Aloe Vera "The Miracle Plant"

 

Aloe Vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. It survives in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for low-water use gardens.

However Aloe has a few other uses besides a ornamental desert plant. Aloe Vera juice, for instance is high in antioxidants and as a result boosts a person's immune system by detoxifying the body which helps to prevent illness. First a little history. Aloe Vera probably originated in northern Africa. 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 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. The earliest record of Aloe Vera is on a Sumerian tablet dating from 2100 BC.

In 1862 it was discovered on an Egyptian papyrus writing that was dated 1550 BC, Egyptian Queens associated its use with their physical beauty. It was used to great effect by Greek and Roman physicians. Researchers have found that both the ancient Chinese and Indians also used Aloe Vera. In the Philippines it historicaly 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. Also the Bible mentions of removing Christ from the cross and wrapping his body in Aloes and Myrrh, in John 19:39. We find AloeVera mysteriously appearing in every phase of history. So, Aloe gel has been used for topical treatment for minor wounds and burns and skin irritations for centuries, as Aloe Vera is usually known as the "burn plant".  Made into a beverage and taken internally, it has been used to help many other conditions. Some of them are constipation, ulcers, diabetes, headaches, arthritis, and coughs. There are over 240 different species of Aloe, which grow in dry and arid climate zones of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Of all these different types of Aloe plants, only four are identified as fit for human consumption. Aloe Vera is one, it's non-toxic, with no known side effects. Aloe Vera is now widely used on facial tissues, where it is promoted as a anti-irritant to reduce chafing of the nose of users suffering hay-fever or cold. A component of Aloe Vera, namely acemannan, is an approved treatment for leukemia, which is believed to be caused by a virus similar to HIV. Aloe vera juice is also used to treat digestive problems, including heartburn, and ulcers. It is an anti-inflammatory, which can explain why it has an almost imediate effect when consumed. Medicinal uses of Aloe Vera are many and can improve your health considerably. It's important to note also that, it also prevents the causes for recurring yeast infections.

The sad truth is that Aloe Vera juice is one of the most adulterated health drinks on the market. Producers routinely dilute and add counterfeit chemicals, chemicals which are generally similar in molecular size to the natural elements of the juice, and which are designed to alter standard test results. The unadulterated one's are packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, that the body can use.

Aloe Vera that comes directly from the plant is a yellowish liquid. It can be obtained by simply breaking off a piece of the aloe plant. The liquid will run out and can be applied topically. The leaves can also be crushed and used as a salve.

The beneficial properties of the aloe plant come from the 20 amino acids it contains. It is used to support the natural healing of skin that has been damaged. My common uses for it are for kitchen or sun-burned skin. Aloe Vera can also be made into juices, gels, powders and is often added to other products. For example it can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, food's, juices, antiseptics, and many other common products. According to Natural Health.com here are some of the health benefits:

1. Aids in the elimination of constipation.
2. Aids in digestion and helps with stomachaches and heartburn.
3. Helps to regulate blood sugars.
4. Detoxifies the body and colon.
5. Helps with weight loss by increasing metabolic rate to burn more calories.
6. Improves circulation.
7. Aids in healing damage to internal tissues.
8. Regulates blood pressure.
9. Strengthens immune system.
10. Retards the growth of cancerous tumors.
11. Helps to reduce inflammation.

A study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center's Department of Physiology showed that rats who ingested Aloe Vera experienced a 10% increase in life span, 10% !!! and had a lower incidence of disease than the average rat population. The rats suffered no ill effects from ingesting the aloe. The International Aloe Science Council has shown that aloe can be used to reduce mouth pain and swelling after oral surgeries. Studies conducted by the council have also suggested that aloe vera can reduce the amount of bacteria found in the mouths of denture wearers. Aloe also helps to ease the pain of cuts and sores in the mouth.

Aloe Vera is also, often used in veterinary medicine. Aloe can be used to treat wounds, soothe irritated skin and clean ears in cats, dogs, horses and other pets. Dairy farmers sometimes supplement the diets of dairy cows with aloe to stimulate milk production and improve the animal's overall health. Aloe should never be used on an animal without first checking with your veterinarian, because Aloe is sometimes formulated differently or watered down when used for treating animals. The many benefits of this ornamental desert plant are not fully researched yet. For centuries people have respected the soothing nature of aloe vera. Aloe is commonly found as a houseplant. In fact if you don't own a aloe vera plant Why Not? I've heard of families that pass down aloe plants from generation to generation, and along with it, teaching the beneficial properties the plant contains. Now I know using terracotta pots for them is preferable because they're porous. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry before watering.

When potted aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant," they should be divided and re-potted to allow room for further growth of the mother. During winter, Aloe Vera may become dormant, so very little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, it has to be kept potted, indoors. More studies are in process now, to help us discover the many ways Aloe Vera can help to benefit the human body, but here are a few of the many things some have treated with Aloe:

Abrasions, Colds, Herpes simplex & zoster, HIV, Staph infections,Acne, Colic, Menstrual cramps & irregularity,Ulcerations, Allergies, Denture (gum) sores, Nausea, Burns, Epstein-Barr virus, Chronic fatigue, Hypertension, Stings, Constipation, Infections, Sunburns,Ulcerative colitis, Arthritis, Dermatitis, Parasites (especially protozoan infections), Vaginitis, Radiation Dermatitis,Warts,Viral infections, Contusions, Insect bites, Tendinitis, Allergies, Dandruff, Boils, Diabetes, Ulcers, Varicose veins, Bruises,  Edema, Psoriasis. 

Now, Aloe has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, side effects are rare and Aloe is considered to be safe, however, you should consult your doctor before starting an aloe supplement or juice routine.

So, not only is Aloe Vera good for all those things I've mentioned, it is also made up of components essential for our cells to do the jobs they were designed to do. Healthy Cells = Healthy Tissue, Healthy Tissue = Healthy Organs. Healthy Organs = GOOD HEALTH. Good Luck...

Flex-Appeal (publisher of Doc's Fitness Tip's) is offering a 2 for 1, first month special if you book an exercise training program before the end of the month! Train with a friend for FREE!! 


Or split the first months cost !! Call - (949) 443-0133 For Details.

OR TRY A NO COST INTRODUCTORY WORKOUT OR DIET CONSULTATION, BY PHONE, SKYPE, OR IN PERSON. PLEASE CONTACT ME DOC MASTERS AT flexappealdoc@hotmail.com

 Sources:

 ehow.com

aloeverahealthbenefits.info