Super Aloe Gel- a Testimony from a client

Val-U-Life, what it is and how it can help.

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VAL-U-LIFE

The composition of Val-u-Life is 61% Sutherlandia frutescens, 31% Aloe

ferox leaf (no bitters!), 5% Olive Leaf extract and a small amount of Selenium.

Sutherlandia frutescens is also known as the cancer bush, a tonic that helps

to stabilize the natural bodily processes. Rich in anti-oxidants, and known for

its soothing and healing properties, Aloe ferox leaf has a long history of being

taken to assist the body to restore and maintain healthy functioning. Olive

Leaf has gain esteem as health supplement due to various positive reports of

helping the body recovering from viral infections and other digestive and

health problems. Selenium is high in anti-oxidants, protecting cells from

damage.

Val-u-Life is therefore an exquisite blend of fine ingredients to help your

body activating its own resources in order to cope with many of the

biochemical stresses attacking our health. All these herbs and ingredients are

known for their positive effect on the body’s immune system.

Q: How safe is Val-u-Life?

A: Know your body. Anything humans consume – even in small doses – can

cause side effects. Always start with a very small dose when you take any herb

for the first time. Watch out for any signs of discomfort or side effects for a

couple of days before you take the fully recommended dose. Avoid taking

herbs on an empty stomach as this may enhance side effects. Always take after

a meal.

Q: What side effects does Val-u-Life have?

A: Occasional side effects have been reported, including dry mouth, a mild

diuretic effect, loose stool or constipation – slight dizziness has been reported

by elderly or weak patients. Diabetes: Carefully monitor blood sugar when

taking herbs. Pregnancy & lactation: There are no known risks in taking any

of the above herbs during pregnancy or lactation. Always discuss the

suitability of herb supplements with your physician first. Auto-immune

diseases: Consult your physician before taking herbs that may stimulate the

immune system. Cancer & HIV: Compositional herbs may interfere with

chemotherapy and anti-retroviral drugs and should be discussed with your

physician first.

Q: Can I exceed the recommended dosage?

A: No, the recommended dosage of 2 capsules per day should not be

exceeded.

Q: For what period can I take Val-u-Life?

A: Val-u-Life can be used daily as supplement for the rest of your life to help

you maintain good health.

 Information from the May 2016 Aloe Ferox Newsletter

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Your Immune System and Colds

The Flu Season is upon us and its time to strengthen your immune system. Elude the grip of colds and the flue with Winter Fighter Capsules at the first signs of a blocked nose, post nasal drip or irritated throat.  Exposure to the flu virus is unavoidable and since thre is no antidote, you have to strengthen your immune system ro successfully fend off the attacks.  Symptoms willpractically start to disappear from the moment you start taking Winter Fighter capsules.

Winter Fighter improves the efficacy of the immune system by multiplying the white blood cells and improving the ability of the white blood cells to overcome foreign organisms.

One of the key ingredients of Winter Fighter is Echinacea, which has been proven to effectively combat the symptoms of colds and the flu.  Your best defense is to actively fight the symptoms.  Don't be caught off guard.

Summer is Gone and Fall is here, its time to take care of your skin!

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Summer is gone and Fall is here, its time to take care of your skin!

The luxury of warm sun rays on your bare shoulders, a light summer breeze through your hair and splashing around in cool waters are officially over for the last part of 2014. Summer left a trail of good memories, empty purses, dehydrated skins and less-than-perfect hair conditions behind. 

Memories can be captured in photo albums, but dehydration needs a bit more work! In this newsletter, we focus on re-hydrating our bodies and skin before the full onslaught of winter disorders.

Winter has its own charm … those cozy nights at the fireplace, chilly mornings when exhaling small, white clouds instead of carbon dioxide, the warmth of snuggling up in bed with hot chocolate, the smell of soup when entering the house, beef stew, rice and potatoes, baked pudding…

Winter does seem to generate a non-stop hunger in many of us. Irrespective of good intentions to stay slim, few of us manage to say NO to the seductions of winter!

We are much more vulnerable to cravings for and the seductions of food if our nutritional state is not balanced. This year, try something better than good motives: invest in your summer body by taking the necessary supplements and drinking sufficient amounts of water throughout winter.

