Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

You are right I was confused with Yucca

I did a quick search on Google and found a bunch of hits.  Knowlege of Aloe
Vera's healing properties for wounds go back to Alexander the Great.  And
topical application seems to be safe and effective.

I looked further and found the following from two websites about internal
medical uses:

> From www.purplesage.org.uk
"Aloe vera (L)

Synonyms: Aloe barbadensis (Mill.), Curacao aloes, Barbados aloes, first-aid
plant, medicine plant

Order: Liliaceae

Description: A large succulent perennial plant growing up to 1.5 metres in
height, with a strong fibrous root and a large stem supporting a rosette of
narrow lanceolate leaves up to 60cm long. The leaves are whitish green on
both sides and bear spiny teeth on the margins. The yellow to purplish
drooping flowers grow in a long raceme at the top of the flower stalk. The
fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds. It is native to
East and South Africa and cultivated in the West Indies and other tropical
areas.

Parts used: Aloes is the evaporated liquid exuded from the cut leaf bases.
The fresh gel is also used for topical applications.

Collection: The bitter juice is obtained by mechanical or chemical means
from the parenchyma tissue in the centre of the leaf, and the liquid
evaporated.

Constituents: Aloes: Hydroxyanthracene derivatives of the anthrone type
(principally barbaloin); 7-hydroxyaloin isomers, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol
and their glycosides; chromone derivatives (aloesin and its derivatives
aloeresins A and C, and the aglycone aloesone. Gel: glucomannan (a
polysaccharide), steroids, organic acids, enzymes, antibiotic principles,
amino acids, saponins, minerals.

Actions: Aloes: Stimulating laxative, purgative, cathartic, choleretic,
emmenagogue, uterine stimulant, abortifacient, anthelmintic. Gel: soothing
and healing to damaged tissues

Indications: Constipation. Topically for wounds and burns

Therapeutics and Pharmacology: Aloes is taken internally as a purgative,
acting on the lower bowel. It may be used in atonic constipation although
overdosage can result in diarrhoea, gastritis and nephritis. To avoid
griping, it should be taken in conjunction with carminative and
antispasmodic herbs. It is the 1,8-dihydroxyanthracene derivatives such as
barbaloin which have a laxative effect. As glycosides They are not absorbed
in the upper gut but break down to the active aglycone in the colon and
rectum. Laxatives containing anthranoids induce active secretion of water
and electrolytes into the lumen of the gut and inhibit the absorption of
electrolytes and water by the colon. The increased volume of contents of the
colon activates peristalsis.

In the past, Aloes was used as an emmenagogue, small doses increasing
menstrual flow. Aloe-emodin is reported to have anti-cancer activity in
vitro. Aloes turns the urine red. The gel is used topically to aid wound
healing and to relieve burns including sunburn; it encourages skin
regeneration. It is also used for colonic irrigation.

Combinations: Take in conjunction with antispasmodics or carminatives to
counteract griping. Metal salts are often used to enhance its action (e.g.
iron pills).

Caution: Overdosage can cause gastritis, diarrhoea and nephritis. As Aloes
stimulates uterine contractions, it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Also, because it is excreted in breast milk, it should be avoided during
lactation as it may be purgative to the child. It should also be avoided in
kidney disorders, haemorrhoids or irritable bowel conditions. Aloes should
be taken for a maximum of 8-10 days."

> From www.arrubaaloe.com
"When a leaf is cut, a orange-yellow sap drips from the open end.
As a drink this bitter sap has a very strong laxative effect. At the
beginning of this century it was the most used raw material for laxatives in
the world and although many synthetic laxatives have largely replaced it on
the world market there is still a demand for this product as a raw material
for laxatives. This raw material is nowadays used as basis for many other
pharmaceutical products also. One of the most popular anti-rheumatic
medicines has this product as its basis. "

"It is used as a healthdrink for stomach problems and it proved to be a very
effective skin moisturizer as an ingredient in skin care products. "


.

The descriptions on the two above websites make me wonder if I would want to
use it internally.  The chance of gastritis (irritation of the gastro
intestinal tract), diarrhoea , nephritis (kidney problems) is not to be
taken lightly.  It certainly seems that internal consumption has
physiological effects.  Rule 13 states in part: "...the equine is not
influenced by any drug, medication...""AERC prohibits from competition
equines who contain evidence of administration of abnormal substances..."

Ed

Ed & Wendy Hauser
2994 Mittower Road
Victor, MT 59875

ranch@xxxxxxxxxxx
406.642.6490

============================================================
It is how we "feel" deep inside that matters, cause each of us knows the
truth, regardless of how we try make it complicated.  It just isn't.
~ Frank Solano

ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/

============================================================