Copyright

      While the authors of this work have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this book is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publication, medical and pharmaceutical knowledge is constantly changing and the application of it to particular circumstances depends on many factors. Therefore it is recommended that readers always consult a qualified medical specialist for individual advice. This book should not be used as an alternative to seeking specialist medical advice, which should be sought before any action is taken. The authors and publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors and omissions that may be found in the text, or any actions that may be taken by a reader as a result of any reliance on the information contained in the text, which is taken entirely at the reader’s own risk.

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      © Julia Lawless and Judith Allan 2000

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      Source ISBN 9780722538241

      Ebook Edition © AUGUST 2014 ISBN: 9780008105778

      Version: 2014-09-16

Dedication

      To DR HAMISH ALLAN MBE

      for his infinite kindness to all living beings

       Contents

      ALOE VERA

       Cover

       Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Preface

Introduction

Part One: Botanical, Historical and Cultural Origins

The Aloe Vera Family Tree

Myth, Legend and Folklore

Traditional Uses

The Age of Discovery

       Part Two: Modern Times: Aloe Vera’s Medical Uses

       20th-century Advances

       Aloe Vera as a Wound-healing Agent

       Skin and Hair Care

       Anti-inflammatory Properties

       Aloe Vera and the Immune System

       Part Three: Aloe Vera in the Home

       Safety Data

       Dosage and Quality Control

       Growing Your Own Aloe Vera Plant

       A—Z of Natural First Aid and Home Treatments

       Part Four: Further Information

       The Chemical Composition of Aloe Vera

       References

       Bibliography

       Useful Addresses

       Acknowledgements

       Other Books By

       About the Publisher

Preface

      ALOE VERA

      I have always had a great love of plants, especially aromatic herbs and those species which have medicinal qualities. Aloe vera is not only an easy and extremely decorative plant to grow at home, it is also one of the most versatile and potent natural remedies available.

      Aloe vera’s freshly cut leaves have enormous value as a home treatment for a wide range of common complaints, and this adaptability is reflected in the ever-expanding range of Aloe vera products which can be found on the market today.

      I myself have experienced the dramatic healing potential of aloe in relation to skin care. Having suffered from an allergic skin rash for several months and trying a number of different natural treatments without success, the condition cleared up in less than a week after daily application with Aloe vera gel! I have come across numerous personal accounts of a similar and even more startling nature, where Aloe vera was able to bring about a seemingly miraculous recovery when all other medicines had failed. It is no wonder