Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Aloe Vera And Its Incredible Compounds
These highly effective agents are the reason why the Aloe Vera plant has extreme potential to eradicate many infections inside the body and out. The Aloe Vera juice itself contains salicylic and Lupeol acids which confirms its effectiveness for relieving pain. Ironically though, most resort to the modern man-made synthetic counter remedies and pay a small fortune for them unaware and uninformed in regards to what the Aloe Vera plant actually is and its self possessed components. And it's not surprising that the information that is widely available now has only surfaced since the Internet. And advertisements in any form prior to the internet were commonly focused on these counter remedies for alleviating pain, burns, cuts, arthritis, ulcers, digestion etc, the list goes on. How the Body can Benefit from Aloe Vera
Well with 200 nutrients in the gel fillet (parenchyma) how can one not benefit from what this earthly wonder has to offer. Containing B-sitosterol (plant sterols), cholesterol, and campersterol, these anti-inflammatory fatty acids are a tremendous aid for the treatment of scrapes; abrasions; burns; rheumatoid arthritis; acid indigestion; allergic reactions; rheumatic fever; cuts and ulcers. Even cholesterol levels can be lowered from the potency of B-sitosterol which is also known as an anti-cholestromatic. Provoking conditions of internal organs inclusive with the pancreas, liver, small intestine, colon and the stomach can also be treated from the fatty acids of the Aloe Vera plant.
Aloe juice, an additional remedy aids in the control of immune system diseases and aliments because Aloe itself also contains immune stimulators called polypeptids. And as it is stated there is a total of 23 polypeptids in Aloe Vera gel. Thus patients with HIV and AIDS can also benefit from these immune stimulators. And to add to the advantages of polypeptids, anti-tumour agents like Aloe lectins and Aloe emodins have the ability to control cancer. It's amazing how one plant can produce such a vast array of functional elements and although the 75 known ingredients in the Aloe Vera plant have little relativity to each other, it's the synergistic connection between them that has given this plant its renowned title "Medicine Plant".
Whole Leaf or Inner Gel
It's become a common process for companies in their production of Aloe Vera products to use the entire leaf inclusive with the outer green rind. And many promote the use of it claiming the additional benefits from their "whole leaf" Aloe Vera products. However, the filtration methods used to filter out impurities once the whole leaf is liquidized are believed to have some effect on the more valuable ingredients.
Bacteria and cellulose are present in the green rind either on its surface or just beneath it. And during processing these two components are most likely to destroy the poly-saccharides which provide Aloe its famous properties. The inner leaf fillet or gel constitutes for the majority of beneficial ingredients in the plant itself. And the world's largest growers who process Forever Living Aloe Products actually hand fillet the leaf using only the inner gel. There is a variety of Aloe plant species however, research has proven the most effective to be Aloe Barbadensis Miller and because Aloe Vera is a natural plant product each plants composition will vary slightly depending on its age and size. And the ideal maturity level in a plant is two to three years.
Properties of Aloe Barbadensis (leaf and gel)
Amino Acids: 7 of the 8 essential amino acids which the body doesn't produce. And 20 others the body produces and requires. Aids in the building of proteins for the creation of muscle tissues, skin renewal etc.
Enzymes: Lipase, Peroxidase; Carboxypeptidase; Alijase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Catalase; Amylase and Cellulase. Enzymes aid in the breakdown of sugars and fats for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Hormones: Gibberellins and Auxins which are excellent for anti-inflammatory and the healing of wounds.
Vitamins: Antioxidants A, C, and E for neutralising free radicals. Vitamins B, B12, Folic Acid and Choline-Folic acid needed for the growth of blood cells. B12 is needed for the growth of red blood cells and B's and Choline for amino acid metabolism.
Minerals: Potassium; Zinc; Calcium; Manganese; Iron; Copper; Chromium; Sodium and Magnesium. Work in conjunction with each other, vitamins and other elements for over all good health.
Anthraquinones: Known as laxatives, these are found in the sap and in reasonably small concentrations along with the Gel portion they supply anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic and anti-viral properties. However, used in high concentration levels on their own they can be toxic. These are contained in the green rind just below its surface and are one reason why the sap is not used in filleted products. Antranol; Aloin; Aloe emodin; Aloetic Acid; Anthracine; Chrysophanic Acid; Emodin; Barbaloin; Ethereal Oil; Isobarbaloin; Ester of Cinnamonic Acid; and Resistannol.
Lignin: Lignin is excellent for the allowance of penetration in Aloe Vera skin products and is a Cellulose based substance. When the gel itself is used on the skin, absorption is almost immediate and the skin's texture is smoother.
