The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia - Excerpts
Excerpts
ALOE VERA
Since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, the gel from the aloe plant was used medicinally for many purposes, including an embalming agent. Aloe vera grows in clustering rosettes of stiff, upright leaves. There are many aloe species, aloe vera (which means "true aloe" in Latin) is considered to be the most therapeutic. For over three centuries the gel from this succulent tropical plant has been used medicinally and historically, was an embalming agent.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Aloe has antibiotic, antiviral, astringent, and
anti-parasitic properties. It inhibits pain, enhances immune system function,
stimulates growth, and acts as a coagulating agent. Aloe vera juice is widely
used as a bowel regulator and is non-abrasive and soothing to the intestinal
tract and relieves ulcers. Aloe is a balancing beverage for summer heat and is
a yin tonic. It treats premenstrual pain, menopausal heat, and is good
for women who have had hysterectomies. It is tridoshic.
The whole leaf, available powdered, is intensely
purgative--consult with your natural health care practitioner regarding dosage.
Because aloe stimulates the uterus, it is not used during pregnancy.
For external use, aloe contains a wound hormone
that accelerates the rate of healing of injured and burned surfaces. The enzymatic
activity of aloe reportedly reduces or eliminates scars.
USE
If you've a decorative aloe plant in your home,
there's your optimum aloe supply. For external use, snip a piece of leaf, split
it open and dab the gel on burns, irritated skin, or wounds. For a beverage,
scrape off two tablespoons of gel from a split leaf, stir it into a glass of
water or juice, and drink. Or drink the prepared juice or gel daily or as per
your health care practitioner's recommendation.
BUYING
Aloe vera is available in many forms: concentrate,
drink, powdered extract (use only as a laxative), gel, and juice. Purchase only unrefined or
unfiltered aloe vera products; they taste bitter but contain active ingredients.
THE BEST PLANTS TO SLEEP WITH--ORCHIDS AND ALOE
Most houseplants release oxygen and absorb carbon
dioxide during the day; aloe, orchids, snake plants and bromeliads, however,
do the opposite. By upping the oxygen while you sleep they make ideal bedroom
companions. Additionally, they remove toxins.
The noted scientist who created a breathable environment
for the NASA lunar habitat, Dr. B.C. Wolverton, pioneered the value of houseplants
for our health. In addition to increasing humidity and oxygen, they remove human
bioeffluents (substances emitted through normal biological processes) including
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane, alcohol, and others. Houseplants
are also superior filters of common environmental pollutants such as ammonia,
formaldehyde, and benzene.
"Houseplants," writes Dr. Wolverton, "are
no longer luxuries, but essential to health. They are nature's 'echo-friendly'
living air purifiers, with years of documented scientific evidence to prove it."