“Spice up” a glass of water by adding a teaspoon of orange juice to a cup of hot (boiling) water and rather enjoy it as a hot drink. Aloe Tea, mixed with a morsel of grated ginger and a drop of honey, is another way of getting your body hydrated with a refreshing hot drink.

Stock up on

Body Basics to prevent the winter from seducing you into eating much more than you require for healthy living and a lean body.

Body Basics comprises a combination of Aloe ferox plant extract, magnesium, zinc, folic acid and vitamins B2, B6 and B12. These are the known “bouncers” of disease since they strengthen the body’s nerve system.

Body Basics is a mineral and vitamin B complex, suitable as supplement where stress is responsible for depletion of valuable nutrients.

Individuals leading a busy life combined with a non-optimal diet are advised to use both these products.

A dehydrated or a dry skin?

The structure of the skin is comparable to that of a mattress. The top layers (epidermis) form a protective barrier against the outside world while the mid and inner layers contain structures which impart that radiant look to a beautiful skin. Oil, keeping the skin supple, is secreted from tiny oil glands in the pores of the skin.

If too much oil is secreted, the skin appears greasy, but when insufficient oil is secreted, the skin surface is dry and may appear parched.

In a healthy skin, moisture is captured in-between the internal structures of the dermis, but when these structures are eroded, moisture leaks out and the skin becomes dehydrated. This skin may not necessarily look parched, but it usually appears dull.

Oil glands are regulated by hormones and not by the state of the skin’s internal structures. It is therefore possible to have an oily, but dehydrated skin! However, when the skin is both dry and dehydrated, it commonly appears transparent with a very fine texture.

A dehydrated skin is usually the first sign that the internal skin structures are not in a good condition and this will lead to early wrinkling and sagging.

Dry skin may be treated by application of a cream or oil that lubricates the skin surface.

Such an application will immediately remove the parched appearance. However, since the skin’s natural oil originates from the oil glands, “permanent” treatment of dry skin can only be accomplished if the oil glands are stimulated to improve oil production. This usually happens automatically during teen years! Individuals who suffer from too little (or too much) oil production may find it valuable to use Radical Image capsules as a skin supplement. These capsules contain a blend of herbs that stimulate biological processes towards hormonal balance.

Use Hand Cream or Heel Balm to improve the appearance of dry and parched skin.

Treating a dehydrated skin

An intensive moisturizer (like Mature or Ultra Rich Night Cream) returns

moisture to the deeper skin layers. However, if the skin’s absorption ability

is poor, most of the cream stays on the surface while the deeper layers remain thirsty. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to repair the internal structures.

Appropriate treatment to fortify skin structures in order to retain the moisture applied to the skin, takes time. It is also essential to encourage the skin to absorb the moisture and active ingredients that are applied to it.

Aloe ferox plant extract facilitates repair of damaged cells and improves skin absorption. Therefore, all products that contain Aloe ferox extract offers improved absorption and skin repair. However, as aging or neglect progresses, additional encouragement may be necessary. Super Aloe Gel is a superb product to apply just before (or simultaneously with) your moisturizer. The Timeless Skin range has been designed on the premise of stimulating natural rebuilding of skin structures and providing additional moisture that is captured for a prolonged period. Over time, the use of this product range results in a radiant and plump complex with noticeably reduced sagging.

Sources : Aloe Ferox Newsletter/Nuusbrief 3/2013

Whole Aloe Juice and Probiotics

Whole-leaf Aloe Juice and probiotics

Probiotics or not? The hottest miracle-buzz word is “probiotics”. Probiotics have
gained their fame as “good” gut bacteria that heal by fighting “bad” bacteria and
enhancing bioavailability of nutrients. Many research reports reveal great therapeutic
effects achieved with probiotics. Research also issue warnings that probiotics may
lead to serious health problems in certain individuals, e.g. probiotics may cancel the
effects of antibiotics or lead to antibiotic resistance.

Also, patients with a compromised immune system, frail individuals and very young children are strongly advised against taking probiotics.

Should you take probiotics? Before taking ANY supplements: consider your own
health and your medication. Read the pamphlets that came with the medicine: be wellinformed
about counter-indications, side effects and interactions with other medicines.

If you don’t understand a pamphlet, ask your doctor to explain the details and tell
him/her about the supplement(s) you intend to take. When risks are eliminated: GO
FOR IT!

