Dr. Lee Ritter is an internationally recognized expert of Aloe Vera and nutrition. He travels throughout the United States and abroad lecturing to groups and educating people on the miraculous wonders of the Aloe Vera plant. His office receives over 1700 enquiries weekly for information on Aloe.

In his book, "Aloe Vera - A Mission Discovered" Dr. Ritter has dedicated a chapter to the most frequently asked questions and answers about Aloe. The following are excerpts from his book.

Q: How much Aloe should I take?

A: First, you must know the Muccopolysaccharide (MPS) count in the brand you are taking. Then you should take an amount that is equal to the need. Most people who are in perfect health tell us they use 500 to 1 000 milligrams 6f MPS per day. Those people with serious problems take 1200 to 3600 milligrams daily. You don't fight a forest fire with a garden hose. It is better to take more than less. I have never heard of a reaction from taking too much. I personally take about 3000 milligrams a day of an Aloe Vera concentrate until I clear up a condition that I am concerned about. Then I reduce the intake somewhat, but continue taking the Aloe on a daily basis.

Q: Are all concentrates the same?

A: No. Many concentrates have had heat applied as part of their process. One company, whose product we recently tested, processes their Aloe using a high heat evaporation and stabilization process which carmelizes the sugars and also breaks down the large chains which science believes contribute so valuably to healing. It also had extremely high levels of aloin. Many companies are labeling their products concentrate when, in fact, testing reveals very little of the active ingredients in their products. In other words, their labels are misleading in that the amount of concentrate stated is grossly inaccurate.

Q: Are the freeze-dried capsules as effective as the Aloe Vera concentrate?

A: According to the people that are using both the capsules and liquid, they are achieving the same results.

Q: I am a diabetic. Can I take Aloe?

A: Based on testimony and research, it would appear that you can. You should monitor your blood sugar level very closely, especially if you are taking insulin. In ever instance that I know of, diabetic's need of the insulin was either reduced or totally eliminated when they added Aloe Vera in sufficient quantities to their daily diet.

Q: Can I take Aloe along with other vitamins, medicines and supplements?

A: Yes. As a matter of fact, most people report back that their other products work better when taken with Aloe.

Q: What changes will I notice when taking Aloe Vera for health maintenance rather than to treat a particular illness?

A: I cannot identify a specific change that you will notice. If you are rundown you will probably notice more dramatic changes than if you are in good health. I take the product daily because I know that it helps maintain my healthy condition. I do know that, since taking Aloe, I have developed greater resistance to illness such as the common cold, sore throats, and the flue. Also, my energy level is higher.

Q: Why doesn't the government approve the use of Aloe Vera as a drug?

A: They would, but to get registered as a drug would take several years and the cost would be between 100 and 150 million dollars. When registration is granted, the research company that spent all the money would not have any proprietary interest since Aloe Vera is protected from patent.

Q: Why didn't Aloe Vera help my condition?

A: I don't know. But I will tell you this, in almost every case where a person has told me that they have received no benefit and I have been able to determine the brand of Aloe Vera they used, it has been my opinion that the brand contained too small a quantity of Aloe in proportion to the amount of the product consumed to be of any benefit. Then you must be consistent and take the product every day. Also, Aloe is not a drug. It is a natural modality that helps supply you with your daily nutritional needs to keep your body defensive and able to fight against the invasion of disease or to rid your body of a disease already present. Aloe doesn't heal. Your body heals itself if it has the right defense weapons. We believe Aloe is one of those weapons.

Q: Can I raise my own Aloe Vera?

A: You should be able to. However if you live in a cold climate where it freezes in the winter, the plant should be grown indoors. It is hardy and takes very little care. Don't overwater it. Give it some occasional plant food and lots of sun.

Q: What effect does using heat in treating Aloe Vera have?

A: Heat can carmelize the sugars and break down the large saccharide chains which science believes contribute so valuably to heating.

Q: Is Aloe Vera a drug?

A: No. It is no more a drug than carrots or potatoes or peaches. It is a natural food. But just as science is beginning to recognize the value of grains, vegetables and fruits to our health, so Aloe Vera contributes to health as it strengthens our immune systems.

Q: So what then do you feel is Aloe Vera's greatest contribution to good health and is it a panacea for all disease?

A: Probably the best way to answer this is to quote what Dr. Terry Pulse said, "If you can hold the progress of disease in check and if you can stimulate and enhance one's own defense mechanism, which is your immune system, there are no diseases that your own body is not capable of conquering and Aloe Vera meets those principles."

No, I would not go so far as to say that it is a panacea, but Aloe has been around for 4000 years and has obviously had great benefits to the body, more so than any other substance that we have discovered.

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