How to Take Aloe Vera for Health
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a member of the lily and onion family. The name "aloe vera" or "true aloe" probably comes from the Arabic "alloeh," meaning "shining bitter substance" in reference to its taste. The following steps will help you decide whether to take this herbal supplement.
1
Read about the historical uses of aloe vera. It has been cultivated for several thousand years throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Its first medical use is not recorded, but the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians and Romans all used it extensively as a laxative when taken internally and as an astringent when applied topically.
2
Look at the first scientific research on aloe vera conducted in the 1930s and 1940s on its effect on x-ray burns. Today, it is most often used to treat damaged skin, especially burns and eczema.
3
Study the side effects of applying aloe vera externally. Aloe vera is well tolerated with few side effects.
4
Ingesting aloe vera certainly has a laxative effect, but this use is not often prescribed by mainstream physicians as the benefits versus the side effects are not well-evaluated. Chronic use can cause the side effects usually associated with laxatives, including abdominal pain and electrolyte loss.
5
Apply aloe vera cream as desired to the skin. Aloe vera cream typically contains 0.5 percent aloe vera. When taken orally (in concentrations up to 100 percent), the dosages vary but typically average 30 ml one to three times per day.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068245_take-aloe-vera-health.html
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a member of the lily and onion family. The name "aloe vera" or "true aloe" probably comes from the Arabic "alloeh," meaning "shining bitter substance" in reference to its taste. The following steps will help you decide whether to take this herbal supplement.
1
Read about the historical uses of aloe vera. It has been cultivated for several thousand years throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Its first medical use is not recorded, but the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians and Romans all used it extensively as a laxative when taken internally and as an astringent when applied topically.
2
Look at the first scientific research on aloe vera conducted in the 1930s and 1940s on its effect on x-ray burns. Today, it is most often used to treat damaged skin, especially burns and eczema.
3
Study the side effects of applying aloe vera externally. Aloe vera is well tolerated with few side effects.
4
Ingesting aloe vera certainly has a laxative effect, but this use is not often prescribed by mainstream physicians as the benefits versus the side effects are not well-evaluated. Chronic use can cause the side effects usually associated with laxatives, including abdominal pain and electrolyte loss.
5
Apply aloe vera cream as desired to the skin. Aloe vera cream typically contains 0.5 percent aloe vera. When taken orally (in concentrations up to 100 percent), the dosages vary but typically average 30 ml one to three times per day.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068245_take-aloe-vera-health.html