8 Feb 2014

Aloe Vera and high Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

According to the World Heart Federation there are at least 970 million people worldwide who suffer from high blood pressure. The World Health Organization estimates that this figure will rise to 1.56 billion adults by 2025 !

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure with which the blood is pumped through the arteries as the heart pumps the blood through the body. If the blood pressure is elevated over a longer period of time, it can damage the body by affecting the heart, kidneys, blood vessels and other parts of the body. Given that there are usually no signs or symptoms, it is advisable to check the blood pressure even when a person feels fine to prevent possible damage to vital organs. Some people experience headaches, dizziness or a feeling like a coffeine surge if their BP is too high. 


Blood pressure is measure in 2 numbers, the systolic (top number) is the pressure when the heart beats whilst pumping blood, whilst the diastolic or bottom number refers to the pressure between beats when the heart is at rest.  

The normal blood pressure for a a healthy adult aged 18 and older should be less than 120/80 for both numbers. Prehypertension, or slightly raised blood pressure is between 120 to 139 for the top number or 80 to 89 for the bottom number.
The next 2 stages of high blood pressure are 140 to 159 for the top number or 90-99 for the bottom number, whilst the 2nd stage refers to a top number of 160 or higher or a bottom number of 100 or higher. 

A person's blood pressure changes all the time. During sleep, the blood pressure drops and it rises again when a person wakes up. Other reasons for rising the blood pressure could be excitement, fear, nervousness or activity. Blood pressure also tends to rise as we get older and a healthy diet and lifestyle is of vital importance to prevent high blood pressure. 

If the BP is elevated above the normal levels over a prolonged period of time, it can cause the heart to enlarge or become weaker. This can lead to possible heart failure as the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to maintain the body's needs, but it can also lead to the formation of aneurysms, i.e. an abnormal widening or dilation (like a balloon) in the wall of an artery due to a weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. As the aneurysm grows, the risk of rupture becomes greater and can lead to severe hemorrhages and even sudden death.

High cholesterol levels mean that there is a build-up of fats (lipids LDL or 'bad cholesterol') on the inside walls of the blood vessels. When the vessels are restricted and the BP is too high, it can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, amputation or blindness depending on the location and type of ruptured blood vessel. 

The best prevention for high BP is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoiding 'bad cholesterol', reducing stress, exercising and being well balanced emotionally. There is a large variety of BP-reducing medications on the market but always seek a professional medical opinion before purchasing any medications. 

As a prevention for high BP, one of the best natural remedies is Aloe Vera obviously in combination with a healthy lifestyle!  

So why exactly is Aloe Vera beneficial to prevent high BP? 



The synergy of ingredients of Aloe Vera and the way they interact with each other is what makes this plant so unique and gives it its healing effects.  One of the compounds in Aloe Vera is Acemannan, a D-isomer mucopolysaccharide (a major carbohydrate) that has immunostimulant, antiviral, antineoplastic and gastrointestinal properties. Its immunostimulant properties help boost the immune system and  reduces inflammation and free radicals, which improves oxygen supply.  

The body's cells receive oxygen from the arteries in the lungs that branch out into smaller and smaller blood vessels until they turn into tiny capillaries (the smallest blood vessels). It is there where the oxygen passes over into the cells. Poor eating habits, environmental pollution and stress and increased physical effort weaken the immune system so that free radicals make the body more susceptible for micro inflammations to occur throughout the body that can damage blood vessels and lead to a thickening of the fine capillary walls. If the capillary walls are thickened,  the flow of blood slows down, hence limiting the oxygen supply.


Aloe Vera
The latest studies have revealed that taking Aloe Vera in conjunction with other natural substances can improve this effect even further. Silicon, Evening primrose and alkaline minerals together with Aloe Vera can be absorbed much faster into cells than any other known substance.  



