Medicinal plant traditionally used in herbal medicine, aloe vera (or aloe barbadensis) is known for its healing, anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory properties: it is particularly effective in cases of digestive system disorders – acid reflux, heartburn, digestion problems, stomach aches …
Yes but here it is: we tend to forget it, but “natural” does not mean “without risk to health”! And, although herbal medicine is a thousand-year-old discipline, the consumption of plants can have serious consequences for health when done without supervision or precautions.
Ms. Zhang paid the price. This 26-year-old blogger (who lives in China) regularly posts “health and wellness” videos on the internet. Wanting to demonstrate the benefits of aloe vera, the young woman filmed herself live biting her teeth into two beautiful green and fleshy leaves …
Aloe vera and American agave, two plants that look alike
“Not bad“she said after the first bite. Then”it’s terribly bitter!“after the second bite. Her video (titled” An Aloe Vera Feast “) then abruptly stopped … and the blogger was rushed to hospital.
Because, of course, it wasn’t aloe vera. In fact, Ms. Zhang consumed American agave, a plant (native to Mexico) that looks like two drops of water like medicinal aloe. Common in the United States, the American agave is also very widespread in the South of France. And this plant is very toxic: its juice can thus cause serious digestive disorders, irritations of the throat and esophagus, or even dermatological symptoms (pustules).
Fortunately, the story ends well: after a stomach wash, Ms. Zhang was able to return home. Morality: phytotherapy is to be avoided in the absence of professional advice. And there is no question of consuming a plant without being 100% sure of what it is …
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