By: Svetlana Pasarić |
Miraculous effect of aloe vera on health |
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There is a legend according to which aloe vera once saved the life of Alexander the Great.
In 330 BC, during the siege of Gaza, Alexander was dangerously wounded by an arrow.
The wound got infected and it hurt terribly.
During a trip through Egypt and Libya Alexander’s condition worsened.
On his way to Persia, Alexander the Great visited the oasis of Siwa.
There came a priest sent by Aristotle, Alexander’s tutor. The priest was with him wearing a gel of aloe vera from the island of Socotra.
With the application of miraculous aloe, wound healed quickly.
The legend further states that Aristotle advised Alexander the Great to undertake an expedition to conquer the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean.
At that time the island was a hotbed of aloe vera and could provide his entire army with stocks of miraculous plants. People believed that the aloe vera made the army of Alexander indestructible.
Aloe vera is known under various names such as "marvelous herb", "elixir of youth" and the "gift of nature", aloe vera is a favorite plant not only of Alexander the Great, but many doctors and renowned people in history.
Cleopatra used it for hydration. Pharaohs wore it in the afterlife and the Egyptian queens considered aloe vera to be the source of their beauty. King Solomon was highly appreciated of this plant, he even cultivated his own aloe vera.
Name of the plant comes from the Arabic word "Alloeh", which translates as "bitter" because the juice contained in its leaves has a bitter taste.
Although aloe looks like a cactus, it belongs to the lily family. There are more than 300 species of aloe, but only 4 of them healing. Aloe barbadensis miller (otherwise known as aloe vera or "true aloe") is at the top of the charts due to its healing properties. It is this type of aloe that is used in health and skin care products.
Another type of aloe, which is known for its medicinal properties is called Aloe arborescens. In Europe this plant is often grown in households and is used for treating scratches, burns, insect bites and sunburns.
The healing properties of this herb were once a secret. Today, many scientific studies confirmed its properties and have explained their secrets hidden in the rich chemical composition of that plant.
Aloe vera contains about 240 nutritional and medicinal ingredients: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, E, folic acid, minerals, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, amino acids, enzymes, saponins, etc.
Aloe has exceptional nutritional value, because regular consumption of its juice or gel has a huge positive impact on health.
Some of the healing properties of Aloe Vera:
- ◦ strengthens the immune system
- ◦ gives strength and vitality
- ◦ protects against diabetes and high blood pressure
- ◦ destroys viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites
- ◦ normalizes the functioning of liver and kidneys
- ◦ purifies the body
- ◦ improves metabolism
- ◦ regulates digestion and prevent bowel disease
- ◦ reduces inflammation, redness and swelling of the joints and muscles
- ◦ used for treating diseases of the eyes and mouth
Aloe vera is good not only for internal, but also for external use. This plant is miraculous when it comes to skin care: treats sores and abrasions, insect bites, allergic skin rashes, dermatitis, fungus, extremely dry skin, acnes, burns, etc.
Today, aloe vera is an ingredient of many commercial cosmetic products and cleaning agents and personal care products. In cosmetics, aloe vera is used as a natural remedy for moisturizing, cleansing, regeneration and toning the skin.
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