Stinging Netlle

Silicon is a base material necessary for cell growth, it stabilizes the tissue, strengthens bones, hair, nails, connective tissues and the walls of the capillaries. With age the walls of the blood vessels have a tendency to lose their form and resilience, i.e. they can collapse and interrupt the blood flow, which in the worst case scenario can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Silicon is a base material necessary for cell growth, it stabilizes the tissue, strengthens bones, hair, nails, connective tissues and the walls of the capillaries. With age the walls of the blood vessels have a tendency to lose their form and resilience, i.e. they can collapse and interrupt the blood flow, which in the worst case scenario can lead to stroke or heart attack.



Evening Primrose
Aloe Vera reduces the swelling on the capillary walls so that the blood cellls can flow normal again and the improve the body's oxygen supply. By doing this it also removes toxins and impurities more quickly.

Silicon strengthens and supports the capillary walls and thereby keeps the blood flow open which results in improving the oxygen supply. Silicon cannot cannot be absorbed by the human body in its original form, however, there are natural alternatives as for example stinging nettle which is rich in silicon.  




To achieve optimum oxygen supply also depends on the condition of the blood itself. Only when the blood is liquid enough can it pass through the narrow capillaries. Evening Primrose has polyunsaturaded fatty acids and basic alkaline minerals which thin the blood and prevent clotting of the blood and therefore improve the blood flow. The Alkaline minerals support the elasticity of the red blood cells by helping them to pass through the tiny capillaries more quickly and therefore improve blood flow. 

The combination of Aloe Vera, Silicon, Evening Primrose and the alkaline minerals improves the oxygen supply through Aloe Vera's decongestant effect whilst the Silicon strengthens the capillary walls and leads unrestricted blood flow, whilst the alkaline minerals reinforce both.





23 Jan 2014

Aloe Vera and Cold Sores or Mouth Ulcers/Sores


Autumn and winter are usually 'high season' for colds and flu and with these illnesses it is pretty common for cold sores to raise their ugly head. 
Not only are cold sores highly contagious until they are dry and the scabs have disappeared, but they are also quite painful and ugly. 


Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes labialis are caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is an infection of the lips, mouse, gums or on the mucous tissue of the nose and appears as small painful blisters. There is no cure for cold sores, although there are creams, ointments and pills on the market that ease the symptoms and speed up the healing process. Once a person is infected, the virus will remain in the body for life and can re-appear when a person gets ill with cold or flu, through food allergies, stress or when there is an infection in the body. Some people are carriers of  the virus but show no symptoms and do not get cold sores. 

The virus is usually transmitted through touch, sharing eating utensils, drinks, razors or lipstick or through saliva when kissing an infected person. The virus enters where the skin is broken around the nose or mouth and can also spread to other areas of the body (genital herpes). 

Before the blisters appear, the area is usually sensitive to the touch and those who are affected know that this and a 'tingling' sensation are usually the first signs of a cold sore. Some people also experience fever, a sore throat or swollen glands. Once the blisters appear, the sores will eventually break and ooze a clear fluid which then crusts over before it disappears (usually a few days to 2 weeks). 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, Aloe Vera speeds up the healing process and reduces pain. The plant's anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties also protect the skin and mucous tissue by providing nourishment through its amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C.

To treat cold sores, apply Aloe Vera gel three times per day until the lesions have dried and make sure you wash your hands after each application as the virus is highly contagious. For cold sores on the mouth try Aloe Vera lip balm. Make sure not to share lip balm and dispose of the lip balm once your cold sores have cleared up in order to avoid cross infection. Cold sores inside the mouth can also be eased by swirling around Aloe Vera juice in the mouth before swallowing it. 



20 Jan 2014

Aloe Vera and Stretch Marks


Stretch marks are not a pretty sight and even though they are harmless physically, the psychological scars should not be underestimated. All people, irrespective of race, gender and age can be affected and there are literally thousands of creams, lotions and oils as well as surgical procedures that claim to eliminate these ugly marks. The truth is, once a person has developed stretch marks, all they can do is to make them less visible but it is almost impossible to get rid of them completely. Imagine blowing up a blue balloon. When the ballon is new, the color appears dark and its really hard to fill it with air as the rubber is tight and elastic. As you blow up the balloon you find that the color appears lighter as the size of the balloon increases and that the rubber also becomes thinner the more the balloon is inflated. If you allow the balloon to deflate at this stage you see that it returns to it's original shape but it has been stretched and lost part of its elasticity. However, if you continue to stretch the balloon it will burst. The same occurs to the fibres of your skin. 

