
including skin diseases. Recent experimental research have substantiated
the presence of biologically active compounds in the gel, but there are
few controlled, clinical trials to assess the efficacy. We aimed to test
the effect of a commercial, preserved, but otherwise untreated Aloe vera
gel in psoriasis. Forty-one patients with stable plaque
psoriasis were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
right/left comparison. The study comprised a 2-week wash-out period
followed by a 4-week treatment period with two daily applications and
follow-up visits after 1 and 2 months. Data on 40 patients were analysed. The score sum of erythema, infiltration and desquamation
decreased in 72% of the Aloe vera-treated sites compared with 82% of
the placebo-treated areas from week 0 to week 4, which was statistically
significant in favour of the placebo treatment. Fifty-five
per cent of the patients reported local side-effects, mainly drying up of
the skin on test areas. The effect of this commercial Aloe vera gel on stable plaque psoriasis was modest and not better than
placebo. However, the high response rate of placebo indicated a possible
effect of this in its own right, which would make the Aloe vera gel
treatment appear less effective.
Protective value of Aloe vera against some toxic
effects of arsenic in rats.
Phytother Res. 2005.
Concomitant oral supplementation of Aloe vera, (1, 2 or 5% w[sol ]v in
drinking water) during arsenic exposure (intraperitoneally,
once daily for 3 weeks) was investigated in rats for its protective value.
Animals exposed to arsenic (III) showed a significant inhibition of delta-aminolevulinic
acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, a marginal decrease in glutathione (GSH)
and an increase in zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level in blood. White blood
corpuscles (WBC) level decreased while most of the other clinical blood
parameters like red blood cells count, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC ratio
and platelet number, etc. remained unaltered on arsenic exposure. Hepatic
reduced GSH, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) level remained unaltered,
thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level increased
significantly while the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate
aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and catalase
decreased on arsenic exposure. Renal GSH contents decreased while
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased significantly on arsenic
exposure. Concomitant administration of Aloe vera had remarkable
protective action on inhibited blood ALAD activity and restored blood GSH
level while most of the other blood biochemical parameters remained
unchanged on Aloe vera supplementation. Interestingly, most of hepatic
biochemical variables indicative of oxidative stress showed protection; no
effect of Aloe vera on blood and liver arsenic concentration was noted.
Also, no effect of Aloe vera on most of the altered renal biochemical
parameters were noticed. The results thus lead us to conclude that
simultaneous supplementation of Aloe vera protects against arsenic induced
oxidative stress but does not influence the arsenic concentration in these
organs.
Different forms
Here's one email that we received mentioning
the range of gels and extracts that they carry.
Gel Diced
pulp Juice
Whole Leaf Dried Powder
1:1 Aloe Vera Whole Leaf Juice
Whole leaf Concentrate
Gel Concentrate
Refined Powder
Rind powder
100:1 Aloe Vera Whole Leaf freeze Dried Powder
As you can see, there are quite a number of
compounds, gels, extracts, juices, etc and it is difficult to know which
form is best. The gel and juice have active ingredients and the whole leaf
may have additional beneficial ingredients. For practical purposes, one
can consume either aloe vera juice or
take the whole leaf tablets.
Testimonial
Dear Dr. Sahelian, recently I have discovered something that has
effectively eliminated heart palpitations from my life and in doing so,
has greatly improved my quality of life.
Here is the story: In the late 1980s I developed hypertension and have
been under treatment since that time. I now take both lisinopril and
metoprolol tartrate for the hypertension. In the late 1990s I began to
develop heart palpitations (atrial). These really bothered me
psycologically even though my doctor assured me that they were not life
threatening and informed me that he considered the known treatments to be
far more dangerous than the palpitations themselves. As a result, I have
simply
lived with them over the past few years and over that time they
progressively became more severe. By March of this year I would experience
20 to 40 minutes of steady heart palpitations every time I would lie down
as well as random palpitations the rest of the time. They were beginning
to actually make me feel physically sick. During the early part of the
year I had also been having a problem with a urinary tract infection as a
result of long standing urinary track problems. I was given the choice of
treatment with antibiotics or uroquid (a sodium phosphate based drug). I
had chosen the uroquid and
by March had a very bad reaction to it. One of the results was that it
really messed up my stomach. For the stomach problem I began taking aloe
vera soft gels of the common variety that are available at health food
stores and drug stores. I was taking two a day and by the second day I was
astounded to realize that the heart palpitations were totally gone. After
taking the aloe vera for one month, I stopped it to see what would happen.
The heart palpitations returned within 24 hours. I started taking the
aloe vera again and the heart palpitations again stopped. After taking the
aloe vera for six months, I again stopped it to see what would happen.
