30/3/2013
If you have a severe case of IBS taking Aloe Vera is unlikely to help. I tried taking it for a few months and it did nothing.
24/6/2012
Aloe vera has been cultivated for several thousand years throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Its first medical use is not recorded, but the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians and Romans all used it extensively as a laxative when taken internally and as an astringent when applied topically.
The following information was gathered from http://www.naturalnews.com/021858.html
Benefits include:
• Halts the growth of cancer tumors.
• Lowers high cholesterol.
• Repairs "sludge blood" and reverses "sticky blood".
• Boosts the oxygenation of your blood.
• Eases inflammation and soothes arthritis pain.
• Protects the body from oxidative stress.
• Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea.
• Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.
• Cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn's disease and other digestive disorders.
• Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
• Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients.
• Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns.
• Replaces dozens of first aid products, makes bandages and antibacterial sprays obsolete.
• Halts colon cancer, heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.
• Ends constipation.
• Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglycerides in diabetics.
• Prevents and treats candida infections.
• Protects the kidneys from disease.
• Functions as nature's own "sports drink" for electrolyte balance, making common sports drinks obsolete.
• Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
• Speeds recovery from injury or physical exertion.
• Hydrates the skin, accelerates skin repair
There is a lot of information on the website I referred to. I just put up a summary of benefits. So I would advise to actually check out the website.
Now I'm not quite sure which is better, aloe vera gel or juice. It would appear that the gel straight from the plant is quite bitter so some people have recommended adding it to a smoothie. Also, aloe vera from stores can actually contain a lot of chemicals, so you might want to check the labels to avoid the chemicals.
Now I am one to believe that you can't trust everything you read on the internet because I'm not sure how much research has really gone into the topic. So I looked up Aloe Vera on 'The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines' by Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D., and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D. The book I have was printed in the year 2000. I thought that the information here was important to share.
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Aloe
Aloe has a long history of popular use. It comes from the aloe vera plant (also called Aloe barbadensis, A. vulgarise hybrids, A. africana, A. ferox, A. perryi, and A. spicata). The plant's large, blade like leaves are a source of aloe gel. Aloe preparations for oral use contain either the colourless juice that comes from plant's top layer or a solid yellow latex obtained by evaporating the juice.
Aloe comes as both topical and oral preparations. Topical preparations contain the colourless aloe gel or aloe vera gel (sometimes mistakenly called "aloe juice"). Aloe gel can be prepared by various methods. Some people prefer to obtain fresh gel directly from the aloe vera plant.
Why people use the herb
- Acne
- AIDS
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bleeding
- Blindness
- Bursitis
- Cancer
- Common cold
- Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Hemorrhoids
- Lack of menstruation
- Seizures
- Skin conditions (abrasions, cuts, irritations, minor burns, frostbite, sunburn, and wounds)
- Stomach ulcers
- Varicose veins
Side effects
- Delayed healing of deep wounds (with topical forms)
- Dehydration (with frequent use)
- Intestinal spasms
- Reddish urine (with frequent use)
- Skin irritation (from direct contact)
Aloe can also cause:
- Blood build up in the pelvis (with large does)
- Low blood potassium, resulting in irregular heartbeats, weakness, and flaccid muscles
- Severe diarrhoea, kidney damage, and possible death (from overdose)
- Spontaneous abortion or premature birth if taken during late pregnancy
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use aloe internally if you're taking:
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Drugs that cause potassium loss, such as Bumex, Demadex, Edecrin, Lasix, and Sodium Edecrin
- Diuretics
- Drugs for irregular heartbeats
- Steroids
Important points to remember
- Don't use external aloe preparations if you're allergic to aloe of plants in the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, and tulips)
- Don't take aloe internally if you're pregnant, breast-feeding, or menstruating
- Don't give aloe to children
- Avoid aloe if you have kidney disease or heart disease
- Don't use aloe gel or aloe vera juice internally. You may experience severe stomach discomfort and serious problems from body salt imbalances
- Be aware that four people have died after receiving aloe vera injections for cancer. Injecting aloe vera isn't recommended
What the research shows
Studies show that topical aloe gel application eases acute inflammation and itching, promotes wound healing, and reduces pain. Fresh aloe may have value in treating burns and minor tissue injury, although studies aren't well documented. The Food and Drug Administration considers topical aloe to be generally safe, although it doesn't recommend aloe for any specific condition.
