What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a species of Aloe, native to northern Africa. It is
a very short-stemmed succulent plant spreading by offsets and root sprouts.
Aloe Vera is a plant of many surprises and is often called the 'miracle plant'
or the 'natural healer'. It grows in warm and dry climates and is mistaken to
be a cactus because of its thorny leaves. In fact, it is a member of the Lily
family, staying moist where other plants wither and die by closing its pores to
prevent moisture loss. There are over 400 species of Aloe, but the Aloe Barbadensis Miller is of most use
because of its medicinal properties. Fully grown, the plant stands 30-36 inches
high, and a mature leaf is 2.5-3 inches wide at the base, weighing 1.5 to 2 kg.
The molecular structure of the Aloe is so small, that it can penetrate through
the top layers of the skin all the way up to the last layer. Aloe has an
element called "Lignin" which helps it to penetrate right down to the
cellular level. It also has another element called "Saponin" which
works as a natural cleansing agent. Both these elements together reach the
cellular level of the skin and eliminate the toxins from the skin layers to the
surface and eventually out of the system.
ALOE VERA IN HISTORY
Aloe Vera has been found described in writings in many different
cultures and as far back as the Greek, Egyptians, and Roman eras. References
have also been found in writings from the Indian Ayurvedic Texts and Chinese
early cultures. Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe Vera have been
known for centuries, with its therapeutic advantages and healing properties
surviving for over 4000 years.
Its antiquity was first discovered in 1862 in an Egyptian papyrus dated 1550 BC. Egyptian Queen Cleopatra associated its use with physical beauty. It was used to great effect by Greek and Roman physicians. Researchers have found that both the ancient Chinese and Indian used Aloe Vera. In the Philippines it is used with milk for kidney infections. Aloes are referred to in the Bible, and legend suggests that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to secure supplies of Aloes to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers. Today in Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt that is Morinaga Aloe Yogurt.
Its antiquity was first discovered in 1862 in an Egyptian papyrus dated 1550 BC. Egyptian Queen Cleopatra associated its use with physical beauty. It was used to great effect by Greek and Roman physicians. Researchers have found that both the ancient Chinese and Indian used Aloe Vera. In the Philippines it is used with milk for kidney infections. Aloes are referred to in the Bible, and legend suggests that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to secure supplies of Aloes to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers. Today in Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt that is Morinaga Aloe Yogurt.
THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
1. The gel penetrates internally and removes
all the toxins at cellular level and eliminates them from the system.
2. It nourishes the skin and replenishes it
with the much-needed nutrition that it requires.
3. The Aloe leaf contains over 75 nutritional
components and 200 other compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and
12 vitamins.
4. Removes the toxins from the digestive
tract, thus clearing the lining and enabling the body to absorb full benefits
of the nutrients from the foods we eat.
5. Enhances the functions of the digestive
system and thus boosts digestion and absorption and gives great relief to
people suffering from constipation.
6. Regular consumption in the morning on empty
stomach helps control diabetes and cholesterol.
7. Proven to cure psoriasis, eczema and other
chronic skin ailments when consumed with our other natural supplements.
8. Aloe Vera can stimulate cell division and
increase testosterone production, which has the effect of increasing sperm cell
count and curing impotency.
9. Aloe Vera increases collagen (top
anti-aging element) production in the skin, which helps with wrinkle reduction
and a more youthful looking, radiant skin.
10. Aloe Vera gel also hydrates the skin and
boosts the skin's elasticity, reducing the amount of fine lines and wrinkles.
11. The Aloe Vera gel has some powerful
antioxidants from the polyphenol’s family. These antioxidants help to protect
the skin by reducing or preventing the production of free radicals, harmful
atoms or groups of atoms that can damage skin cells.
12. In addition to providing antioxidants, the
plant has antibacterial properties that can help prevent the growth of harmful
types of bacteria.
13. Aloe Vera boosts our immune system and
supports weight loss.
14. It is an excellent remedy for sunburns and
acne.
15. Aloe Vera can be used to stop hair fall and
improve hair growth.
16. Regular intake of Aloe Vera gel increases
the alkalinity in the body and reduces acidity.
17. The phytonutrients present in Aloe Vera
enhances the functions of the liver.
18. Aloe Vera gel contains small molecular
weight immunomodulators that can guard the skin from UV radiation.
19. Aloe Vera gel can reduce heartburn by
controlling the flow of acid in the stomach.
20.
It can
also fight gastric ulcers and prevent them from getting bigger.
21. Aloe Vera has digestive enzymes that help
the digestive system run smoothly by breaking down sugars and fats.
22. It can also heal Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS),
Ulcerative Colitis and Piles.
23. Aloe Vera tooth gel can be used for curing
Gingivitis/Pyorrhea. Regular usage can prevent tooth decay, plaque/tartar, and
provide strong gums even in old age.