The Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

Nature has miraculously shown that it has the ability to meet the ever-changing health needs of humans. For thousands of years, ancient civilizations have turned to the amazing healing powers of nature, and such practices are still widely used today. Today, with the aid of modern medical technology, the health potentials of many plants are being discovered, proven, and developed as highly effective pharmaceuticals. And one of the most talked about and widely used medicinal plants is Aloe vera.

Aloe vera, also known by its taxonomic synonym Aloe barbadensis, is a fleshy succulent plant from the family Asphodelaceae. It grows up to a meter high, its serrated and thorny leaves arranged in a rosette. The thick leaves have a gelatinous interior, secreting a type of mucilage when crushed or ground. Historic records show that Aloe vera and its extracts have been used for healing by ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, North Africans, and even the Indians in Ayurvedic medicine.

Among the most popular uses of Aloe vera gel is in the realm of skin care and cosmetics. Because of the moisturizing and soothing properties of the extract, it has been added as a natural ingredient in many creams, lotions, salves, and even shampoos.

Beyond the role of Aloe vera in maintaining healthy skin, this medicinal plant also has the potential to treat various conditions. Below are some evidences of the healing properties of Aloe vera:

Antimicrobial

In 2008, the Internet Journal of Microbiology published a study testing the active components of Aloe vera gel in terms of fighting bacteria and fungi. The results showed that Aloe vera leaf extract can kill a wide range of bacteria such as E. coli (cause of gastric infections) and Klebsiella (cause of pneumonia). Aloe vera was also found to be effective against fungi such as Aspergillus, which causes food molds and plant disease. Further studies are conducted to test the potential of Aloe vera as an ingredient in many antibiotic drugs.

Anti-inflammatory

Many skin creams contain Aloe vera because of the extract’s ability to reduce redness and swelling on skin. In line with this, Asian Biomedicine published a 2009 paper that proved how Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects against mucositis, a side effect of cancer therapy that involves swelling of the linings of the esophagus and gastric tract. Soon Aloe vera can be used as a treatment to accompany chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer patients.

Diabetes mellitus treatment

The World Health Organization predicts that the number of diabetes patients across the globe will double within the next decades. This is why numerous research efforts are underway to find alternative cures for the debilitating condition, and so enters the role of Aloe vera. A 2009 Korean study released in the journal Phytomedicine found that oral treatments of Aloe vera gel had positive effects on diabetes-induced mice. The Aloe vera gel medication has helped lower the triglyceride levels as well as fat levels in the mice, making it a potentially useful aid in overcoming diabetes mellitus in the future.

At present, research groups continue to explore the endless possibilities Aloe vera has to offer. It is said that the ancients were truly wise in their choice of healing treatments, which is why more and more people today are opting for natural alternative forms of medicine. Within the next few years, the world is sure to reap even more healthful blessings from this miraculous plant.

References:

Cock, I. E. (2008). Antimicrobial activity of Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf gel components. Internet Journal of Microbiology, 4(2).

Kim, K., Kim, H., Kwon, J., Lee, S., Kong, H., Im, S. A., Lee, Y. H., et al. (2009). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of processed Aloe vera gel in a mouse model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine, 16(9).

Puataweepong, P., Dhanachai, M., Dangprasert, S., Sithatani, C., Sawangsilp, T., Narkwong, L., Puttikaran, P., & Intragumtornchai, T. (2009). The efficacy of oral Aloe vera juice for radiation induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Asian Biomedicine, 3(4).

Coffee and Nutritional Value

Nothing starts the day better than a nice cup of hot coffee. Java, espresso, cappuccino, latte, kopi – no matter how you name it, coffee is a must for many! Perhaps the most popular beverage in the world, coffee can actually do more than just perk you up in the morning.

The big question now is: does coffee have any nutritional value? Upon examination of a regular cup of plain brewed coffee, one will find that there are no nutrients in it! Coffee may contain trace amounts of sodium, but it is mainly water. This means that your favorite stimulant has no calories and no fat.

But despite this lack of necessary nutrients, did you know that coffee still has health bonuses for its drinkers? Read on to find out more.

