Aloe Vera, also called Aloe Barbadensis, is the new craze. This decorative plant can offer a lot more than you can imagine.
Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans have used Aloe Vera for its healing properties. It was a common remedy in Latin America, Caribbean, and South Africa.
Experts at the University at Maryland Medical Center say that Aloe Vera was commonly used in the US in the 18th and 19th century. Today it is one of the most powerful plants in the States, and it has a wide range of uses.
Health benefits
- Aloe Vera relieves the symptoms of fever, asthma, ulcerative colitis, and osteoarthritis
- It offers analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which means that topical application can help in treating cuts, burns, infections, wounds, and sunburns. Studies have shown that it is more efficient than conventional painkillers and remedies for burns.
- Lycoproteins in Aloe Vera reduce inflammation and relieves pain. Polysaccharides moisturize skin and accelerate skin repair.
- Aloe Vera treats IBS, lowers blood sugar in diabetics diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, lowers cholesterol, and treats psoriasis, canker sores, relieves constipation, dental issues, infections of the upper respiratory tract, and even cancer.
Some more benefits
- Detoxifies
- Increases alkalinity in the body
- Enhances digestion
- Strengthens the immune system
- Provides disinfectant, antibiotic, antimicrobial, germicidal, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral effect
- Works as an adaptogen
- Supports a healthy weight loss
- Reduces the risk of developing heart disease
- Offers robust nutritional value
How to make your own Aloe Vera gel
Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera plant
- Fresh lemon juice
Items needed:
- A clean cutting board
- A sharp knife (filleting knife works best)
- A clean plate
- A clean cotton towel
- A sterile jar
- A food processor
Preparation:
The first thing you should do is wash your hands to prevent any contamination.
Cut off a juicy, mature leaf from the plant. Pick the ones at the bottom of your Aloe Vera plant.
Clean your filleting knife.
Wash and pat dry the leaf. Set it on the plate, preferably at a 45° angle, to help the yellow juice come out.
Place the leaf on your cutting board, and cut off the edges.
Use the filleting knife to remove the outer shell.
Dice the gel.
Transfer your Aloe Vera gel in a jar
Pour over some fresh lemon juice. This step will extend the shelf life of the gel.
If you are looking for a smooth texture, work the Aloe Vera dices in your food processor. For optimal results, pulse on high speed.
Keep your gel in the fridge for a week.
Application:
Take 30 ml of your Aloe Vera gel, preferably three times a day.
If your ailment requires that you apply it topically, carefully massage it onto the sore area.