Aloe

by Douglas Adams

A member of the Lily family, Aloe vera, also known as the burn plant, and whose name in Sanskrit, kumari, means goddess.

Indigenous to East and South Africa, the succulent aloe is grown in the West Indies, tropical areas, some Mediterranean countries and in the southwestern and southeastern United States. While the aloe plant's gel has long been used as a topical remedy for minor burns, sunburn and abrasions, insect bites, diaper and heat rashes and rashes from poison ivy, oak or sumac, aloe may also be taken internally. Herbalists and nutritionists often use crystallized aloe in extract form as a laxative and cleanser for the liver, kidneys and spleen.

In Ayurvedic (Indian/Hindu) medicine, aloe is considered a general liver tonic, a pain reliever of muscle spasms associated with menstruation, a mild laxative, gallbladder and stomach, and a balancer of vata, pitta and kapha the Ayurvedic aspects of human constitution, or body types.

However, the internal use of aloe, which contains a substance called anthraquinone, has come under question because it has been known to cause gastrointestinal cramping.

The National Aloe Science Council, a trade association created in 1972 by 30 manufacturers of aloe products, plans to establish scientific studies, ethics and standards for the production of aloe, including as juices and drinks, to satisfy the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration.

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