Do Aloe Ferox products contain probiotics? No. A business always has to balance
potential products against current business strategies, such as maintaining products
that work well; adapting or eliminating non-movers; and adding new innovations,
which are in line with company direction. While adding probiotics to Whole-leaf Aloe
Juice may sound exciting, local and export sales figures say that Whole-leaf Aloe
Juice works very well in its current form. Consumer feedback echoes this: individuals
who take a small amount daily, experience marvelous improvements in their general
health and those who use larger quantities for a short period (e.g. to fight off oncoming
sniffles), manage to safeguard themselves.

Adding probiotics, would not only exclude the fragile, young and immune compromised individuals from using our juice, it also goes against business sense to change a mainstay.

How safe is Aloe Ferox Bitters when used for constipation?

How safe is Aloe ferox bitters when used for

constipation?

Constipation is not a disease, but the inefficient functioning of

a biological process. Research on constipation have shown

that Aloe ferox bitters is an effective laxative for acute

constipation and that the bitters does not present any safety

risks for short- or long-term use in this regard.

However, research for one bowel condition should never simply be extended

for self-treatment of other bowel conditions. For example, chronic constipation

may be a sign of an underlying disorder, which should be identified and treated

as such. It may also be a sign of a low-fibre diet or even a high-fibre diet but

with insufficient water intake ̶ both these can be corrected by lifestyle changes

and does not require any dietary supplements for a long-term solution.

Individuals with bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or

diverticulitis are not advised to use bitter supplements or laxatives since these

increase symptoms of the disease. Long-term use of Aloe ferox extracts to selftreat

diseases is counter indicated, since safety of any product for a specific

condition should be tested for that condition and cannot simply be assumed

from safety reports for other conditions.

Liver health & Aloe ferox

The LIVER is one of our vital organs without which we cannot survive. Since the

liver supports almost every organ in the body, its malfunctioning is severely

debilitating.

In various scientific studies on damaged livers, researchers found a significant

improvement in liver health after treatment with Aloe ferox bitters. Also, those

treated with bitters had much lower damage to their livers than control groups

after other treatments that are known to affect the liver.

This is great news to those who suffer from liver problems as well as those who

have to take medicines that might have adverse effects on the liver. Dose: take

1/4 - 1/2 tablet of Fabulous Fibre Bitter (or a small bitter crystal) every day to

assist in the health of your liver.

Interesting facts about stained colons

Research reports of the 80’s and 90’s questioned the use of

anthraquinones (found in aloe bitters) as a potential risk of

colon cancer because these substances stain the colon.

What does the latest research say?

From studies done between 2000 and 2013 it was shown

that colon staining could be ascribed to many different reasons and that it

cannot be linked to cancer or the risk thereof. Some interesting facts from

these studies:

• Colon staining is due to a natural intestinal pigment (lipofuscin) that

deposits in the colon lining and is not due to the brown pigment found in

bitters.

• Lipofuscin only deposits on normal colon linings and not on growths.

Therefore, during a colonoscopy polyps, glands and other growths

appear “bright” against a stained colon. This actually helps to see lumps!

• The use of bitters does indeed cause staining of the colon. Staining

occurs within 4 months of continuous use and disappears within 12-15

months after discontinuation.

• Study participants, who used bitters for a long period, were compared to

one another to determine if long-term use can be linked to cancerous

growths. Interestingly, healthy patients used bitters on average for about

2 years longer than sick patients – with no indication of cancerous

growths!

• Inflammatory bowel disease causes colon staining – even if

anthraquinones were never used before.

• Many patients with colon growths (benign or malignant) have never used

any laxatives – neither bitters nor others. Also, many of these patients

show no signs of stained colons.

• Undesirable colorectal growths are strongly linked to gender, age and

smoking. These are more predominant in males and the incidence also

increases with aging and with smoking habits.

A Testimonial from one of our customers:

A few years ago I purchased some Aloe Ferox Gel & Bitter Crystals from a vendor at an African Street Fair.  

