Archive for category Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera and Cancer Treatments
Posted by in Aloe Vera on July 9, 2011
You’ve been reading articles, blogs or testimonials singing praises to the cancer healing properties of aloe vera. Or you’ve heard cancer survivors sharing their experiences with chemotherapy and aloe.
What is in aloe that merits such praise? Some can’t give a sound explanation why aloe works against cancer. Skeptics just scratch their heads in exasperation.
You’ll be pleased to know that studies from both the alternative therapy camp and the scientific community have shown similar explanations on the benefits of aloe vera in cancer treatment.
Aloe vera affects cancer cells in three ways. One is by fortifying the immune system. The second mechanism is through apoptosis (cell suicide). And thirdy, aloe enhances the cytotoxic efficacy of chemotherapy drugs on cancer cells.
Intensifies Immune System
Aloe vera boosts your body’s immune system. In this manner, it eradicates cancer cells through the activation of your body’s scavenger cells — the macrophages and including white blood cells and T-cells.
International Immunopharmacology published research performed on aloe in 1995. The study gave evidence that aloe polysaccharides are the secret of its potent macrophage activity that kills cancer cells.
Additionally, lectin (a substance in aloe) stimulates the production of macrophages. When macrophages attack foreign bodies, they naturally release immune activating and anticancer substances such as interferons, interleukines and tumor necrosis factor.
Direct Effect on Cancer Cells Through Apoptosis
Various researches identified the compound aloe-emodin, a hydroxyanthraquinone, in the aloe leaf. Through controlled experiments, researchers discovered that aloe-emodin initiates apoptosis or cell suicide in cancer cells. Your body’s aged cells usually commit suicide to prevent replicating worn out genetic material. The opposite happens with cancer cells. Despite their aberrant genetic material, cancer cells replicate at a continuously faster pace generating bizarre lethal cells that multiply and form tumor masses. Read the rest of this entry »
Aloe Vera Skin Care
Posted by in Aloe Vera on July 9, 2011
When searching for products capable of reducing the visible signs of acne scars, or to eliminate dark spots, the consumer has a number of options available. Nature provides us with some all natural products that can provide us with the exact solution we are looking for. It is wise to consider the use of aloe vera skin care for eliminating acne scars, especially if you are looking for something that will be a natural product as well as gentle. And if you are looking for a treatment option for hyperpigmentation, aloe can provide a great result while providing remarkable skin tone.
The aloe vera plant was originally a native of North Africa, and was used extensively to treat a variety of skin conditions as well as digestive ailments. In fact, aloe has been used medicinally for more than 6,000 years and is effective not only as a topical application, but can be taken internally as well. The gel of pure aloe comes from inside the plants stem and is often applied directly on to the skin for its beneficial healing properties.
Aloe vera naturally contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This makes aloe an ideal solution for treating many skin ailments. It is rich in nutrients and has frequently been used as a home remedy for centuries. It can be used in treating acne as well as mild cases of hyperpigmentation. The aloe vera gel has been known to be an effective treatment for melasma. By applying the cream to dry skin, tissues are allowed to regernerate and good blood circulation is promoted.
The gel can be applied to the skin directly, or it can easily be mixed with a variety of other helpful ingredients to make a healing face mask. To lighten skin, a common and effective face mask is commonly made from the juice of either lemons or limes mixed with an equal part of aloe vera gel. This mixture is then applied in the evening for a minimum of 15 minutes, then washed off.
Another way that pure aloe gel is often used is by applying it directly on your face each evening before going to bed, and then in the morning it can be gently washed off. This will leave your skin feeling a little tight as the gel begins to dry on your face, however, if you continue using it you will begin to notice that dark spots start to lighten and new pimples will not leave scars. Read the rest of this entry »