Antioxidants in coffee

A known polyphenol in coffee is chlorogenic acid, which like all other similar antioxidants, has shown the ability to protect the body’s cells from damage. Chlorogenic acid has been reported by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology in 2008 as having the potential to prolong the lives of mice with neurological disease.

Aside from that, coffee contains another antioxidant, caffeic acid, which the journal Atherosclerosis published in 2007 as having anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce the risk of plaque formation in blood vessels. Besides caffeic acid, ferulic acid is also a beneficial antioxidant found in coffee. A 2010 study by Circulation Research found that these phenolic compounds can help further reduce cholesterol levels in blood samples. Future research may prove the effectiveness of coffee consumption against certain types of cardiovascular disease.

When too much isn’t a good thing

Sure, you love coffee – but do you need it every day? As mentioned earlier, there really are little or no available nutrients in plain coffee. For a majority of drinkers, consuming coffee involves adding sugar and cream for flavor, thereby upping the calorie and fat content of the beverage. This may be a problem for persons at risk of certain conditions. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008, caffeinated coffee has been found to possibly decrease the effectiveness of insulin treatments for diabetic patients. This is only an illustration of how excessive java intake may not always be good for health.

The journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition said in a 2008 study that it is safe to have a moderate daily intake of coffee. About three to four cups per day, with regulated amounts of fat or sugar will be ideal for health maintenance.

So that’s good news! For those who really can’t say no to their favorite hot drink, the key thing to remember is moderation. Coffee does have its pros and cons, but the secret to a healthy body lies good eating and healthy lifestyle. Keep that in mind as you enjoy your next cup of Joe.

Quenching Your Thirst for Antioxidants

In a world where anyone is susceptible to health risk, people have become more and more conscious about the foods they eat. Choosing the right types of food can truly spell the difference between wellness and sickness. As it is already known, food does more than just satisfy hunger, but it contains valuable compounds, providing nutrition to ensure survival and longevity. And among the most important components that boost immunity and overall health are the much talked about antioxidants.

Just what do antioxidants do, and why are they necessary for optimum health? The cells of the human body require various compounds for them to perform vital bioprocesses. And whenever the cells metabolize these nutrients, the by products are released as waste. The accumulation of certain wastes, however, can lead to oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress eventually causes the production of harmful free radicals, compounds that contribute to health complications such as heart disease, urinary tract infection, cancer, and others. To be able to fight off cell damage caused by free radicals, the body needs the speedy action of antioxidants. Antioxidants may be classified into categories such as flavonoids, enzymes, thiols, and others.

Did you know that you can receive your daily dose of antioxidants from rich sources such as your favorite beverages? Even without the need for pills or dietary supplements, you can cleanse your body, rejuvenate your cells, and improve your overall well-being just by enjoying drinks like coffee, tea, juice, cocoa, and wine!

Get to know a few more details about your everyday thirst quenchers, and how drinking them regularly can help you say goodbye to nasty free radicals. Here are some juicy antioxidant tidbits for you to ponder on:

Coffee – America’s favorite perker upper has been found to contain the highest level of antioxidants compared to all other drinks. To be more specific, these were caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, which are most abundant in black coffee. According to the Journal of Nutrition in March 2004, coffee has been widely studied to have positive effects against certain types of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and even diabetes.

Tea – Perhaps the most popular drink in the whole world, tea and its many varieties have already been established as beneficial to health. Of the diverse types of tea, green and black tea are said to contain the most amount of flavonoids like EGCG, which perform vital antioxidant processes. Drinking tea daily can help cleanse the urinary system, and prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer.

Juice – Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes have a high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C has already been established as an effective antioxidant that boosts immunity. Along with that, citrus juices contain hesperidin, a compound that was found to help protect the blood vessels. Another popular fruit that has strong antioxidants is the acai berry, rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids like homoorientin and more. Acai juice, as a diet supplement, is already a favored choice among people who want to get rid of excess fat.

Cocoa – A steaming mug of cocoa is not just for cold winter nights anymore. Chocolate, especially the pure unsweetened form, has been discovered to have lots of procyanidin, a flavonoid that supports the body’s connective tissues, maintains healthy blood vessels, and prevents cell mutation. Cocoa also has quercitin, which has been researched by the National Institutes of Health to have benefits against diabetes and obesity.

