Aloe Vera: The Plant
Aloe Vera originated in the eastern and southern regions of Africa, but it’s history of medicinal uses has led it all through warm climates all over the world. This type of lily provides a clear aloe gel said to be used by Cleopatra to soften her famously supple skin. It has also been used by Roman doctors to cure burns, stomach ulcers, salve boils, heal bruises, and mouth irritations.
Recent studies have concluded that Aloectin B, a compound in the plant, in fact does stimulate the immune system. Today, Aloe Vera is used in medicines, creams, moisturizers, and countless other products.
The plant itself can be bought in any local market, or even grown at home. They need some sunlight, and sufficient water, though can be very resistant and easy to maintain. It’s recommended to use well-drained sandy potting soil. If grown in a pot, make sure it has enough drainage holes, as the plant does not need much water.
From Hair to Nails:
Already used in many beauty products, Aloe Vera alone can be quite effective. You can mix the gel found inside the leaves with pure vegetable oil to create an amazing facial mask that will leave your skin soft and smooth. The gel alone can be used to cure sunburns, skin irritations, burns, and moisturize dry skin. It’s so gentle, that it can be used everyday until you reach the desired results without damaging your flesh.
The gel can also be mixed with mayonnaise and vegetable oil until it’s one thick, creamy substance and applied to your hair. Leaving the substance on your hair in a wrapped towel for about thirty minutes will give you soft, silky, moisturized locks. Wash it out, shampoo, condition, and style as normal.
After the facial and the hair recipes , your nails have probably been in contact with plenty of Aloe. Don’t wear gloves, this is actually very beneficial for them! Aloe is used in many nail buffers and polishes to strengthen the nail. The pure gel also has this effect. Rub it gently into your cuticles and onto the nail bed for stronger, healthier nails.
Incredible Health Secrets:
When ingested, Aloe Vera is an excellent source of B vitamin 1, 2, and 6, vitamic C, niacin amide, choline, calcium, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc, and eighteen amino acids. It is also the only known vegetarian source of vitamin B 12.
The plant provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances that can be used in treating serious skin inflammations and gastrointestinal tract. The gel can be applied and used to heal burns, scrapes, insect bites, diaper rash, itching, and poison ivy.
Aloe Vera is a popular general tonic for the immune system which helps to fight illness of all kinds. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice has been proved to reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritis joints. It can also help asthma patients who are not dependant on cortico-steroids. In 1994, the US Food and drug Administration approved Aloe Vera for the treatment of HIV and other general infections.
In very high concentrations, Aloe Vera can also stimulate white blood cell production and fight off certain tumors. For more information, please talk to your doctor.
In the Stores:
For those of us with no time for home remedies or gardening, Aloe Vera products are Everywhere! You can find moisturizers, shampoos, drinks and vitamin supplements with Aloe extract in any store.
