The Wondrous Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing at ground level, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated edge. Aloe flowers are tubular, frequently yellow, orange or red and grow on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems. The Aloe Vera plant is frequently cultivated as ornamental both in gardens and in pots.

Aloe Vera has been used by mankind for several thousand years and over the centuries there have been many references to Aloe Vera in many cultures: from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, as well as in the literature of the Indian and Chinese peoples. Several famous physicians such as Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides and Galen, the father of modern medicine, who first described how the circulation worked, all used Aloe Vera as part of their therapeutic armoury.

There are also many romantic tales about it, suggesting that the Egyptian queens Nerfertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. Supposedly Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. was persuaded by his mentor Aristotle to capture the Island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean for its famed Aloe supplies, needed to treat his wounded soldiers.

Aloe Vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation.

Aloe Vera's components include many vitamins such as Vit. D, A, C, E and traces of B12, and minerals such as Calcium, Sodium Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Chromium and the antioxidant Selenium). Saponins, a soapy substance, provides antiseptic properties, antimicrobials that fight against bacteria, fungi, viruses and yeast. Aloe has anti-inflammatory agents such as Salicylic Acid, which is an aspirin-like compound, also providing antibacterial properties. Polysaccharides act as moisturizers, hydrating the skin and stimulate rejuvenation of skin cells. For this, cosmetic companies add Aloe Vera to their make-ups, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, lotions and other products.

Aloe vera juice is can be taken internally for problems of digestion and poor blood circulation. It can also be helpful against infections, varicose veins and arthritis.

This rich nutrient gel has a soothing effect on the gut. Aloe vera juice can be used as a natural remedy in the treatment of stomach ulcer and mouth ulcers.

The soothing effect can relieve constipation. Aloe vera juice not only has a healing effect, but if constipation or diarrhea is present, it can return the stools to normal. It takes a few weeks to cleanse the colon, but regular periodic use may help keep the colon clean.

It is suggested that pregnant women or nursing women should not take Aloe Vera internally.

Information in this article is intended as information ONLY. It is NOT meant diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease or ailment. Please be responsible and consult a medical professional prior to use.