Can a simple plant help ease the pain? (From Barry And District News)

Can a simple plant help ease the pain?

TWO Vale women have discovered a product which they believe can help ease the pain for arthritis sufferfers.

Arthritis affects around eight million people across the UK.

It is an inflammation of the joints which can affect anyone of any age. In fact, more than 14,500 children suffer from the condition - one in every thousand.

Arthritis and rheumatic disease are the most common causes of long-standing illness, and account for one fifth of all visits to the doctor.

Anne Jones and Gwyneth Kincaid are distributors for Forever Living Products, an American company established in 1978 which deals with products containing Aloe Vera.

Presently the only treatment for Osteoarthritis is steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.

But they say they have a new natural product, the 'Aloe Drink', containing Aloe Vera, Glucosamine Sulphate, Chondroitin Sulphate, MSM and Vitamin C, all of which can combine to help sufferers of Osteoarthritis.

But why does it help, what exactly does Aloe Vera do?

Well according to Gwyneth Kincaid, a former district nurse, the plant contains a gel in its leaves which is a natural healer.

She said: "Aloe Vera works on the skin, it boosts the immune system and it's an anti-inflammatory. Those are the three main things. Additionally, research has been done suggesting it will prevent and repair cartilage damage."

For many years, Gwyneth, of Bridgend, has taken supplements to help her maintain an active sports life, but just over a fortnight ago she tried the new Aloe Drink.

She said: "I'm a sports freak, even though I'm 61, I still play volleyball and hockey, although I have a knee problem.

"I have only been drinking it for a fortnight and I have played hockey, yet my knee has not flared up.

"My husband has been off since last February with a shoulder injury. He's a tennis player and the Aloe Drink has stopped it flaring up."

But why is Aloe Vera so good? What evidence is there?

Well, world famous nutritionist Dr Robert Atkins said: "These substances enable us to treat this condition effectively, possibly for the first time in history."

And Aloe Vera doesn't stop at Arthritis.

It may help improve circulation, metabolic disorders, energy levels, or allergies, it may promote internal balance, it may detoxify or help digestive problems, and it may relieve psoriasis, candida, eczema and ulcers.

There are so many things it may help, with headaches, shingles, insect bites and nappy rash also included.

Currently, clinical trials are being carried out in Morriston Hospital, Swansea, looking at using the plant for the debilitating condition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Penarth-born Anne Jones, now living in Cowbridge, said: "One in five people suffer from this condition and although millions have already found benefit from drinking pure Aloe Gel, this will be vital credible evidence for the medical profession."

Under the consultancy of Professor Baxter, at the hospital, and Dr Peter Atherton, a senior adviser on nutrition, the trial will be carried out over the next year.

It is being funded partly by Forever Living Products and The Prince's Trust. Additionally, trials on the use of the company's Aloe Propolis cream have already been undertaken by Great Ormond Street Children's hospital, where it is now used regularly for children with severe skin diseases. It reduces the necessity for steroid creams for some conditions.

* For more information, contact the Vale of Glamorgan Aloe Vera Information Centre on 01446 772843 or 01656 721633.