So what exactly are stretch marks?

Stretch marks (striae) occur when the skin is suddenly stretched and the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) ruptures in places so that the deeper layers show through. Once the dermis, which is made up of collagen fibres, is ruptured, the surrounding fibres are weakened and tear. The tear will continue up or down the skin in the direction of the fibres, just like tearing a piece of fabric. At first the lines will look red or purple because the blood vessels become visible where the skin has torn. With time however, these darker stripes will fade and appear more silvery-white in color when the stretch marks have shrunk. 

Collagen are proteins that are mostly made up of amino acids. They are the main component of connected tissue and account for approximately 25 to 35 % of the entire body protein content. Collagen is found in the skin and the body's connective tissue as well as in nails and hair. Collagen can be compared to the 'glue' that keeps everything together. It helps the skin to stay firm, supple and plays an important role in the constant renewal of skin cells. 

If the body has insufficient collagen (for example as a person gets older, through hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy, wrong diet, smoking, etc.) the collagen production slows down and the skin will lose firmness and elasticity.  

When do stretch marks occur?

The most frequent reasons are:


Pregnancy - About 80% of pregnant women will get stretch marks in the latter stages of their pregnancy as the skin needs to be stretched tremendously to accommodate the growing child. One reason for this is that the pregnancy produces hormonal changes in the body that soften the ligaments to make the body more flexible for the birth, but these hormones also soften the fibres in the skin and therefore makes it more susceptible to stretch marks. Whether or not a woman gets stretch marks during her pregnancy also depends on how quickly weight is gained and whether 'it runs in the family'.

Rapid Weight Gain - When the body gains weight rapidly the skin also has to stretch to accommodate the extra fat or muscle tissue. As with the balloon explained above, the skin loses elasticity and tears if the weight was put on too quickly. 

Puberty - As with rapid weight gain, skin fibres will be stretched too fast and can tear if the body grows too fast. The hormonal changes that occur during puberty also have an impact on the body's collagen production. 

Genetics - The skin is made up of collagen (a structural protein of the connective tissue) that keeps the fibres in the skin subtle and elastic. Some people have a lower collagen production than others, which means that the skin is loser and not as elastic as other people's skin. 

Underlying Health Conditions - Some rare health conditions like Marfan or Cushing's syndrome can also lead to the development of stretch marks. People with Cushing's syndrome produce excess amounts of cortisol that decreases the amount of collagen in the skin whilst those suffering from Marfan syndrome suffer from a faulty gene that affects the skin and connective tissue, which weakens the tissues and makes the skin less elastic.

Corticosteroids  - Also a rare phenomenon are stretch marks due to prolonged or inappropriate use of corticosteroid medicines like creams or lotions to treat various conditions of the skin like eczema. The medication has a similar effect to those suffering from Cushing's syndrome, whereby the cortisone reduces the amount of collagen in the skin, which in turn can make it more susceptible to stretch marks.

How can I avoid stretch marks?

There is no guaranteed formula that prevents a person from getting stretch marks, however, there are a few things that can be done to prevent or reduce these ugly marks: 


Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.... the skin needs to maintain its elasticity. Instead of using water based creams, use natural organic Aloe Vera Gel, which contains natural collagen as well as vital nutrients in addition to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Vera also has the advantage of quickly and deeply penetrating all layers of the skin (Aloe Vera is proven to penetrate up to 7 times deeper into the skin than other substances) so that the nutrients are absorbed at the deepest level of the skin where the damage has occurred. 