Sugars: Gluco-mannans/polymannose (Polysaccarides) and Glucose and fructose (Monosaccharides. Their role: anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and immune control.
Salicylic Acid: For pain relieve Salicylic acid is an aspirin like complex.
Sterols: B Sitosterol, Lupeol, Cholesterol and Campesterol are plant sterioids and are supporting anti-inflammatory properties. Lupeol also consists of analegisic and antiseptic agents.
Saponins: Consistent with a soapy like material Saponins are Clycosides and are good for antiseptic and cleansing.
Overview
With the over all comparison of the pros and cons within the beneficial properties of this remarkable little wonder, Aloe Vera can be the all in one, all you need plant. The juice is widely available and people are making homemade juices mixing it with orange or lemon juices. It provides an excellent source of the above ingredients and the gel straight from the plant is a perfect anti-aging skin treatment aiding in cell renewal. And for the cost of a single mature plant, the savings alone cannot be ignored.
Nature's silent healer Aloe Vera, the "Medicine Plant" is indeed a remarkable wonder.
Kellie Hastings copyright 2007
Writer of articles pertaining to health, anti-aging, internet security, pollution, science, public awareness. To view Why We Age And How-The Mystery-parts 1 and 2, The Cherry Fruit Compounds and Free Homemade Masks That Work [http://www.discovery-health.org]
Monday, November 7, 2011
Ginger: The Incredible Spice And Herbal Supplement
Do you suffer from the pain of arthritis? Do you get menstrual discomfort
that makes even your daily routine difficult? Is your energy level low?
Are you concerned about preventing heart disease? Are you interested in
fighting off the seasonal cold and flu? Do you prefer alternative
medicines over drugs?
Ginger is a wonderful preventative and alternative medicine for many
ailments. It's powerful antioxidant effects and medicinal powers are still
widely unrecognized by many. However, countless research has been done that
shows the benefits of this amazing spice.
Some of the health benefits of ginger are:
Cardiovascular: The first documented report of ginger's potential as a heart
disease medicine came unexpectedly from a group of Cornell Medical School
researchers in 1980. One of the researchers discovered that his blood did
not respond to usual aggregating agents that normally cause clogged
arteries, a major cause of heart attacks. The aggregating agents were
inhibited through the consumption of ginger. Ginger also showed no side
effects.
Arthritis: In 1989, two Danish studies were performed with arthritic
patients. They consumed either fresh or powdered ginger for a period of
three months. The majority of patients reported the ginger produced better
relief of pain, swelling and stiffness. In fact, some of the patients
observed added benefits of taking ginger. Some of those benefits included
fewer colds, improvement of stomach irritation and less constipation. Again
without side effects. (Author of the study-K.C. Srivastava)
Colds: "The hot decoction of ginger tea is an excellent diaphoretic for
breaking up incipient colds. It stimulates the circulation and the warmth
it imparts to the body corrects the surface chilliness associated with
colds....lt stimulates the flow of the digestive juices and the warmth it
imparts to the stomach is gratifying."
A. W. Kuts-Cheraux. N.D.
*Ginger powder capsules or the root of ginger can be used in place of ginger
tea.
Immune System: Ginger not only maintains immune system functioning but
studies in Montreal and in Tokyo (in 1955 and 1979 respectfully) concluded
that the spice may actually enhance immunity. To achieve its effect, it
appears that ginger functions from the most fundamental levels of the immune
system. Ginger might stimulate host resistance against various diseases.
In order to maintain a healthy immune system, our bodies must rid themselves
of harmful toxins. Ginger is a powerful way to detoxify our bodies. By
detoxifying our bodies and building our immune system, we increase our
energy level and stamina.
Over a period of 5,000 years, ginger traveled from South-east Asia to the
New World. Considered a treasure by some of the great figures of history,
its ancient trade helped shape nations and ensure its worldwide cultivation.
Ginger is a remarkably safe herb. Both fresh and dry ginger are recommended
forms of supplementation. There will be different properties gained from
each. Ginger is commercially available in many forms including fresh (using
the roots), dried, syrup, capsule and extract. Always consult a physician
before taking any alternative medicine.
For your free ginger and honey syrup recipe and other recipes visit:
[http://www.terrisbluegooseboutique.com/blog/blog.php]
Reference: "Ginger-Common Spice and Wonder Drug", by Paul Schulick
Bio: Terri Grace, nineteen years of experience in boutique sales and marketing. Successful business owner of a boutique for the past 5 years. Owner and entrepreneur of an online boutique. For more information on boutiques go to: [http://www.terrisbluegooseboutique.com]