The Medicine Plant, Aloe...

 Aloe Vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant.

However did you know that Aloe is one of the healthiest plants you can ingest ? Aloe Vera juice, is high in antioxidants and as a result boosts a person's immune system by detoxifying the body which helps to prevent illness, and everyone knows what to reach for when you get too much sun. Or when you get a kitchen burn. The Aloe Vera probably originated in northern Africa. It survives in areas of low natural rainfall. In history the Aloe Vera has been found in writings of many different cultures. As far back as the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman empires. References have also been found in writings from the early Indian and Chinese cultures. Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe Vera have been known for centuries, and it's therapeutic and healing properties have survived for over 4000 years. FYI 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 used it to enhance their physical beauty. It was used to great effect by Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian physicians. In the Philippines it is taken 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 Aloe Vera appearing throughout history, for it's many uses. So, Aloe plant gel has been used for topical treatment for minor wounds and burns and skin irritations for centuries. However, 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's used to support the natural healing of skin that has been damaged. 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. Here are some of the health benefits:

1. Aids in 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. 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. Use terracotta pots for them because they're porous. Potted aloe plants should be allowed to completely dry before watering. When they are 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 been successfully 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. 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...

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