Massage enhances blood circulation and helps the tissue to heal faster. Massaging the affected parts enhances the blood circulation in the connective tissues, which in turn promotes healing and by using creams or gel that contain natural collagen, the cells are able to regenerate faster and the skin regains some elasticity and firmness. Using Aloe Vera Gel for massage instead of oils ensures that the nutrients can penetrate deeply into the skin tissue to promote healing and add extra collagen to strengthen the skin tissues. 



Healthy diet. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables that contain Vitamin E and C, as well as nuts and oily fish (or fish oil supplements) and lean protein like lean meat, eggs, tofu or chicken. Zinc and silica are also important to maintain a healthy collagen production. You can also take supplements although a natural diet will beat supplements any time. 


Water Make sure you drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins, especially after massage. Our body consists of about 90% water and its vital to drink water every day. A plant that is not watered will shrivel up and die.... The same happens to your body, it will become dehydrated. 

Exercise promotes blood circulation and the formation of new cellular tissues. It also helps to reduce fat, which in turn is beneficial to improve circulation and healing.





Surgery. There are various options to surgically reduce stretch marks, such as laser treatment, surgical removal (like tummy tucks), microdermabrasion or Endermologie. If you are considering beauty treatments or surgery, do your homework and get several opinions from medical professionals and consider the impact on your health, side effects of the treatment and cost! 

   

12 Jan 2014

Aloe Vera and Weight Loss


Trying to find the perfect natural weight loss supplement is like searching for the Holy Grail... There are literally thousands of products on the market, which claim to help you shed pounds quickly and easily and even though these supplements will assist to lose weight faster… that is providing you also change your life style, always remember that there is no miracle cure!

The only effective and safe way to lose weight is to change your life style by eating a healthy diet and exercise... All supplements can do, regardless of whether they are natural, organic or chemical, is give you an additional boost in combination with a healthy diet and exercising. 


There are various weight loss products on the market, including FDA approved pills like Yacon, Phen375, Capsiplex, Meratol, UniqueHoodia, Pure Acaiberry, Adiphene, and Teatoneplus, fat binders like Proactol, or weight loss patches, as well as various organic teas and extracts such as Koutea, green coffee, raspberry ketones with green coffee bean extract, and so on. 

The fact that the benefits of Aloe Vera have secondary effects on losing weight is no secret. There are numerous scientific claims on the efficacy of Aloe Vera, for example, Aloe Vera juice (also available as organic capsules, like Organic Aloe Vera) is said to ‘reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells’ and a daily dose is like ‘doing multiple workouts throughout the week’ according to the American Chronicle website. It speeds up the metabolism in two ways, first by containing a protein that requires a significant amount of energy to break down and secondly by detoxifying the body with its amino acids (methionine, serine, theronine and molybdenum).

According to scientific research it also helps to lower and regulate blood glucose levels and because Aloe Vera is rich in collagen, which is required to repair and build muscle tissue, it assists in converting fats into muscle when exercising and expends calories from fatty tissue and supplies the energy to the muscle tissue.

Aloe Vera also enhances blood circulation by maintaining a healthy function of arteries and veins by reducing and excreting fat deposits in the capillaries and therefore assists in regulating a person’s BMI to normal levels.

Given that Aloe Vera juice is also a mild laxative, it cleans the intestines and helps to keep bowel movements regular and smooth. Please note that unregulated or excessive consumption of Aloe Vera juice can lead to diarrhea. If in any doubt, please consult your physician.

SUMMARY:

Weight Loss – Vitamin B assists in regulating the metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant as well as reducing fatty deposits. The amount of calories the body has to burn in order to digest the plant it is said that it’s equivalent of several weekly workouts.

Weight Control – Aloe Vera reduces blood sugar levels and helps sugar to enter cells slowly without being stored as fat. Because it also regulates the body’s blood sugar levels, it gives the impression that you feel ‘full’ for longer.

Energy & Detox – Aloe Vera’s detox properties clean the body and as toxins are eliminated from the body, you will feel more energetic. The proteins and collagens in Aloe Vera force the body to work harder in order to burn calories from fats and carbohydrates and help to develop muscle tissue, which is why Aloe Vera is the perfect pre-workout supplement to help to get you going!

