Aloe Vera's Many Uses
Aloe Vera's Many Uses
The aloe vera plant is about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent
composition, however, is packed with over 75 nutrients and 200 active
compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. It is
commonly mixed in moisturizers, lotions and hand sanitizers, although
there is such a concoction as an aloe vera juice drink which is as
delicious as it is packed with goodies. The juice is reportedly soothing to
digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers.
Aloe vera is Africa's most popular herb, and through many centuries it
has been dubbed "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality", and the
"medicine plant". Much earlier than 1500 B.C. , the Egyptians have been
using the herbal plant to treat burns, infections and parasites. It was
also popular among the Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards.
As early as the 1930s, aloe vera has already proven its remarkable
ability to heal wounds and burns when a sticky coating is applied on the
affected areas. As a food supplement, aloe is said to facilitate digestion,
boost blood circulation, as well as kidney and liver functions.
Acemannan, a newly discovered compound in aloe vera, has been
found to boost the activity of T-lymphocyte cells which act as support
agents of the human immune system.
It is wise to have a pot of aloe vera in your garden. When the need
arises, pick one leaf from the plant and break it in two. Immediately
apply the oozing gel that comes out directly to the affected areas in
order to relieve and heal burns. It can also be applied to the scalp on a
regular basis to promote hair growth.