ALOE VERA
THE WAND OF HEAVEN
The wide-uses of Aloe Vera have been realised by civilisations throughout the world for thousands of years. Alexander the Great sought out Aloe for treating wounded soldiers. Egyptians called it “The Plant of Immortality”. Native Americans referred to Aloe as “The Wand of Heaven”.
The Aloe Vera (Barbadensis Miller) plant is about 30-40 centimetres tall, with prickly and bitter leaves, which act as a defence to keep animals and insects from feeding on the plant. The leaves hold a gooey translucent, bitter gel, which is known around the world for its healing properties. The gel is made up of around 96% water. It contains 18 of the 20 amino acids (proteins) required by the body, also Vitamins: A, B, C & E.
BENEFITS
Aloe Vera has antiviral and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Thus it has the ability to help treat many conditions, including:
DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
Aloe improves the gut microbiome; it can help restore the natural bacterial flora of the digestive system.
SKIN DISORDERS
Sun-burn, insect bites, cuts, wounds. Skin can be treated by ingesting Aloe as well as using topically.
BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM
Aloe Vera possesses natural detoxifying properties that can cleanse the digestive system and the circulatory system. As nutrient absorption is increased, blood circulation and nutritional quality in the body’s cells are improved. When the blood is oxygen rich, it provides nutrients within the cells more proficiently.
Healthy cells assist your body’s ability to ward off infections, and increase vitality.
BEAUTY REMEDIES
use alone, or with your favourite oils or creams.
ADDITIONAL AILMENTS
Aloe Vera has significant healing benefits for many ailments including: cancer, arthritis symptoms, diabetes; colitis, ulcers, reflux and other gut disorders. Talk to your doctor to see if Aloe Vera is safe to use with any medications.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
One of the most crucial elements found in Aloe Vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as Acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins.
This is general information and not intended to replace medical advice. Aloe Vera is not advised for pregnant women, or anyone on chemotherapy. (It boosts the immune and therefore may reduce the effectiveness of the chemo).
HOW TO USE
Cut the leaf at an angle. Leave in a glass for about 30 minutes, to drain the Aloin, or latex. (This is the yellowish sap between the inner gel and the outer leaf. It tastes bitter, is a laxative and can be irritating to the skin).
Rinse or cut the residual sap from the end of the leaf. Fillet the leaf, then the gel is ready to use topically, or to ingest. You can add a teaspoon of the gel to a smoothie, or blend the gel with other ingredients for skin remedies, such as honey, coconut oil, rose-water or rose-hip oil (there’s a huge variety of Aloe-based skin recipes to explore).
Your skin is the body’s largest organ and much of what is applied to the skin is absorbed into the blood stream. It makes total sense to apply to the skin what is also good for you to consume!