SAVILA (ALOE VERA ) AND NOPAL 60 caps Nopal Other Names: Opuntia species, Prickly Pear Cactus Scientific Name: Aloe Other Names: Aloe barbadensis, Aloe species, Burn Plant, Cape Aloe

Nopal contains a high percentage of carbohydrate fibers known as mucilage and pectin. Mucilage is a substance that does not dissolve, but it does absorb water, so it swells up to form a bulky paste when exposed to fluids. On the other hand, pectin does dissolve in water to become a thick, syrupy liquid. The resulting gooey material is thought to coat and protect the gastrointestinal tract, thereby helping to relieve conditions such as sore throat and irritable bowel syndrome. This coating effect also appears to decrease the absorption of fats and sugars from food. Consequently, both blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels may be lowered. Results from animal studies have shown that nopal may have additional effects that decrease blood sugar and blood cholesterol, but these effects are not clearly understood. In addition, pectin attaches to substances in the stomach or intestines, Because of this effect, nopal may be used to treat diarrhea associated with bacterial infection, because it may bind to the bacteria and cause them to be eliminated from the body. This possible use for nopal also needs more study to determine its effectiveness.

Nopal flowers and leaves (pads) may be used topically to treat skin conditions such as burns, cuts, insect bites, rashes, scrapes, and sunburn. A solution made from nopal flowers has an astringent action, which means that it shrinks and tightens the top layers of skin, thereby reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. The leaves may be split open and the cut side applied directly to irritated skin. Not only does the juice have an astringent action, similar to the leaf solution, it is sticky, so it seals and protects the broken skin.

When should I be careful taking it?

Precautions

Although nopal has been consumed extensively as food for several centuries, no studies have been conducted to determine its possible effects on a developing fetus or an infant. Therefore, nopal supplementation is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Individuals with diabetes should use oral nopal with caution. If they take it by mouth, they should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully to avoid hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Uses

Aloe vera plants provide two separate liquids:

Aloe juice is watery, yellow, and bitter tasting. Aloe gel is clear and thick. A high quality Aloe which uses only the nutritious inner gel - not the outer rind the rind of the leaf, such as that shown on the right, is one of the most nutritious drinks, and best skin care products, available. Based on its soothing, cooling properties, many refer to Aloe Vera simply as the "medicine plant". Externally, it’s been used throughout history to help ease the pain of sunburns, minor wounds, cuts, scrapes and rashes. Many researchers believe that aloe can enhance the body’s ability to heal by stimulating the activity of collagen and elastin – two compounds responsible for healthy tissue integrity.*