Vitamins – Aloe Vera is a ‘powerhouse’ of vitamins. It includes vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, niacin and folic acid, which are vital for your well-being or you take some vitamin supplements. Most people on a diet do not receive the daily vitamins they require in order to maintain a fit and healthy body. 

Please note!

If you have any health problems or are unsure, please consult with your physician before taking Aloe Vera. Even though there are minimal contra indications it is always advisable if in doubt to ask for a medical opinion.

Begin your weight loss schedule with an Aloe Vera colon cleanse and detox program, for example Aloe D-Tox. By eliminating toxins your energy will rise and you will maximize the results of your weight loss plan. If you don’t like Aloe Vera juice, you can also take Aloe Vera capsules like

Stick to a low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie diet to get rid off the extra pounds. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you can kick-start it with a proven medical diet used by hospitals and doctors like the easy cabbage soup diet before moving on to a normal diet. By choosing organic foods you will also limit the buildup of toxins in your body.

Chose a combination of cardio and weight training exercises to shed the pounds. Make sure you chose activities that are fun. Hire a personal trainer so you stick with it because if you have to pay a personal trainer you will not want to waste your money by ‘skipping’ workouts so there’s an extra reason and added incentive to keep going and see your body get sculpted and lose those pounds!

You can also achieve better results if you get together with like-minded people who understand what you are going through and who can offer support, encouragement and guidance. Join a program tailored to your needs, such as Weight Watchers, Slimming World or Fitium. Most groups are also online if you don't fancy or can't go to the meetings in person.

6 Jan 2014

Aloe Vera and Hair Growth




Healthy hair is not something to take for granted. Millions of men and women worldwide suffer from hair loss, an itchy scalp, dandruff, hair thinning, dry or greasy hair, etc. 

There is a wide spectrum of reasons for any of the conditions. Some are the result of a bad diet, stress, as a secondary result due to various illnesses, hormones,  eczema, age, etc. 


Its not just a sign of vanity to want healthy hair, its an outward sign that we are healthy and that we take care of ourselves. Of course there is a potion for everything but for those more inclined to go natural and organic, Aloe Vera should be on the list as one of the top natural cures. Some of the best high-quality organic Aloe Vera supplements on the market are Aloe Vera and Aloeride. 

Many commercial hair and beauty products contain Aloe Vera, due to the fact that manufacturers have come to recognize Aloe Vera's beneficial properties, including Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E and over 20 essential minerals and enzymes that are required for hair growth and healthy hair. 

a) healthy hair, b) slightly raised cuticles,
c) severely raised cuticles, d) almost torn cuticle,
e) torn cuticle, f) knotted cuticle, g) damaged hair shaft 
Aloe Vera balances the scalp's ph-level and regulates the hair's sebum (an oily substance secreted by the hair glands). Excessive amounts of sebum easily attracts dirt particles, which together with the sebum will block the pores (seborrhea) and consequently restricts new hair growth and promotes partial baldness. 

Aloe Vera's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties thoroughly cleanse the scalp, eliminate any dry skin particles, protect the scalp from bacteria and toxic substances and thoroughly moisturize the scalp whilst maintaining a natural balance. 

The result is an improved circulation of the scalp, which in turn leads to healthier hair, less thinning and more rapid growth. 

The results can be even more dramatic by further enhancing the circulation with a scalp massage, for example Indian Head massage. 

Alopecia Areata
The plant's anti-pruritic properties also reduce itching and dryness and have proven to be extremely beneficial for conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, redness, scaling, itching and inflammation of the scalp. According to the Archives of Dermatology, over 80% of psoriasis patients showed improved skin and scalp when treated with Aloe Vera. 

Using Aloe Vera in hair products is also beneficial for women who use hair colorings, styling aids (hair dryers, curlers, hair irons, etc.). Aloe Vera gives the scalp some protection from harmful substances used in various hair products, such as bleaching agents, extreme heat and it also reduces swelling, redness and burns (applies to extreme heat when blow drying the hair or using hair irons or curlers that irritate the scalp).

