You’ve probably seen the Aloe Vera plant used as decor in someone’s home, but did you know that this decorative plant has many antioxidant and nutritional properties?
Of all the medicinal plants here on earth, the Aloe Vera plant is perhaps among the most versatile and useful. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, people have been using Aloe Vera as a folk remedy for burns and wounds; even the New Testament speaks of how the gel from the Aloe Vera plant can treat skin conditions.
With history’s records of how Aloe Vera has helped those wounded in battle or suffering from other ailments, there’s no doubt that Aloe Vera has many benefits to the human body.
A green, spiky, cactus-like house plant from the lily family, the name “Aloe Vera” is derived from the Arabic word for bitter, “alloeh”. Also known as the “Plant of Immortality”, “The Medicine Plant”, and “The Lily of the Desert”, the Aloe Vera plant has 240 varieties growing in Asia, America, Europe, and Africa.
While all of these varieties share similar healing properties, the Aloe Barbadensis Miller is most popularly used in commercial products.
The clear, jelly-like substance within the plant’s spiky leaves is the miracle substance used as a remedy for all sorts of internal and external ailments.
As a topical solution, Aloe Vera gel can treat first-degree burns, warts, inflammation, acne, hives, and ease the discomfort caused by psoriasis. When diluted with water and used as a mouth rinse, Aloe Vera helps heal cold sores.
As an ingredient in skin-care products, Aloe Vera maintains the skin’s elasticity and keeps the moisture locked in while increasing the oxygen flow to the epidermis. The plant’s anti-inflammatory and anti-burning properties make it an excellent treatment for sunburn or a means of protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Aloe Vera gel does not only soothe skin ailments; it can also be ingested in the form of a juice or a capsule to prevent numerous internal problems. The gel contains Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C, making it an distinctive food supplement that aids digestion and blood circulation while providing all these nutritional benefits.
Aloe Vera also relieves gastrointestinal problems like ulcers, irritable bowel snydrome, aids in digestion, and functions as a natural laxative by clearing the colon. You can also ingest Aloe Vera as a preventative measure against coronary heart diseases and liver problems.
More research needs to be done to discover the other benefits Aloe Vera has on the human body, but many people depend on this simple plant to cure the ailments listed above.
This doesn’t mean that you should start chewing on your friend’s Aloe Vera leaves or spread its gel all over your skin. The full benefits of this miraculous plant only comes out when it undergoes certain processes.
So the next time you pass by a store and see food supplements or skin-care products containing significant amounts of Aloe Vera, go ahead and see for yourself why many people call Aloe Vera “the miracle plant.”
