The Wonderful Aloe Vera Plant

By Willie Greg

Aloe Vera plants are known throughout the world for its healing properties. Used as a wetting agent, from the sap of the aloe plant can be used to heal sunburn and other first and second degree burns, the revitalization of the skin and creating a barrier of protection for organisms to stay moisture in the pores of the skin.

Aloe Vera is a part of the family of succulent plants. This means that they are capable of retaining water, possibly in the leaves, even in a dry environment and water. Even in this condition, the Aloe Vera plant very meaty and tender to touch. Moreover, they can still produce interesting flowers. Are popular with gardeners as an ornamental plant for rockeries and especially areas with low expectations of rainfall, as they are able to maintain its succulence despite the dry conditions.

Aloe Vera is grown and preferably spreads using their pups, suckers or shoots. In general, these are cut from the parent plant or is pulled carefully to maintain the root system already developed. They usually grow out of the sides of the mother plant and the child leaves the group. Ideally, puppies, shoots or buds should be left to dry for a day or two before re-planting.

The uses and medical applications of the aloe plant have spread in the field of cosmetics when the sap of the plants used in the manufacture of products such as aloe skin moisturizers, soaps, creams and shampoos. Aloe vera is a miracle plant has made its way around the world is the original home and is increasingly cultivated areas around the weather does not get frost in winter.

When the maintenance of Aloe Vera, there are signs and symptoms that are in need of care. When the leaves are full and luscious to the point of curling, then you are not getting enough water. When the irrigation during the dry season, water every two weeks. However, for the hottest days, once the soil is completely dry, it may be time to re-watering. During the rainy season, should be kept indoors or too much water can damage the root system. For the winter, as they are succulent and retain water very well, are also prone to frost. Once again, they are best kept indoors and preferably in a warm or hot in the house.

Its leaves are clearly placed in an upright position. Once its leaves are flat, a sign is not receiving enough light. When grown indoors, they should be placed in an area of the house where they are sure to get a lot of sunlight. Outdoors, they should also not be subjected to direct sunlight for too long and must be watered more often.

Aloe Vera is gaining popularity for their medicinal properties, an additional incentive for the cultivation of them. Its gel is used to treat minor burns that helps relieve pain and blisters. It also has soothing properties that make it ideal for the treatment of itchiness.

About the Author

Willie Greg is an expert in event marketing. He write articles for corporate events calendar and aloe vera online.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/401344/the-wonderful-aloe-vera-plant.htm

Aloe Vera And Acne

Aloe vera has some important medicinal qualities that are very effective in the treatment of acne. Aloe Vera has been used in a wide variety of medicinal ways both historically and in modern time. It is used to treat burns, wounds and infections to regenerate skin and provide the building blocks needed to rebuild scarred or damaged skin areas. In addition it aids in treating acne by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and an immune booster.

Aloe Vera Solutions

Acne can be treated by either soaps containing aloe vera or aloe vera gel. Soaps should be used at least twice a day and the skin should be patted dry following the wash. A topical gel or cream application of aloe vera can then be applied to the inflamed or infected areas. Acne is not cured by aloe vera but the symptoms of redness, flaky skin, and swelling will be rapidly decreased with consistent use.

Aloe vera, in liquid form, can be applied to the facial area to remove excess oil. The face should then be washed with a soap containing aloe vera and then a commercially prepared aloe vera cream can be applied. This treatment uses all the medicinal components of the aloe vera to help keep skin looking soft and breakout free. The mild astringent qualities of the allow vera will prevent future acne outbreaks and help reduce redness and swelling.

Medical Findings

As far back as 1750 B.C clay tablets were written addressing the medicinal properties of aloe vera. A Greek physician wrote in 74 B.C about using aloe vera to cure infections of the skin, burns and to decrease hair loss.

In 1935 the first medical report was published describing the medical use of aloe vera in burn patients. It has since been the focus of many studies addressing the healing properties of aloe vera for all skin conditions, including acne. As with all herbal and medical treatments individual responses will vary with most users indicating a decrease in the redness and flaky skin around the acne blemishes.

There are no known side effects to using aloe vera externally. If any irritation occurs simply discontinue use.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/2250/aloe-vera-and-acne-is-there-a-relationship.htm

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has attracted lots of attention over the centuries and been seen as a cure-all by some civilisations! But it is only relatively recently that it has come back under scrutiny and been treated again with the respect that it deserves. 

