Susan Branson - 101 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SUSAN BRANSON earned an undergraduate degree in biology from St. Francis Xavier University, then a MSc in toxicology from the University of Ottawa. From there, she worked in research: in the field, in the lab, as a writer, and as an administrator. She took time off and stayed at home after her second child was born. In addition to being a stay-at-home mom, she also took violin lessons, photography courses, earned a diploma in writing, and ultimately became a holistic nutritional consultant. Susan is a member of CSNNs Alumni Association, Canadas leading holistic nutrition school.

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1. ALCDHOLLC LIVER DISEASE

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body that filters toxins out of the bloodstream to prevent them from damaging tissues. When toxins overwhelm the liver, the tissue itself becomes damaged. The liver has the ability to regenerate and make new, healthy tissue, but when the damage gets too extensive, liver disease sets in and no longer functions as it should. One of the major causes of liver disease is chronic overconsumption of alcohol. The whole body is affected. Early symptoms are vague but as the disease progresses, abdominal swelling and pain, bruising, fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, and an increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs may be evident. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, alcohol should be eliminated. In the early stages, the disease can be reversed as long as no more alcohol is consumed. If the disease is in the advanced stages, the patient must refrain from alcohol, lose weight if needed, and may take medications to reduce inflammation. These recommendations could slow or halt progression of the liver disease. If damage is too severe, liver transplants may be necessary.

Alcohol consumption is a popular social pastime that many people partake in all over the world. Alcohol increases the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that sends messages to the brain and nervous system and slows down signals. The consumption of excessive alcohol slows signals too much and leads to physical and mental impairment. If this happens on occasion, the body can recuperate. Women are recommended to have no more than one and men no more than two alcoholic beverages per day. If more alcoholic beverages are consumed, this can begin the decline of liver function. Though, many find it difficult to keep to those limits. To help protect the liver, aloe should be consumed before alcohol or on a daily basis, if overconsumption is frequent. Aloe vera was found to reduce oxidative damage in the liver of chronic alcohol-fed mice by increasing antioxidant levels and reducing alcohol-induced inflammation. These demonstrations in rodents give hope to aloe having similar effects in humans and provide some assurance that the historical use of aloe in protecting the liver from alcohol has some merit.

2. BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control and form a tumor. Tumors are cancerous if they grow and spread into other areas of the body. The condition is much more common in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. Mammograms can help detect the cancer before symptoms begin. If not detected early, breast cancer can cause bloody discharge from the nipple or changes in the shape or texture of the breast or nipple, which can also be felt as a lump. Treatment may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, so the finding of new and effective therapies is critical to help increase survival rates. An extract of aloe vera was used to determine its effects on human breast cancer cells. Aloe was able to increase the death rate of cancerous cells without having a significant impact on healthy breast cells. When aloe was combined with cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancers, cancerous cell growth was inhibited in a synergistic fashion. Not only does aloe appear to be an effective antitumor agent, it can increase the therapeutic potential of conventional drugs used to inhibit cancer growth.

3. CANDIDIASIS

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast-like Candida fungus. There are over twenty species of Candida that can infect humans, but Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common. These yeasts normally live on the skin and mucous membranes in people and are generally harmless. If conditions in the body shift to create an environment favorable to Candida overgrowth, infections of the mouth, vagina, urinary tract, skin, or stomach can set in. Most causes of Candida overgrowth result from certain drugs, pregnancy, bacterial infections, excess weight, or an overburdened immune system. Vaginal yeast infections, white lesions on the tongue or inner cheek, painful cracks in the skin at the corners of the mouth, or crusted skin rashes around the fingers, toes, or groin are symptoms of candidiasis.

Antifungal drugs are commonly prescribed for up to two weeks. The reduction of sugar and yeast products in the diet and the addition of probiotics are popular complementary approaches to assist in eliminating candidiasis. Daily consumption of aloe vera can be added to these alternative methods. The antifungal activity of an extract of fresh aloe vera leaves is potent, inhibiting C. albicans growth between 90 and 100 percent. Six ounces of aloe vera juice each day can help reduce the symptoms of candidiasis and prevent overgrowth that can affect the whole body.

4. CERVICAL CANCER

Cells of the cervix may gradually begin to develop pre-cancerous changes. These changes can be detected by a Pap smear and treated so that they do not progress into cancerous cells. Not all pre-cancerous cells, however, develop into cancer if left alone, but those that do, often take a few years to make the change to cancer cells. Cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and do not die as normal, healthy cells do. They form into masses called tumors, which can break off and spread to other areas of the body. One of the causes of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus is common, and there are various types. HPV is contracted after having sex with an infected person, even if the carrier shows no signs or symptoms. Most cases of HPV are resolved on their own, but some will develop into cervical cancer. Lifestyle factors like smoking may also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Treatment depends on how far the cancer has progressed. In the early stages, surgery to remove the cervix and uterus (along with perhaps the lymph nodes and part of the vagina) often removes the cancer. Others opt for radiation and chemotherapy to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. Those in the later stages of this cancer often combine radiation with chemotherapy.