About Traditional Medicine

History of Aloe Vera

The aloe plant most likely originated in the semi-arid regions of Africa. It was used by the ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks in the healing of wounds. Alexander the Great purportedly conquered the Mediterranean island of Socotra so that his troops would have a reliable source of aloe to use in treating their wounds.

Aloe has been used throughout history in all cultures; in Ayrvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Native American medicine, to name a few. It was brought to the Americas by Spanish missionaries centuries ago, and its use eventually spread across both continents.

The first modern scientific paper on aloe in the United States was published in 1934. It describes the use of whole aloe leaf to successfully heal radiation injuries, burns, and dermatitis in 50 documented cases.

A chemical analysis undertaken in 1978 discovered a wide variety of amino acids, saccharides, sterols ( similar to cortisone ), salicylic acid ( aspirin-related ), and lupeol ( a painkiller and anti-microbial agent ).

A 1987 study concluded that aloe might be used to control or kill many viruses, including the common cold, measles, mumps, chicken pox, and flu. This led to the approval by the FDA in 1994 of the use of aloe for human testing in the treatment of HIV.

Uses of Aloe Vera

The first use of aloe was likely as an external agent in the treatment of wounds and burns. Sap from the leaves or the leaf as a whole can also be used to cure a wide variety of skin ailments: dermatitis, acne, skin allergies, fungus infections, ringworm, herpes, and shingles.

Since ancient times, aloe gel has also been used internally as a laxative. It was at one time regulated by the FDA as an ingredient in over-the-counter laxative preparations. Their approval was discontinued in 2002, due to the lack of safety data provided by the manufacturers.

Boiled juice from aloe sap and skin has been used to treat ulcers and indigestion, and to cut excess stomach acid. It has also been used orally to treat diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. However, this use has not been supported by traditional medicine, or approved by governmental agencies.

Cosmetically, aloe vera gel is the most popular ingredient in skin lotions and sunblocks. It has been shown to balance pH levels in the skin. However it is doubtful that it has anything but a psychological effect, as it has been shown that a relatively high concentration of aloe is necessary for it to provide any benefit.

In Conclusion:

It has been found that in order for the ingredients in aloe to work properly, they must be used as found in the plant. The isolated chemicals do not have the same effect. This synergistic relationship between aloe’s various antiseptic and pain-killing ingredients tends to support the position of traditional herbalists. So far, at least, Mother Nature seems to be better at mixing chemicals than scientists.

By David Broadhead, Ph.D.

Male Vitality Secrets Unveiled through Traditional Chinese Herbs

Male sexual health and vitality is an issue for men of all ages. It is the key to healthy relationships and self-image. Unfortunately many men do not understand the necessary elements of maintaining sexual vitality throughout their lifespan. Most men believe that it is a function of aging to lose sexual potency. Nothing could be further from the truth. With proper education, nutrition and lifestyle management, vigorous sexual health can be maintained into the late stages of life. Many people are surprised to read reports of octogenarians who have satisfying sexual relations with their partners. This should not be surprising if it is understood that good health is the foundation of male sexual potency.

The Foundation of Sexual Energy and Vitality

The basis of a strong sexual libido (sex drive) in Traditional Chinese Medicine is an abundant life energy called ‘Jing’ or ‘Ching’. Jing energy is the fundamental life force also known as ‘Essence’ and is basis of all good health. Jing energy is both inherited from our parents and also revitalized through the food we eat and air we breathe. Jing is stored in the kidneys and kidney meridian energy system. It is said in Chinese medicine that the kidneys are the gate of life. Therefore a strong sexual force can only be maintained through conservation and cultivation of Jing energy. The contradiction of this for a man is that Jing energy is lost through the aging process, stress and most abundantly through ejaculation. Ejaculation leads to a direct loss of a man’s life force. This is why many men feel tired after sex even if intercourse lasts only a few minutes. So the first step in recovering sexual potency is the revitalization of the kidney energy.

Kidney Yin and Yang: The Basis For Male Sexual Libido

Restoring Jing/Essence is done through nourishing Kidney Yin energy. Many people have heard of the duality of energy known as Yin and Yang. A fundamental tenent of TCM is the balancing of the body’s energetic forces called Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang energies are two distinct components of an integrated whole of energy. Yin and Yang energies are opposing yet interdependent forces active in the body. Yin and Yang energies interact rhythmically through cycles where one force may be predominant while the other is in recession. However, no permanent state of imbalance of forces should ever be achieved, as the cycle must repeat itself. This rhythm and cyclical of interaction of Yin and Yang forces is a metaphor of a larger cycle of forces at play throughout Nature and the Universe itself. Therefore, the human body is but a microcosm of the larger order.

On its most basic level Yin may be understood as the part of the energetic cycle wherein energy is being accumulated, assimilated and stored, while Yang can be thought of as the part of the cycle in which active expression or manifestation is taking place. Thus Yin can be thought of as being receptivity, quiet, passive and Yang as activity, and movement. While these forces are in direct opposition, they cannot exist in and of themselves. They are dependent on the other for existence.

As stated earlier a man loses his Kidney Yin or life force through ejaculation. Ejaculation weakens the Kidney Yin energy. Excessive ejaculation coupled with aging will severely diminish this force. Kidney yin energy is responsible for a man’s ability to maintain an erection. Therefore if he is weakened through sexual play he must enhance his life force/kidney yin in order to stay hard. There are a number of Chinese tonic herbs which nourish kidney yin energy and are known to promote male sexual energy. These herbs have a known safety profile and have been a part of traditional Chinese materia medica for thousands of years. Chinese tonic herbs that nurture kidney yin include Rehmannia, Lycii Fruit, Schizandra Berries and White Peony Root.

In future installments of this series we will cover Kidney Yin and male vitality in greater detail as well as Kidney Yang.

By Stevens Alexander