Pharmacist - Formulist
Expert in phytotherapy
#Aloe vera
Aloe
Who is it?
It seems that aloe (Aloe vera) owes its daily name to the Greek als-alos, due to its growth near the sea. However, it is said that it can also derive from the Arabic alua and the Hebrew halat, both of which mean "bitter", as is its juice.
Aloe is used for many applications, but it is necessary to remember how it belongs to the Liliaceae family and therefore, so that it is not toxic, in particular the bulb, the active ingredients must be carefully dosed, in order to bring only benefits.
The Superpowers
To extract its powers and give them to dogs and cats, aloe injures itself, sacrificing itself for a mission of well-being. Its superpowers, in fact, are concentrated in the leaves, whose juice, the heroic sap, is covered by the upper layers, which must be cut away, with the incision of a knife. Once these tissues have been discarded, the aloe blood that flows from them is collected and, together with the gel of the innermost layers, concentrated by boiling. The main active ingredient of this green blood sand is aloin.
Once you have exploited its powers, you can enjoy a soothing, anti-inflammatory and even healing effect, which makes aloe widely used for topical actions, therefore in external ointments, but which in our case, namely that of dogs and cats, is instead very useful for intestinal mucous membranes. The problems of the dermis, of the skin, are associated with those of the permeability of the intestinal mucosa which, in its alteration, could struggle to eliminate toxic substances.
The superpowers of aloe therefore strengthen the intestinal barrier, in a certain sense like an internal ointment, making it less sensitive to the passage of toxic substances, limiting the phenomena of sensitization and the possibility of skin rashes.
Although this is its ability that we are most interested in using, aloe also has others.
This heroin renews the microcirculation of highly vascularized tissues, has cholagogue action and stimulates the immune system, therefore the ability of white blood cells to destroy all its personal enemies.
But beware of the dangers that aloe hides. Remember that part of its leaves that we put aside, keeping only the juice? It too contains an inherent and high power, called anthraquinone. If the anthraquinones are not removed, you may not be able to resist until the end of reading this text, due to their ability to irritate the intestinal muscles and the consequent laxative effect.
In the use of aloe for dogs and cats, however, this is not a skill that we require of you.
Where to find it
Given its capabilities, we asked for the help of aloe for our FORZA10 Dermo Active and Immuno Active. However, its participation has also proved necessary in other diets: the exclusively canine diets of Perianal Active , Ophtalmic Active and Depura Active and the one exclusively for Hypoallergenic Active cats . Finally, it is also present in the moist references Dermo and Hypoallergenic Actiwet , for dogs and cats.
Businesses
Haloa aloe, you are true and unique. In short, aloe actually has several siblings and cousins. In fact, 435 species and 71 varieties and subspecies have been recognized.
Aloe can also be ground into powder and is also used in the making of various liqueurs.
During one of his travels, Christopher Columbus noted the following passage in his logbook: “There are four essential plants for the well-being of man: wheat, grapes, olives and aloe. The first nourishes him, the second lifts his spirit, the third brings him harmony, the fourth heals him ”.