Aloe Vera gel also has a similar composition to keratin, a protein that occurs naturally in hair cells, which means that the nutrients of the plant are absorbed evenly from the shaft of the hair to the tip of the hair. Aloe Vera contains lignins, one of the main building blocks of cellulose and is proven to penetrate the skin up to 7 layers deep, more than any other known substance. Given that the scalp is even more absorbent than the skin, it is self-explanatory that minerals and vitamins are absorbed faster and more profoundly and that ammonia-free hair colorings with Aloe Vera are gentler on your scalp and lead to a richer, more evenly distributed hair color. 

Given that beauty also comes from the inside, the best results are achieved when Aloe Vera is used as a topic, i.e. as an organic shampoo, conditioner or gel that can be massaged into the scalp  in combination with taking Aloe Vera Juice, Gel or capsules. 

In India for example many women also take organic silica in conjunction with Aloe Vera as they believe it adds further strengths and thickness to the hair and although there are no existent studies that prove this theory most Indian women seem to have very healthy and thick hair... Of course it goes without saying that a healthy diet also enhances the benefits of using Aloe Vera.

Top 10 Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair:
  • maintains the skin's and scalp's natural ph-level 
  • relieves itchy scalps
  • reduces redness and inflammation of the scalp
  • promotes hair growth,
  • penetrates 7 times deeper into the scalp and hair,
  • it allows vitamins, minerals and other supplements within the Aloe Vera to be absorbed faster and more profoundly
  • moisturizes the scalp 
  • alleviates dandruff
  • strengthens the hair
  • adds a lustre shine to the hair 

Alopecia Areata
Alopecia is hair loss or baldness from the head and/or body and can have many causes, such as fungal infection, compulsive pulling, traumatic damage, iron deficiency, as a result of radio or chemotherapy, hormonal imbalances after pregnancy and so on. Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss and is caused by an underlying susceptibility of hair follices to androgenic miniaturization. It affects around 70% or men and 40% of women at some stage during their lifetime.  

There are various types and severities of Alopecia and although Aloe Vera has been beneficial for all types of Alopecia due to its large spectrum of properties, in severe cases of Alopecia where there the follicles do not contain hair anymore (see below), the only options currently available are hair transplants or using wigs as the hair follicles have been completely destroyed.



2 Jan 2014

Aloe Vera for Hip Joint Problems in Animals



Some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd, Labrador and Newfoundlanders are prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, whereby the hip socket is either not developed properly or malformed, resulting in arthritis and further damage of the hip joint. 

Although there are various causes, the biggest risk factor is hereditary (genetic). It most commonly occurs in large breed dogs. Gaining weight rapidly and growth due to excessive nutritional intake can lead to further complications. 

Another common condition in older dogs is osteoarthritis, which can affect shoulder, elbow, knee and hip joints as well as the back. It is a degenerative condition, which means it gets worse over time. 

The classical symptoms for both conditions are: 
  • Limping or holding a leg frequently off the ground
  • Swelling of the joints
  • Stiffness and slow movements when the animal first gets up, and 
  • trouble getting up and down
              
Malformed joint, socket is too small for the joint
Arthritic Joint


To diagnose hip dysplasia, Vets need to x-ray the animals hip. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the more treatment options are available. Depending on the severity of the condition the animal might need surgery, which could include a femoral head ostectomy (removal of the head and neck from the femur to alleviate pain), a triple pelvic osteotomy, which is mainly performed on puppies less than 10 months old and involves realigning the angles of the pelvis and hip joints to stabilize the femur in the socket or a complete hip replacement. 
     
Treatment for dogs with arthritis are steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although these can have several side effects. Other options include therapy laser treatment, chiropractic treatments and acupuncture and pain killers. Supplements, such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids are often prescribed for their anti-inflammatory effects, whilst glucosamine and chondroitin help in nourishing and repairing the joints' cartilage. Aloe Vera is also very beneficial as a supplement due to its anti-inflammatory properties and it also helps to maintain, repair and heal.  

