Amazing Aloe Vera
Posted on 7th August 2024 at 08:13
Aloe Vera is one of those plants with a myriad of different uses. Not only is it safe to use both internally and externally, but it’s also a good natured – and almost indestructible (!) – house plant.
A tropical plant found in Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and America it’s estimated there are more than 400 different varieties in the wild.
So, what makes it so useful?
Well, it’s down to the gel contained within its leaves which has a huge range of different effects. Disinfectant. Antibiotic. Antimicrobial. Antiseptic. Antibacterial. Antiviral. Antifungal.
Added to these, it also contains many different compounds and phytonutrients. Vitamins A, C and E as well as Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B12. Choline, Selenium, Zinc, Calcium Iron, Copper, Manganese, Potassium Magnesium and Chromium. High levels of Antioxidants, Amino Acids and Fatty Acids. Phew!
With all of these, it’s not surprising that Aloe Vera has a huge list of uses:
The best known is probably as a gel or cream for Sunburn, although it’s also been found effective for first and second degree burns.
It provides pain relief and aids healing for minor cuts and abrasions, as well as reducing inflammation from bites or stings.
Generally, it helps hydrate the Skin as well as increasing collagen production, so improving the appearance of Skin and reducing wrinkles. For these reasons, it’s often included in Skin creams.
Taken internally, it supports digestion as well as helping to soothe an irritated or inflamed digestive tract. This in turn helps improve bowel movements, so reducing constipation.
It’s also been found to help lower blood sugar levels, improve cardiac health and optimise cholesterol levels.
More generally, it helps detoxify the body.
Even better, it’s easy to use.
For the more adventurous, a leaf can simply be broken off the plant and the gel inside applied to the Skin directly. However, you may find it simpler – and less traumatic for the plant (!) – to have a tube of gel in the cupboard!
For internal use, to ensure a consistent dose is taken, organic Aloe Vera liquid / gel is readily available to buy. While it’s quite a thick liquid, it has a pleasant taste and can be diluted with water or cloudy apple juice to make it easier to take. It can be safely taken over the long term.
A great houseplant – and easy to propagate too (!) – with so many different uses, Aloe Vera is definitely one for the first aid kit at home.
As always, the choice is yours.
Picture by unknown author
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