Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis Mill., A. vulgaris Lam.) is a species of Aloe, native to northern Africa. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 80-100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2-3 cm long.
With just one aloe plant you can cure over 80 ailments. Aloe has such a unique chemical composition, proven scientifically, like no other plant. There have been many studies on aloe's healing abilities. It has been proven that aloe heals eczema, dermatitis, cuts and burns; lowers high cholesterol and blood pressure; helps with diabetes; cures gastritis and ulcers; strengthens the immune system, helps with heart, kidney and liver disorders; stops the growth of cancer tumors; helps with impotency; cures colds and the flu, kills yeast infections; stops hair loss and much more... Many articles on aloe's amazing healing abilities were published in the most prestigious medicinal magazines.
While traditional medicine has been using aloe as a part of some drugs or cosmetic products for decades, folk medicine has been using aloe for a few thousand years and has built up an impressive collection of home remedies for many ailments.
How It Is Used
* Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
* The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.
The possible benefits from the use of aloe vera gel and juice include:
1. May help sooth skin injured by burns, irritations, cuts and insect bites.
2. May help moisturize and soften the skin.
3. May help speed the healing of skin wounds, burns and other injuries.
In a study performed by the Department of Physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, lab rats were given a 10% greater life span by ingesting Aloe. The animals showed lowered occurrences of various diseases including arterial thrombosis and leukemia. In addition, no adverse side effects were found in the rats on a diet that included Aloe.
While anyone considering alternative medicine to treat conditions should consult their physician first, Aloe may be a viable remedy for various ailments. Through observation and further tests, scientists have proven that the healing effects of Aloe extend beyond merely soothing sunburn. Future studies should bring credibility to other claims of Aloe's diverse medical benefits.
Other facts:
Aloe vera originates form North Africa. Aloe vera is now planted all warm climates of the world for commercial purposes. The first written reference of aloe vera is an ancient Egyptian papyrus, which dates back to 3500 BC. Aloe vera has been used for centuries in China and India. Legend suggests that Aristotle convinced Alexander the Great to capture the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean for its supply of aloe vera to heal wounded soldiers.
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