After all, it is an incredibly versatile plant, which has been given many labels including Plant of Life. 

Heaven's Blessing and Wand of Heaven are two more of its sobriquets, as well as Potted Physician. 

I think this says plenty about why aloe vera has been used as a medicinal plant in many cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Babylonians, Romans, Chinese and Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi, in a letter to his biographer Romain Rolland, wrote: 'You ask me what were the secret forces which sustained me during my long fasts. 

Well, it was my unshakable faith in God, my simple and frugal life style, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the 19th century.'

Although indigenous to Africa, aloe is now grown globally - chiefly in warm, dry climates - and while botanists have identified around 300 types, these are the five demonstrating medical benefits:

-Barbadensis Miller, -Perryi Baker, -Ferox (often called Cape Aloe), -Arborescens and -Saponaria. (The last two of these are the least popular and are mainly used in Japan.)

Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most potent. It takes four to five years to reach maturity, when its leaves (which grow from a short stem) are about 60 cm in length and about 8-10 cm in width at the base. 

The outer leaves are usually harvested (up to three times a year) at about 4 years of age - and when they are removed this adaptable plant 'seals' itself within seconds against water loss!

How does it do this? As the wound is inflicted it films over and then, during the next few minutes, a rubbery protective coating stops further loss of sap.

Thus the stem avoids dessication and quite soon the wound heals completely. A perennial, Aloe Barbadensis Miller has approximately a 12-year lifespan. 

So as well as helping to heal us, clever aloe vera heals itself!

Some lesser known facts are that Aloe Americana is used by the Mexicans to produce their Tequila, while Aloe Sisalina's fibres are often used to make scratching posts for cats!

But back to Barbadensis Miller, where aloe vera's natural nutrients exist in perfect balance. It is likely to be this synergistic relationship between the elements found in the plant's gel that gives it its potent power to heal.

'Synergism is defined as "the working together of two or more drugs, muscles etc. to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects".'

There are no less than 75 ingredients within an aloe leaf. These are their categories:

Lignin, Saponins, Anthraquinones (Aloin, Isobarbaloin, Anthracene, Emodin, Ester of Cinnamonic acid, Chrysophanic acid, Barbaloin, Anthranol, Aloetic acid, Aloe Emodin, Ethereal oil and Resistannol. 

Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Sodium, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Chromium and Iron.

Vitamins: Vitamins A, C & E, Vitamin B & Choline, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid.

Amino Acids: Aloe vera provides 20 amino acids and 7 essential ones (of the 22 amino acids and 8 essential ones that the human body requires!)

Enzymes: These are some of the most important enzymes in this remarkable plant: Peroxidase, Aliiase, Catalase, Lipase, Cellulase, Carboxypeptidase, Amylase and Alkaline Phosphatase.

Sugars: Both monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose,and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the most important types of sugars.

Sterols: Cholesterol, Sitosterol, Campesterol and Lupeol.

Aloe vera is very safe and has no known side effects. For more comprehensive information visit http://www.my-aloe-vera.com

Article Source: 

http://www.articlealley.com/http://pgglynn.articlealley.com/aloe-vera-1370464.html

About the Author:

http://www.my-aloe-vera.com

Aloe Vera Juice

By Lisa Gylsen

Aloe vera is widely known for its amazing healing capability on burns, sunburn and a variety of other skin problems. It has been commonly used in past generations and particular passages in the Bible mention aloe vera as a widely used herb for its medicinal properties in that time.

But aloe has other significant uses that are widely accepted nowadays. It has become a favourite component in many nutritional formulas and medicinal preparations. 

Aloe is generally accepted as a versatile health component since it contains a lot of beneficial nutrients - vitamins, minerals and amino acids that nourish and heal the body inside and out.

Here are 10 specific reasons why you should use aloe vera juice:

1. Internal Cleansing or Detoxification

Aloe is highly effective in flushing out harmful toxins that that build up our body. Preserved food products, environmental toxins and stress can cause damaging effects, so it is necessary to cleanse the body regularly. Aloe contains natural elements that assist in ridding the body of harmful toxins to keep it in its finest condition.

2. Improved Immunity and Resistance to Disease

Aloe vera is packed with anti-oxidants that boost and enhance the human immune system. These natural immune enhancers combat free radicals that expose the body to all sorts of illness and disease. Aloe vera juice effectively furnishes the body with all the needed anti-oxidants to improve resistance and prevent disease.

