Aloe Vera
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a green, spiky plant mistakenly quoted as belonging to the cactus family but the truth is that this succulent, herbal plant actually cames from the lily family, like garlic and onions and it is known as the lily of the deserts.
It is one of the most incredible plants used in therapeutic medicine and has been used since at least five thousand years ago and is still used today! The aloe vera plant is widely used as one of the basic ingredients in a variety of cosmetics, food supplements, herbal remedies and other products that are nearly pure aloe vera.
Qualities and Properties of Aloe vera
Aloe vera is adaptogenic, high in vitamins (including A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and more), minerals (including calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese), amino acids, fatty acids. The moisturising properties of aloe vera make it great for treating some skin conditions, general use as a moisturiser for skin, hair growth and can even improve the health of teeth and gums. Aloe vera also has astringent properties that can help with healing skin damage and has antifungal and antibacterial properties too. It really is a remarkable plant!
What can aloe vera be used to treat?
Hair Loss: The juices from inside the aLoe vera plant leaves can be applied to the scalp to re-moisturise the scalp and encourage hair growth.
Sunburns: Similarly, the inside juices can be scraped out and applied to burns, particularly sunburned skin. Aloe vera juices are cool and soothing and full of healing properties.
Skin abrasions or cuts: Again, the gel from inside the aloe vera leaves can be scraped out and applied to the cut/damaged skin.
Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhoea can be treated by drinking/consuming aloe vera based products. The plant attacks the bacteria in the gut and helps the fight against these problems. It is highly recommended to not ingest the plant directly but to seek medical advice first.
Aloe vera can also be used to treat insect bites, irritable bowel syndrome and rashes.
Where can I get aloe vera?
Aloe vera grows in hot countries particularly in the Middle East and South East Asia, in countries such as: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, West Malaysia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Philippines.
In these countries it is very easy to find naturally as it grows rampantly and is literally everywhere. If you live in a country where aloe vera is resident, just ask a neighbour or relative and you will surely find some.
If you live in other countries, then you should be able to find aloe vera and related products at a local herbal remedy store.
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