This time it took a full week for the heart palpitations to return.
Recently, I had a slight problem with some minor palpitations, but found
that taking a couple of Citrical tabs (one time only) caused them to go
away again completely. At this point I am extremely grateful to have the
palpitations gone from my life. So far I have found one other person with palpitations.
In her case the palpitations were a result of a severe physical trauma to
the chest. Her doctor was medicating her for her palpitations with
something that was making her feel lousy and controlling but not
eliminating the palpitations. I suggested she talk to her doctor about the
aloe vera. She did and he told her to go for it. I have since been
informed that the aloe vera has eliminated her palpitations, the doctor
has taken her
off of the prescription medication, and that she is feeling better than
she has in years. I have also discussed this aloe vera experience with
someone at the NIH. This study indicated the aloe vera also may improve
lipid and glucose levels in the blood among other things and there is no
record that there was any significant follow up to it. My recent blood
work done by my physician seems to confirm this since all results from my
blood work showed the same patterns of improvement as those in the study.
I have since sought out other substances that might help me with my
hypertension as well and am now taking fish oil and COQ10 in addition to
the aloe vera. I am also trying to follow the dash diet. The overall
effect is that my hypertension has been retreating steadily and I am
really happy that by accident (or providence) I had this experience.
Recipe
I started making my own aloe vera juice, from the
actual leaf, and it sure helped my internal cleansing. Now I am regular,
and not bloated all the time. I mix it with key lime juice, and apple and grape juice. Yes it
appears, slimy, but it has no taste, so it goes down easily. I also cut
chunks of the flesh, and add it to my salads. I also fry it with other
greens, and it is quite tasty.
I'm currently taking Prilosec and it's only helping a
little. I need better help. My main problem is when I eat something (anything)
my throat tightens, and my esophogus gets very dry, and it can feel difficult to
breathe. Before when this happened I went 5 months on a liquid diet, before the
{rilosec finally helped. I had an upper GI done, they tested for hiatel hernia /
allergies, pylori and nothing shown (other than reflux) which blew me away. I
thought for sure there was something far worse happening. Anyhow, the reflux
(and all the symptoms as before) are back now. I have to keep clearing my
throat. Especially after I swallow food. So I'm hoping I can find something to
SOOTHE my eosphogus and increase more moisture in my throat and mouth. Since
this has happened I can only eat very soft foods, and liquids. I cannot swallow
pills. I dont drink or smoke, or take any caffiene or spicy food either.
I cannot predict whether aloe would help you or not, but the
liquid form may be more effective for soothing an esophagus than the tablet
form.
Suppliers and manufacturers
Lorand Laboratories, LLC has developed an Aloe vera powder with an
acemannan content greater than 15%. This new product called BiAloe, short for
Bio-Active Aloe, is manufactured using unique aloe vera processing technology
that allows for a bio-active profile nearly identical to that of natural Aloe
vera inner leaf gel, according to Lorand Laboratories. “The quality of Aloe is
contingent upon a series of factors”, said Dr. Santiago Rodriguez, Lorand's
founder and CEO, including extremely fertile soil, ideal climate, hand farming,
and proprietary processing using GMPs. “And through these factors, we guarantee
BiAloe has a high concentration of acemannan, a key health ingredient in Aloe
vera,” he says. The company claims they have maintained the proper molecular
size and the natural solubility of the Aloe inner leaf gel, keeping BiAloe as
close to what nature intended as possible while optimizing the health benefits.”
BiAloe, Aloe vera inner leaf gel freeze dried powder, is a free flowing powder
that is water soluble, and appropriate for many product applications including:
capsules, tablets, powders, bars, foods, cosmetics, and skin care, to name but a
few.
Kudos to you for being a M.D. with a mind open to nature and natural remedies. There are far to few of people like you! I saw your page about Aloe v. You have posted some excellent information there, including the availability of BiAloe from Lorand Labs. FYI, I am working with Lorand and a partner, and we are packaging the BiAloe Pure Powder in 30 g. increments for consumer purchase. We have not started a wholesale aspect of this effort yet.
Additional products sold online
buy Aloe Verite
Source Naturals or another aloe vera product
Aloe Verite organic, whole leaf aloe vera tablets offer the benefits of
premium juice in powerfully concentrated, easy to swallow
tablets. Each Aloe Verite tablet contains a potent 200:1 concentrate of
organic, whole-leaf, cold processed powder. Source Naturals Aloe
Verite tablets are made from freshly extracted juice, which is vacuum
processed at low temperatures to remove excess water. This method is
superior to the heat-processing method used by most companies, because
heat can destroy the active constituents.
Buy Aloe Vera product
Supplement Facts:
Aloe Vera Concentrate (200:1) - 600 mg