health and wellness

Aloe Vera has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. The Aloe Vera plant has a wide ability to aid in the healing process, to protect, moisturize, and even extend life. Its gel is often used as a cooling and healing aid for sunburns, skin wounds, irritations, cuts, insect bites, burns, among other injuries. Today, Aloe Vera is found in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions, and moisturizers.

The Benefits Aloe Vera was used in ancient times for medicinal purposes and one of the first documented users of Aloe Vera was Cleopatra, who lived from 68 to 30 B.C. She is said to have used the gel on her skin as protection from the sun, and to have thought the gel helped keep her skin young-looking. In fact, the Egyptians reportedly used Aloe Vera in their embalming of bodies, among other uses.

Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars, and agents which may be anti-inflammatory. Today, it is not just for external remedies, but now can be ingested by pill or as in a drink. Juice is also taken from the Aloe Vera leaves. The bitter juice is often prepared as a flavored drink and is used to help with digestive problems. Taken internally, it can be used as a laxative and to destroy bacteria and parasites in the intestines.

Aloe Vera is a cellular regenerator and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects. Studies have shown that animals showed lowered occurrences of various diseases. Aloe Vera plants are very common and some people keep a potted plant in the kitchen for external and internal purposes and used under strict controls.