Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is usually utilized for skin burns, infections, and wounds and applied as a topical ointment, gel, or spray. The gel-like center of the plant’s leaves is extracted and used for this purpose. It can also be taken orally, although this has been studied less than its topical treatment. The liquid found in between the gel and outer leaf can be dried and ingested.

Functions of Aloe Vera

• Antibiotic and antiseptic properties (kills germs and bacteria)
• Encourages healing
• Improves ability to heal from wounds
• Reduces inflammation
• Relieves pain from certain skin conditions
• Strengthens immune system
• Works as a laxative

Recommended Dosage

• As a topical cream, Aloe vera can be applied liberally with no side effects.
• When taken orally, up to 150 milligrams of Aloe vera can usually be taken without causing any discomfort.

Side Effects and Contraindications

There are not noted side effects when using Aloe vera as a topical cream, but it should not be sued on deep surgical wounds. When taken orally, Aloe vera can cause diarrhea and nausea. In addition, abusing Aloe vera (orally) can result in dangerous electrolyte imbalances such as low potassium levels.

Diseases/Disorders that Topical Aloe Vera Can Treat or Protect Against

Aphthous stomatitis, Burns, Dandruff, Eczema, Genital herpes, Herpes simplex, Psoriasis, Skin infections and Various wounds

Diseases/Disorders that Oral Aloe Vera Can Treat or Protect Against

AIDS, Asthma, Constipation, Diabetes, Immune weakness, Inflammation, Inflammatory bowel disease and Peptic ulcer disease

Herbs to Treat Inflammation

Herbs can help the body heal a variety of ailments. The herbs on the following list, for example, have anti-inflammatory properties. They can help decrease both inflammation and the associated pain.

COX-2 is the enzyme that produces prostaglandins, a hormone that is responsible for inflammation and pain. Therefore, inhibition of COX-2 can greatly reduce these problems. However, most COX-2 inhibitor medications – such as Vioxx – can have extremely serious adverse effects, namely on blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. You will see that some of the following herbs are labeled natural COX-2 inhibitors. Like COX-2 inhibitor medications, these botanicals block the action of COX-2, but they have a decreased tendency to cause unwanted side effects. The other herbs on the list help inflammation in other ways, but can be just as effective.

• Aloe vera
• Boswellia
• Bromelain. Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Capsaicin. Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Carnosol/carnosic acid (rosemary; Rosmarinus officinalis). Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Carvacrol (oregano; Oreganum vulgare). Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Chinese skullcap. Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Curcumin (turmeric; Curcuma longa). Natural COX-2 inhibitor. Do not take with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medcicaitons
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Natural COX-2 inhibitor. Do not take with Coumadin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs)
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Do not take with blood thinners. USANA combines Ginkgo biloba and PS into a single product. In addition, USANA uses only standardized Ginkgo biloba extract. The high quality of USANA Vitamins supplement Ginkgo biloba extract combined with PS gives USANA Ginkgo-PS clear advantages over other ginkgo products on the market.
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis). Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Do not take if you have high blood pressure.
• Quercetin. Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Thymol (thyme: Thymus bulgaris). Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Trans-resveratrol (purple grape). Natural COX-2 inhibitor
• Willow bark (Salix species). Natural COX-2 inhibitor