For both conditions it is important to control the animal's weight as being overweight will only worsen the condition. For dogs that cannot undergo surgery the only relief in addition to controlling weight is pain medication and supplements. One of these supplements is glucosamine with chondroitin but some amazing results have also been registered with Aloe Vera. 

Aloe Vera acts as an anti-inflammatory and also promotes healing. In addition, it is anti-bacterial and anti-viral and helps to fight secondary infections. The result is that the animal suffers less pain and has improved mobility. In addition, Aloe Vera absorbs the toxins produced when the joints are inflamed and reduces swelling. 

Aloe Vera is a natural product with no side effects and can be given to animals in juice, gel, sachets or capsule form. The capsules are the easiest way to administer as it has no flavor and can be mixed under the food. Vegi capsules or sachets are available through Aloeride. The suggested dosage for dogs is half a tablet twice daily. 





27 Dec 2013

Aloe Vera and Veterinary Medicine


Since the 18th century people successfully used Aloe Vera to treat various horse ailments; hence the name 'horse Aloe' was born based on these positive results. 

Two blacksmiths named George Skevington and F.D. Day went on to publish these findings in 1840, which lists their successes of Aloe Vera treatments for horse illnesses like psora, mallenders, summer eczema, allergic skin conditions as well as significant healing effects on parasitic diseases and gastrointestinal tracts. 

It wasn't until 1950 when a well known veterinary medical magazine first reported the health benefits of Aloe Vera in animals. A further milestone in healing animals with Aloe Vera was achieved in 1975, when Dr Robert T Northway from California, USA conducted the first official clinical study on internal application of Aloe Vera. The study went over a period of 6 years and involved 4 horses, 42 dogs and 25 cats. 

Dr. Northway discovered that Aloe Vera's anti-inflammatory properties were able to combat acute, chronic and bacterial infections. Furthermore, the study has shown that it alleviates  most yeast fungi ailments like Candida as well as the staphylococcus, streptococcus and corynebacterium in animals. The result showed that from a total of 71 cases, 67 animals were recorded to have positive results that were either comparable or superior to traditional therapy and the greatest plus was that none of the animals suffered any side effects! 


An English Vet, Dr. P Green also conducted a study in 1996, in which he successfully tested the use of Aloe Vera to treat PVLS (Post Viral Lethargy Syndrome) in horses, a condition that was relatively unknown at that time. PVLS is a chronic state of exhaustion. 


Another English Vet, Dr. David Urch, also noted overwhelming success rates of 83% on horses suffering from PVLS after internal treatment of Aloe Vera during his year-long study. The results of the study were published in Dr. Urch's 1999 book "Aloe Vera - Nature's Gift. Aloe Vera in Veterinary Practice"


The properties of Aloe Vera offer just a small insight into the potential healing power of this 'magical' plant,


  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti bacterial
  • Anti fungal
  • Anti viral
  • supports wound healing
  • enhances blood circulation 
  • moisturizes
  • cools and acts as a decongestant
  • eases pain
  • stops bleeding and irritation
  • moderately controls parasites such as mosquitoes, flees and ticks
  • vitalizes fur/coat and soothes skin




Thanks to these dedicated veterinarians who have recognized these amazing properties of Aloe Vera and who believe in natural products, as well as to the extensive research and advances of companies such as Aloeride, these products are now available on the market.

For more information on Aloe Vera for animals, visit Aloeride 


Aloe Vera for Animals



Yes, you heard right! Products are usually tested on animals but... in the case of Aloe Vera it has been the other way around! What's beneficial for humans since thousands of years has also improved the health of countless animals! 

Animal studies have shown that Aloe Vera promotes healing, hydrates the skin and helps medication to be absorbed much faster into the body, but it also improves joints, memory, learning ability and even alleviates depression. But there's more... 