No studies support internal consumption of aloe juice. Aloe laxatives that contain anthraquinone have dramatic effects, and most experts recommend less toxic laxatives.
A recent study found that aloe can alter the body's DNA. This finding may lead to research investigating aloe's possible role in treating cancer.
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Here are some other useful sites relating to aloe vera:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/aloe_vera.html - A lot of individuals have replied on this site to inform others of the effects they had when taking aloe vera. Most replies are positive.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068245_take-aloe-vera-health.html - Typical average intake is about 30 ml one to three times a day. I personally would start small to see how it reacts with your body. You don't want to make things worse.
http://www.aloelife.com/aloeverapages/aloedigestive.html - Another interesting site relating to IBS and Aloe Vera. Recommended dose is 1 tablespoon before each meal to assist with repairing damaged cells.
Shikz
Sunday 24 June 2012
Saturday 23 June 2012
Benefits of Cabbage Juice
From researching the internet I came across quite a few sites claiming that cabbage juice has medicinal qualities. It can assist with health in a number of areas, such as reflux and ulcers.
The following information was gathered from Wiki Answers:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_benefits_of_cabbage_juice
Cabbage contain phytonutrients, works to protect the body from free radicals that can damage the cell membranes. Phytonutrients also signal our genes to increase its production of enzymes involved in detoxification. Cabbage may lower the incidence of cancer, especially in the lung, stomach and colon prostate. Cabbage is a muscle builder, blood cleanser and eye strengthener. The juice of fresh raw cabbage has been proven to heal stomach ulcer. Cabbage is rich in iron and sulfur.
Juice of fresh cabbage is effective in treating fungus infection(due to it sulfur content). Cabbage can lower serum cholesterol. Cabbage contain Sulforaphane, a substance that can increase the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane works by stimulating the production of glutathione, the body's most important internally produced antioxidant which plays a role in liver detoxification.
Red Cabbage has more phytonutrients than the green cabbage. The vitamin C content of red cabbage is 6-8 times higher than that of the green cabbage. Red cabbage contain anthocyanin (red pigment/color) is an antioxidant that can help protect brain cells, thus can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
It has the capacity to cure cancer and this is the known fact. There is a big history behind this vegetable if you look back to those Roman and Greeks; they used to drink white fresh cabbage to relive sore or infection eyes. They used to drink to prevent intoxication.
Cabbage acts as to disinfect colon since it contains lactic acid. It also reduces your headache. People suffering from cancer should increase the intake of cabbage as it has got anti-cancer properties to heal. This is good for your skin as well. You can eat cabbage as a cooked vegetable or in the form of salad and you can take it in the form of juice.
You can drink cabbage juice 25-50 ml everyday to treat headache, asthma, bronchitis and other digestion problems. You can also dab white cabbage juice on your mouth to cure ulcer and they say it heals faster.
Cabbage contain phytonutrients, works to protect the body from free radicals that can damage the cell membranes. Phytonutrients also signal our genes to increase its production of enzymes involved in detoxification. Cabbage may lower the incidence of cancer, especially in the lung, stomach and colon prostate. Cabbage is a muscle builder, blood cleanser and eye strengthener. The juice of fresh raw cabbage has been proven to heal stomach ulcer. Cabbage is rich in iron and sulfur.
Juice of fresh cabbage is effective in treating fungus infection(due to it sulfur content). Cabbage can lower serum cholesterol. Cabbage contain Sulforaphane, a substance that can increase the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane works by stimulating the production of glutathione, the body's most important internally produced antioxidant which plays a role in liver detoxification.
Red Cabbage has more phytonutrients than the green cabbage. The vitamin C content of red cabbage is 6-8 times higher than that of the green cabbage. Red cabbage contain anthocyanin (red pigment/color) is an antioxidant that can help protect brain cells, thus can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
It has the capacity to cure cancer and this is the known fact. There is a big history behind this vegetable if you look back to those Roman and Greeks; they used to drink white fresh cabbage to relive sore or infection eyes. They used to drink to prevent intoxication.
Cabbage acts as to disinfect colon since it contains lactic acid. It also reduces your headache. People suffering from cancer should increase the intake of cabbage as it has got anti-cancer properties to heal. This is good for your skin as well. You can eat cabbage as a cooked vegetable or in the form of salad and you can take it in the form of juice.
You can drink cabbage juice 25-50 ml everyday to treat headache, asthma, bronchitis and other digestion problems. You can also dab white cabbage juice on your mouth to cure ulcer and they say it heals faster.