Wine – More people are now considering drinking a glass of red wine everyday because they say it’s good for the heart. But other than that, red wine can do more wonders, too. Research has attributed these positive effects to a compound called resveratrol, which also has the potential to treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiac fibrosis. Resveratrol is currently being examined as a possible key to longevity, as seen in experiments with mice. Other foods that have this antioxidant are grapes, mulberries, and peanuts.

So next time you take a sip of merlot, gulp down some OJ, or indulge in a fresh cup of java, think of the healthy dose of antioxidants you’re getting. Not only are you quenching your thirst with your favorite drink, but you are also helping your body fight off disease and infection. Now, that’s something worth raising your glass to!

Herbs for Women’s Emotional Health and Well-Being

Can women battle emotional anxiety and stress the natural way? Though medical advancements happen by the minute, many people have chosen to go natural when it comes to physical and emotional healing. In line with ancient practices that go back thousands of years, the modern use of herbs and natural products has deemed effective even to this date.

There are actually herbs and home remedies that can improve women’s health, whether it is for the body or for the mind. Even various health supplements today contain ingredients derived from nature. Using herbs for certain health issues can be more cost-effective and can provide a more holistic effect, as compared to using conventional methods.

And yes, herbs can be used by women to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and promote overall well-being. Whether it is with a hot cup of herbal tea, a soothing homemade face mask, or a relaxing massage with essential oils, women can fight stress by going natural.

Why should women be “de-stressed” instead of distressed?

A 2009 study by the University of California Berkeley found that high levels of stress can lead to reproductive problems and even infertility – health risks that include both women and men. When the body is stressed, there is an increase in cortisol in the blood, which in turn inhibits the release of sex hormones that are vital to maintaining reproductive health. These results were on experimental rats, and further studies are being done to investigate other effects.

As said before, the traditional use of herbs by people such as the Chinese, Indians, and Native Americans, goes back centuries, evidence that their therapeutic claims can be proven as true. At present, modern knowledge has refined the science of herbal medicine, making it more understandable and practical for use even in households across the globe.

What kinds of herbs can help fight stress and promote reproductive health for women? Here are some of them with their traditional uses and their perceived effects:

Valerian – During the menstrual cycle, it eases uterine contractions and helps get rid of cramps. The roots are used to relieve stress by promoting sleep and relaxation. A Japanese investigation published in Chemical Senses (2006) showed that inhalation of Valerian extracts can enhance restful sleep.

St. John’s Wort – It can help alleviate depression as well as anxiety. According to the British Journal of Psychiatry (BJP) in 2006, this herb has been widely used for as an anti-depression aid for patients with mild cases. Extracts of this plant are sold in tablets and even as ingredients in teas.

Passionflower – Extracts of this plant can ease insomnia and anxiety. The BJP also investigated it as a mild sedative, thanks to a compound known as chrysin. Other sources claim that the leaves of some species can be dried, smoked, used as painkillers or cures for hysteria.

Prunella – It can fight infection, improve circulation, as well as safeguard the health of the heart and liver. Recently, the Journal of Biology and Reproduction (2009) found that extracts of Prunella can regulate levels of estrogen in mice. Findings suggest that there may be an application in terms of treating endometriosis, breast cancer, and even uterine cancer.

Licorice root – This herb can improve fertility as well as provide support for the female reproductive system during menstruation. A University of Pittsburgh study in 2005 reported that licorice root can increase levels of estrogen in the blood.

What do the experts say about using herbal remedies?

The use of complementary and alternative medicine is a scientifically recognized field, with research continuously ongoing to find more solutions to pressing medical issues of the present. However, it is not safe to generalize that herbs will eradicate diseases, or to claim that herbs will work perfectly without complications.

The American Cancer Society reviewed in a 2005 publication the use of herbs for relieving symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and stress. Its researchers representing the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York explain that though herbal treatments have known positive effects, patients and doctors should be careful about administering them.

They say that herbs can work adversely when combined with current medications and therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation. The best solution is to be familiar with such alternative treatments, and be well-informed about their effects, whether positive or otherwise.