I was born with a physical deficiency that caused lifelong constipation. As a child I was always sick with fevers because my body was not eliminating properly. I've tried so many things to remedy this condition, from avoiding constipating foods, eating high fiber diets, whole grains, psyllium & flax seeds, to drinking more water, prunes / juices, probiotics, various herbs like senna, triphala, teas, both natural and OTC laxatives, prescription medicines, detox cleanses, enemas, colonics, massage, castor oil internally and external packs, special yogic exercises, etc...

Some were effective temporarily but eventually the condition would return. Some were very expensive, messy or inconvenient. Others caused tremendous pain, cramping, bloating, gas or diarrhea. And sadly, most of these solutions left me even more constipated after I stopped using them, promoting dependence or reducing natural peristalsis as lazy bowel syndrome after using them long term.

This vendor explained how the bitter crystals worked, and I thought being natural it was worth a try. I followed the instructions taking a tiny dose before bed with water, and by morning I was regular with no pain, bloating or cramping, and the results for me were almost miraculous. It was hard to believe such a tiny dosage could have such a powerful balancing effect with no negative side effects.

Aloe Ferox Bitter Crystals are the only product I use now when constipated. I've never experienced any negative side effects from them. The product lasts a very long time so the cost of use is minimal compared to other products/ treatments I've tried, with no mess or inconvenience, They are easy to travel with and something I would not want to be without. It is the only product I have found that works well for me.

The Aloe Ferox skin gel also was almost as miraculous in healing sunburns overnight. I love being in the sun but don't like to use sunscreen because most contain unhealthy ingredients and block natural vitamin D production. This gel helps heal and prevent my skin from that leathery look I used to get after heavy sun exposure. Another wonderful product I would not want to travel without!

Source:

Aloe Ferox Newsletter Oct/Nov 2013 and Testimonial from our customer MS

Acne and Pimples

ACNE AND PIMPLES

Acne manifests itself as annoying spots, sometimes only a few blackheads, but often skin patches covered with whiteheads, red papules and pustules. All these manifestations arise from blockage or inflammation of hair follicles. Irrespective of its severity, acne chews on one’s self-confidence. In fact, its psychological impact may be so significant that it may affect one’s quality of life and even one’s employment opportunities.

What causes acne? Acne is caused by hormonal stimulation of the oil glands, thickening of the skin and accumulation of dead cells inside the hair follicle. The excess oil and dead cells become nutrients for normal skin bacteria, raising their numbers abnormally high. These excess bacteria release enzymes that cause inflammation and puss. The latter become nutrients for other (normal) skin bacteria, also raising their numbers to unhealthy levels.

The vicious cycle has begun: more oil and dead cells, more enzymes, more puss, more bacteria… and the problem gets worse fast. Although acne is caused by hormonal imbalances, there are a number of external triggers that may lead to acne.

Types of acne Blackheads and whiteheads are non-inflamed acne, called comedones. Papules are red bumps, whereas pustules are small tender cysts. Papules and pustules are inflamed acne.

A blackhead or a whitehead is a plug of oil and sloughed-off cells inside the hair follicle. With whiteheads, the plug is covered with skin and it has a whitish color. With blackheads, the plug is not covered by skin and as a result of its contact with the air it oxidizes and hence becomes black. Inflammation and swelling associated with papules and pustules indicate the presence of bacterial infection(s).

How many people suffer from acne? The prevalence of acne under teenagers varies between 87% and 94%. A small number of people retain this undesirable problem after puberty and a few have it before puberty! Being such a common problem, it is surprising that there are still some myths about acne.


THE MOST COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ACNE

Myth: Acne is caused by environmental factors, dietary intake or personal hygiene.

Truth: Acne is caused by a genetic predisposition. If a poor exercise programme or facial routine and junk food were causes of acne, many grownups would suffer from severe acne after each winter. However, one cannot simply let go of all that self-discipline because if hormones are not in good balance, poor habits may exacerbate the acne problem!

Myth: The perfect facial cleanser will clear acne. Truth: Because poor personal care is
not the cause of acne, improved personal care is not the solution either. In fact,
excessive cleansing and scrubbing can compromise the skin's protective barrier.
Irritated skin is more prone to allergic reactions than healthy skin and some allergic reactions
cause papules. Very dry skin is easily sensitized by chemicals and environmental
factors. It is therefore important NOT to strip the skin from all its natural moisture.