The following information was gathered from Healthy-Juicing.com:
Cabbage juice helps to:
- Prevent cancer
- Slow ageing
- Prevent cataracts
- Lowers the risk of babies being born with Spina Bifida
- Heal ulcers
- Lower serum cholesterol
- Reduce risk of heart disease and stroke
- Lose weight
- Clear skin
- Prevent Alzheimer's
- Boost immune function
- Prevent cell damage
- Promote strength
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Treat fungal infections
- Boost energy
- And more
Nutrition includes:
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Sodium
Shikz
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Sodium
Shikz
FUTURE NOTE:
I wrote the above in June 2012. It is now February 2013. After trying cabbage juice I believe that this was not helpful in relieving IBS symptoms.
On The Mend: Status 2
Ok, so I agreed to give an update once I have taken a course of antibiotics. Keep in mind that I continued with Endep, the FODMAP diet, Vitamin D and daily exercise which consists of a walk around the block, reps, squats, star jumps and stretches.
Just to fill you in my gastroenterologist prescribed a two week course of rifaximin 500mg. There have been studies showing that 40% of patients with IBS that took rifaximin had symptoms improved. Symptoms improved for a period of two months, sometimes longer.
I am at the end of my second week of taking the antibiotics and unfortunately I did not get the results I was hoping for, however, I have appeared to improve a bit overall over the past month.
- I have not been spitting out bloody mucus. I have come to conclude on this that perhaps at times I may have scratched my throat somehow causing a mild infection which developed the bloody mucus. Not so worried about it. And just incase if the bloody mucus was caused by reflux my mum suggested that I drink half a glass of raw cabbage juice every morning before breakfast for two months. Refer to post "Benefits of Cabbage Juice" for more details.
- The abdominal discomfort and pain and chest discomfort when going to bed does appear to have reduced a bit. I still sometimes have discomfort. I also assisted this by eating a bowl of rice bubbles with little milk and sugar before bed. Thought that this might assist with keeping acid levels low.
- I still have excess flatulence, but overall pain levels have seemed to reduce a little.
Although things appear to be going in a positive direction I still have my off days where I just feel utterly fed up, hopeless and just want it all to end. I sometimes feel as though I will never feel normal again, but all I can do when this happens is try to block that thought out of my head and distract my mind with TV, or piano, or something else.
I am now going to take another course of VSL #3 (a strong pro-biotic filled with 450 billion good bacteria). Each package of VSL has 30 sachets, so the course lasts for a month. At the end of this month I will let you know how I have progressed. If I'm still having problems I am going to try drinking aloe vera juice every day for one to two months. Refer to post "Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice" for more details.
Shikz
Just to fill you in my gastroenterologist prescribed a two week course of rifaximin 500mg. There have been studies showing that 40% of patients with IBS that took rifaximin had symptoms improved. Symptoms improved for a period of two months, sometimes longer.
I am at the end of my second week of taking the antibiotics and unfortunately I did not get the results I was hoping for, however, I have appeared to improve a bit overall over the past month.
- I have not been spitting out bloody mucus. I have come to conclude on this that perhaps at times I may have scratched my throat somehow causing a mild infection which developed the bloody mucus. Not so worried about it. And just incase if the bloody mucus was caused by reflux my mum suggested that I drink half a glass of raw cabbage juice every morning before breakfast for two months. Refer to post "Benefits of Cabbage Juice" for more details.
- The abdominal discomfort and pain and chest discomfort when going to bed does appear to have reduced a bit. I still sometimes have discomfort. I also assisted this by eating a bowl of rice bubbles with little milk and sugar before bed. Thought that this might assist with keeping acid levels low.
- I still have excess flatulence, but overall pain levels have seemed to reduce a little.
Although things appear to be going in a positive direction I still have my off days where I just feel utterly fed up, hopeless and just want it all to end. I sometimes feel as though I will never feel normal again, but all I can do when this happens is try to block that thought out of my head and distract my mind with TV, or piano, or something else.
I am now going to take another course of VSL #3 (a strong pro-biotic filled with 450 billion good bacteria). Each package of VSL has 30 sachets, so the course lasts for a month. At the end of this month I will let you know how I have progressed. If I'm still having problems I am going to try drinking aloe vera juice every day for one to two months. Refer to post "Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice" for more details.
Shikz
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