“You cannot reverse ulcerative colitis, yours was just a case of spontaneous remission.”
These are the words spoken to a family member by their doctor after two weeks of self-treatment using Aloe
vera gel. But can Aloe vera really play a role in reversing a chronic disease? Let's look at historical and modern usage to give us a clearer picture of what Aloe vera is capable of.
The recorded medicinal use of this succulent plant goes as far back as the 4th millennium B.C, being listed as useful for topical treatment of burns, skin
disorders, and wounds, and internally for digestive complaints and even gum disease. These uses are backed up by modern science which shows that Aloe vera gel is not only soothing, but restorative in nature.
Aloe vera contains multiple compounds that are helpful in different applications, particularly the polysaccharides of the inner gel and the
anthraquinones under the leaf skin. The yellow latex found just under the aloe leaf skin contains the anthraquinone glycosyl, aloin. Aloin is similar to the more commonly used anthraquinone emodin found in the related species Aloe Ferox. Both of these have a laxative effect, a great help for those who suffer from constipation.
The inner
gel of the aloe vera leaf contains many polysaccharides which are known to have antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and cell proliferant activity. The polysaccharide acemannan is one of the main compounds that explains the effectiveness of aloe vera as a remedy for cuts, burns, and skin diseases, it literally helps our bodies build themselves back together, while keeping infection at bay.
In the medical field, we find aloe vera being utilized with incredible results.
Dr. Heggers, former director of research at Wayne State University relayed the treatment results of 154 cases of frostbite. Out of those who were treated with a sterile Aloe vera cream alone, only 7 percent came down with some kind of
infection. Of patients given other standard forms of treatment, 33 percent needed amputation. [Gage, 61]
Aloe vera gel has also been used in some dental practices for restoring and maintaining oral health, its antimicrobial and cell proliferating actions working to rebuild both bone and gum. [ Gage, 95]
So, if aloe vera can be this useful externally, what about internally?
Now more than ever we hear about people suffering from gut issues caused by the modern diet and medications. Even when we stop taking in harmful substances, it can take time to heal from this
onslaught. The good news is Aloe vera is an herb that is capable of accelerating internal healing from inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract. [Le Phan et al.]
Aloe vera is one of my favorite remedies because of its role in reversing a family member's ulcerative colitis. After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, this individual was
recommended a lifelong prescription to a pharmaceutical drug in order to keep the disease in check. Fortunately, they decided to do some research, and chose to give Aloe vera gel a try along with other natural supplements. Aloe vera became their sidekick, and the results matched the volume of gel consumed! After only two weeks of this self-prescribed regimen, they went back to the same doctor who was in disbelief that they no longer had a patient with ulcerative colitis. Since then, I
have used it to successfully reverse my own leaky gut symptoms and shared this simple remedy with others living with digestive tract inflammation and ulcers.
Friends, God created our bodies to heal, and he has blessed us with a bountiful herbal treasure chest to utilize for our health! It is my hope Aloe vera will find a special spot in
your home apothecary as it has in mine.
Isabella Taylor holds a Master Herbalist certification from the School of Natural Healing, and is working towards becoming a board certified health coach. She resides in Northern California where she enjoys growing and foraging medicinal herbs, making natural medicine, and holding
workshops. You can connect with her by emailing mountainhouseherbs@proton.me
References
Gage, Diane. “Aloe Vera - Nature’s Soothing Healer”, Healing Arts Press, 1996
Le Phan TH, Park SY, Jung HJ, Kim MW, Cho E, Shim KS, Shin E, Yoon JH, Maeng HJ, Kang JH, Oh SH. The Role of Processed Aloe vera Gel in Intestinal Tight Junction: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun 17;22(12):6515. doi: 10.3390/ijms22126515. PMID: 34204534; PMCID: PMC8235210.