Every caring animal owner wants to maintain his animal in the best shape and health possible. Part of caring for your animal is a correct daily supply of nutrition. Animals often suffer major health problems due to over feeding or not receiving the correct essential basic nutrients. Although most foods claim they supply the daily nutrients needed for your animal, they often fail to fulfill that promise or you might find that your animal is allergic or does not like certain foods with the end result that it doesn't receive the right amount of necessary nutrients to stay healthy. This can often lead to 

  • Skin disease
  • Loss of energy
  • Damaged intestinal flora
  • musculoskeletal problems as well as other problems

According to the Aloe Medical Group International, adding Aloe Vera gel to animal food can ease a variety of problems as it offers certain micronutrients. that assist with prevention of diseases, as well as treatment and maintaining your animal's health. 

Medical care is another aspect of animal ownership and we all know from experience that medical care is very expensive.  Given that for most animal owners their pet is seen as part of the family, they put up with high medical bills to ensure their pet's health. We know that medical care costs a lot for a dog or a cat, yet all horse owners will tell you that the medical bills for a horse can reach astronomic amounts of money. Just alone the fact that the vet has to come to the stable costs money. Given the medical knowledge we have today, it's a fair assumption to say that prevention is always better than cure.

The Aloe Medical Group International has found that Aloe Vera given internally has benefits, such as 

  • helping joint problems as it is benefits the build-up of cartilage and eases pain and inflammations,  
  • providing animals with more vitality and well-being
  • strengthens and stimulates the immune system
  • Increases mental and physical fitness 
  • helping to combat intestinal fungi
  • lowering susceptibility for infections
  • detoxing and draining metabolites from the entire organism
  • easing cough infections as it soothes dry cough
  • helping with chronic respiratory problems and
  • problems of the urinary tract
  • easing constipation
  • acts as an insecticide


In addition, Aloe Vera supplements are stimulating, encourage a good appetite and increase your animal's energy potential and therefore your animal's quality of life. Aloe Vera supplements boosts regeneration, enhances vitality and strengthens the immune system and therefore helps in preventing illnesses. 


Research has also shown that Aloe Vera particularly strengthens the gastrointestinal tract, which results in an overall positive effect on the animals condition as a whole. 


It has also proven extremely successful in easing allergies, such as summer eczema, metabolic problems, joint pains, constipation, skin problems like abscesses and ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions, improving skin and fur/coat, and to soothe itches. For more information on soothing itching, please visit soothing itches. 

Aloeride have conducted extensive research and take great pride in producing organic, high quality and hypoallergenic Aloe Vera supplements especially designed for horses (can also be used for dogs and cats in lower doses). The products are free from additives, colorings, stabilizers, fillers and are neutral tasting. The products have been tried, tested and endorsed by top riders, such as Jo Bates, Lorraine Homer, Katie Jerram, Victoria Bax, Lucy Cartwright and Jason Webb to name just a few.

Made in the UK, organic Aloeride is the choice of horse owners worldwide who want to help support their horses' health AND be sure of remaining competition legal. Aloeride is available in 1, 3 and 6 carton offers all with worldwide Free Shipping. 


ALOERIDE Aloe Vera, 426 mg 



















Single Pack Details, Prices in GBP or USD and shipping   

10% Discount on 4.8 litres in 56 vegi-capsules if you order 2 Packs

12.5% Discount on 7.2 litres of original Soil Association certified organic Aloe Vera Juice in 84 vegi-capsules by ordering 3 Packs, click for prices in GBP or USD and shipping  

15% Discount on 9.6 litres of original Soil Association certified organic Aloe Vera Juice in 112 vegi-capsules by ordering 4 Packs, click for prices in GBP or USD and shipping

17.5% Discount on 12 litres of original Soil Association certified organic Aloe Vera Juice in 112 vegi-capsules by ordering 5 Packs, click for prices in GBP or USD and shipping


FREE POST WORLDWIDE PLUS 20% DISCOUNT on 14.4 litres of original Soil Association certified organic Aloe Vera Juice in 168 vegi-capsules for orders of 6 Mega Discount Packs, Prices in your currency incl. free world wide shipping