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Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egyptian civilization, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Common Names -- aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall

• Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions (see Aloe Aloe Vera Creme with Vitamin E) and orally as a laxative (such as Aloe Vera Juice)
• Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data. That has all changed now, and aloe-vera can safely be used to combat constipation with gentle, doctor-approved products such as Aloe Vera Juice.

Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel should not be used on deep surgical wounds, as it could inhibit healing.

• Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
• Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of too much aloe vera.
• Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
• People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Other forms of aloe vera are: Aloe Vera Whole Leaf and Aloe Vera Freeze Dried.

For personal hygeine, Aloe Vera is a wonderful alternative to drying retail soaps, deoderants, shampoos, conditioners, etc. Vitabase carries personally recommended products for all of these! Check them out:

• Aloe Vera Satin Shower Body Wash
• Aloe Vera Shampoo
• 70% Aloe Vera Moisture Lotion
• Aloe Vera Conditioner
• Aloe Vera Liquid Soap

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