Aloe Vera - Fact versus Fiction

Overview

Dr. Gus

Some products have just enough Aloe Vera in them - often just a few drops - to list it as an ingredient on the label and put the word "Aloe" in the name.  Other products are of a very high quality and worthy of consumer confidence.  How can you, the consumer, know the difference?

This article will help to provide you with the information that you need to be an educated consumer of Aloe Vera.

While it is true that properly grown, stabilized and manufactured Aloe Vera products - especially drinks - do provide a host of nutrients that the body requires, it is not true that Aloe Vera (or anything else for that matter) can "cure".  Only a functional immune system cures the body - speaking from a strictly physical perspective.

A good Aloe drink does; however, provide the immune system with the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc. that it needs to function properly.

It should be noted that anybody who would rely on aloe alone is unwise.  Exercise, a proper diet including mostly fruit; vegetables; and grain, plenty of pure water, and a healthy lifestyle are all important factors in health maintenance.

Why an article on Aloe Vera?

There are a growing number of companies today selling products made from various parts of the Aloe Vera plant. With so many "experts" and companies making so many claims about aloe, it's difficult for the consumer to know which end is up.

Also, we live in a world where in medicines are constantly prescribed for the slightest ailments and new strains of virus and bacteria are increasingly becoming immune to our battles against them.  This is partly due to an over-medicated, drug defendant population. We are now paying the price.  (Of course, medicinal drugs ARE important and even life saving, when used with educated caution and under the supervision of your health care professional.)

It is, therefore, little wonder that people are seeking natural means, as well as traditional medicine, for the management and healing of illness and pain.  Certainly seeking such means that are provided as nature's gift to humankind is at once reasonable and intelligent - as long as one does not discard the valid and significant gains made by science in the fields of modern medicine and health studies.  Information in this article can help you make decisions that are right for you.

(This article is neither intended, nor qualified, as personal or general medical advice. When you have health concerns it is critical that you consult with your medical professional in-person.)

NEVER discontinue any prescribed medications without the knowledge and approval of your medical professional.  Check with your medical professional before taking any supplements for possible interactions with medications. 

The views and statements of doctors, publications, and researchers quoted or referenced in this article are for your consideration.

What is Aloe Vera?

There are over 250 different species of Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

Although Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family, it is very cactus-like in its characteristics. This unique plant also belongs to a larger plant family called "Xeroids". 

Of the 250+ species of Aloe, only four are recognized as being of nutritional value to humans and animals. Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe Vera species) is the top of these four. Significantly the top.

Thus, any aloe-based product you use should be made from barbadensis miller species for the desired best results.