3. Better Digestion and Absorption

Vital to good health and total wellness is maintaining a healthy digestive system. Aloe vera aids in regulating digestion by performing natural detoxifying functions. 

It helps the body eliminate harmful elements so it can better absorb healthy nutrients from the food that we eat. This results in a healthier bloodstream, bowel regularity and improved digestive functions. Aloe has also been shown to reduce heartburn and other digestive disturbances.

4. Minimised Inflammatory Conditions

Aloe vera users swear by its superb effects at reducing inflammatory states such as muscle stiffness and painful joints. Aloe vera juice contains 12 components that help reduce inflammation without any side-effects.

5. Weight Control and Improved Energy

Because it has natural detoxifying properties, aloe vera juice aids proper digestion and waste elimination. It allows increased energy as it aids in the nutritional absorption process and enhances better weight control and management.

6. Complete Daily Vitamin & Mineral Requirements

Aloe vera gel contains the complete daily requirements for vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin. Since the body can't retain most of these vitamins, daily replenishment is necessary.

7. Skin Health and Repair

Skin renews itself every 4 weeks. Collagen and elastin are critically important skin proteins: collagen is responsible for the structural support; and elastin for the skin resilience. Aloe vera provides the building blocks for skin repair and is necessary against skin ageing.

8. Rich Supply of Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, the body needs. There are 8 essential amino acids which the body can't produce, so it needs to get these from somewhere else. Aloe vera contains 7 essential amino acids that are known to enhance protein building and absorption.

9. Oral Health and Hygiene

Aloe vera is available in a toothgel preparation that has natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial abilities. It has been found effective against mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. Aloe toothgel also contains vitamins and minerals that healthy teeth and gums.

10. Complete Food Replacement

Rather than simply providing additional nutrition to the body, aloe vera juice is considered a food type. As such, its nutrients are more readily absorbed and utilised than most other nutritional supplements.

Lisa Gylsen has worked in the health and nutrition field for the past 15 years. She has helped hundreds of people to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. She runs her online business and own healthy lifestyle from the idyllic island of Mauritius.

For more information please visit: http://aloeandyou.co.uk

Article source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/503116/aloe-vera-juice-top-10-health-benefits.htm

Aloe Vera History

Author: P.G. Glynn

Aloe Vera history did not begin with Gandhi, but here is an extract from a letter he wrote to his biographer:

'You ask me what were the secret forces which sustained me during my long fasts. Well, it was my unshakable faith in God, my simple and frugal lifestyle, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the 19th century.'

Gandhi's belief in Aloe's benefits was well-rooted in the history of this truly remarkable plant. A papyrus dating from Pharoah Amen-Hotep's reign in 1552 BC (and found between the knees of a mummy excavated in 1858!) gave no less than twelve different formulae for Aloe Vera preparations used during the preceding two thousand years.

The Ancient Greek and Roman cultures also embraced Aloe Vera, as did those of Babylon, India and China. Great thinkers such as Celsius, from Jesus Christ's time, Roman physician Pliny the Elder and the Greek Dioscorides all saw Aloe Vera's importance. 

Alexander the Great is said to have captured the isle of Socotra, where Aloe grew abundantly, so that he had plentiful supplies of the plant to help heal his men's battle-wounds. 

Legend has it as well that Cleopatra and Nefertiti bathed in Aloe as part of their beauty routine. And the father of modern medicine - Galen - used it too in his treatments.

Aloe was first brought to London by traders in 1693 and over 4000 plants were being imported annually by 1843. 

T & H Smith in Edinburgh 'discovered' Aloin in 1851 and concluded that small doses of this acted as a tonic assisting digestion and having a beneficial influence on the liver, while larger doses became a strong laxative.

Aloe was a popular prescribed and over-the-counter medicine during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. 

Over the course of aloe vera history this plant has been endowed with some marvellous names, including these: First Aid Plant, Silent Healer, Potted Physician, Plant of Life, Wonder Plant, Dietary Plant, Burn Plant, Single Bible and Heaven's Blessing.

Article Source:

http://www.articlealley.com/http://pgglynn.articlealley.com/aloe-vera-history-1712608.html

About the Author:

http://www.my-aloe-vera.com