EXTERNAL TRIGGERS OF ACNE
The most common external triggers include re-contamination, self-induced irritation, drugs and topical products.
Because acne often includes a bacterial infection, opportunities for re-contamination have to be minimized.
Therefore: wear a clean shirt daily, change pillow cases regularly and touch the skin only with clean hands.
Compulsive scratching or harsh treatment of the skin may also increase the severity of acne. Drugs and topical products can cause eruption of acne.
Common drugs include steroids and high doses of vitamin B. It is important to carefully read the insert for potential dermatitis side effects when using any medication. Some of the most common ingredients in cosmetic products that may cause acne eruption are natural oils such as olive oil and sweet almond oil. Take note that these are not problematic drugs or ingredients, but only for individuals affected by acne.

WRONG USAGE OF ANTI-ACNE PRODUCTS
Bodily processes take time. A fractured bone takes approximately 45 days to heal… see?... it takes time. Some are slightly faster and some are slow:

Try and go to the restroom directly after 3 cups of coffee (before church)…
nothing! Only after the body has followed its own pace, it will let you know
its time - usually half-way through the sermon!

Food tends to be slow - one excessive meal will luckily not fatten you up overnight, but consistent overeating will most definitely do that. Just try it for a month and see… The same is true for acne. With proper treatment, an acne-skin can become beautiful – in about 6 weeks.

It will not happen overnight irrespective of how much one squishes, scrubs, paid for the products or how much product one applies. The life-time of a single pimple is a few days. With proper care one can reduce the severity and possibly also the duration of the pimple. Both over-usage and under-usage of anti-acne products increase the problem.

Common mistakes when treating acne + pimples:
• Excessive cleansing and scrubbing.
• Squishing and popping pimples: increase the risk of re-contamination and scarring.
• Over-usage of anti-acne products: leads to increased sensitivity and dryness of the skin.
• Under-usage of anti-acne products causes individuals to move from one product to the next without much success.
• Impatience with treatment: causing individuals interchange between products or stop the treatment altogether.
Using too many different products creates side-effects that interfere with the products’ normal functioning.
• Stopping the use of anti-acne products once the skin seems clear. Don’t! Treatment should continue for several months to completely clear up underlying bacterial infection and probably until hormones have completely stabilized (18+ years).


TREATMENT OF ACNE
Products that promote proper shedding of the epidermis and reduce the excess oil are most beneficial to treating
blackheads and whiteheads. Inflamed acne is always an indication of bacterial infection and needs to be treated with
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial products. See the relevant text boxes below for treatment. If acne becomes
worse, it is likely due to uncontrolled bacterial infection under the upper layers of the skin. In this case, it may be
necessary to use oral antibiotics or even stronger dermatological medicine. Avoid permanent psychological scarring
by seeing a doctor/dermatologist.
Important treatments that contribute to a beautiful skin -
• Drink plenty of water – flushing the system eliminates toxins that may worsen the problem.
• Steam regularly – this is a cheap and very effective way to control acne breakouts.
• Avoid dry and sensitive skin by using a moisturiser that does not promote acne.

Caring for blackheads and whiteheads:
• Cleanse dirt and reduce excess oil. (Foaming Cleanser of/or Facial Wash Regular / 2x daily)
• Steam twice a week after cleansing. Purify the pores. (Facial Mask /1x weekly)
• Remove dead cells. (Refining Scrub /1x weekly)
• Restore moisture balance. (Vanishing Cream of/or Whole-leaf Gel /after cleansing)
• Promote hormonal balance. (Radical Image /2x daily)

Caring for infected acne:
• Cleanse dirt and reduce excess oil and bacteria. (Facial Wash Bitter /2x daily)
• Steam every second day after cleansing.

• Purify the pores. (Facial Mask /1x weekly)
• Remove dead cells./ (Refining Scrub /1x every 10-14 days but not on irritated skin.
• Reduce bacterial infestation, inflammation and swelling. (Super Aloe Gel and/en Bitter Aloe Gel).
• Restore moisture balance. (Vanishing Cream or/of Whole-leaf Gel /after cleansing.)
• Promote hormonal balance and reduce infection.
(Radical Image /2x daily Val-u-Life /1x daily, Fabulous Fibre Bitter /½-1x daily)

Article from Aloe Ferox Newsletter 4/2012