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Article: Aloe gel: the gel from this desert lily isn't just for sunburns. It may relieve a host of digestive ailments, too. (herb brief).(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Natural Health
- Article date:
- October 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Weider Publications. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What It Is
Aloe (Aloe vera, also known as A. barbadensis), a member of the lily family, is native to Africa and cultivated in warm climates. Aloe leaves contain a gooey, colorless gel, which can be made into a juice. The intensely bitter rind of the leaf is called the latex.
How It Works
Research suggests sugars called polysaccharides in aloe gel form a lining in the GI tract that reduces the inflammation caused by GI disorders. Research also shows that aloe gel helps the GI system by increasing the count of good bacteria, which improves digestion and assists bowel regularity.
Scientists do not know how aloe gel could regulate blood ...