Aloe Vera

Over 240 aloe species exist, but only a couple have medicinal properties. The most potent variety is aloe barbadensis, which grows in North Africa, Spain, Asia, and America.

Aloe Vera has been used in folk medicine throughout the ages and is called the "plant of immortality." It is a member of the lily family and is cactus-like in its characteristics. Its leaves contain a healing gel with vitamins A, B, C, and E, calcium, digestive enzymes, and amino acids.

Aloe vera is used externally for many skin ailments. Its antibacterial and antifungal qualities increase blood flow, stimulating the skin cells responsible for wound healing. The skin absorbs aloe vera up to four times faster than water, assisting the pores of the skin in opening and receiving the moisture and nutrients of the plant.

In addition to the skin, it protects and heals the inner lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes, and the genital tract, aiding in the absorption of nutrients, helping to control blood sugar, increasing energy production, promoting cardiovascular health, improving liver function, and boosting the immune system.

When it comes to Aloe Vera, it's the right product. While aloe vera juice is crucial to be available readily at health food stores, it's essential to be discerning. Be wary of the two different types on the shelf and their purity and ingredients. The whole leaf variety is usually used for external use, while the inner filet is for internal use. Some brands are stabilized with citric acid, pH stabilizers, carrageenan (thickening agent), and potassium sorbate (preservative and mold inhibitor).

Note: Pregnant women and children under five should not take Aloe Vera internally.

The purest product on the market is available from a manufacturer in Florida: www.aloe1.com. This is by far the best and purest product on the market, and even with the added cost of shipping, it is worth the added expense.