Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family, it is a succulent, perennial plant that closely resembles a Cactus. It is a xerophyte, meaning that it thrives in warm, rather arid areas hence it’s African origins. It does not thrive in cold frosty conditions. Aloe Vera’s thick, tapered, spiny leaves grow from a short stalk near ground level. Aloe Vera is related to other members of the Lily family such as the onion, garlic and turnip families. Aloe Vera’s relationship to the Lily family is evident from the tubular yellow flowers produced annually in the spring that resemble those of the Easter Lily. The typical Aloe Vera leaf grows from the base of the plant in the rosette pattern. Each plant usually has 12-16 leaves that, when mature, may weigh up to 3 pounds. Mature plants can grow as tall as 2 and a half inches to 4 feet with the average being around 28 to 36 inches in length. |
There are over 250 different species of Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Of these 250+ species of Aloe, 5 are recognized as having nutritional and medicinal value. Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most popular, while the last 2 are the least popular. Aloe Barbadensis Miller was introduced to the West Indies at the beginning of the 16th century. Today when replying the question… “What is Aloe Vera?” …reference is now universally made to Aloe Barbadensis Miller. This is the true Aloe Vera. It is the most potent – nutritionally and medicinally – and is the type of Aloe used in most commercial products with Aloe content available today. Most species of the Aloe Vera plant are non-toxic but there are about 15 poisonous ones which contain a deadly hemlock-like substance. If you are thinking of growing Aloe Vera at home that’s definitely something worth remembering when choosing your plant! The outside of the Aloe Vera leaf is smooth and rubbery to touch and inside is the Aloe Vera gel that is so highly regarded! The gel appears to contain a “wound hormone” that accelerates the rates of healing of injured surfaces. |
Aloe Vera plants are not fully mature with their complementary medicinal properties until they are four years old and it is therefore important that the gel is not extracted until they reach this age. If you were to ask most scientists today “What is Aloe Vera?”…you’d be told that Aloe Vera is a diverse mixture of antioxidant, antibiotic, cell growth stimulator, adaptogen, scar inhibitor, anti-inflammatory, astringent, coagulating agent and pain inhibitor! Aloe Vera is a nutritional storehouse, its gel contains over 75 nutrients such as minerals, amino acids, and a number of vitamins including B12, enzymes and more. Note: Aloe Vera is currently the only known natural source of vitamin B12. It is the combined team-like action and balance of this rich cocktail of ingredients contained in the Aloe Vera gel that make it so effective. This effect known as ’synergism’ is what is responsible for the numerous health Benefits of Aloe Vera , also check for the Aloe Vera PROPERTIES The International Aloe Science Council, in answering the question… “what is Aloe Vera?” describe it as an “orchestra” of the“polysaccharides, enzymes, amino acids, glycoproteins, vitamins and minerals intrinsic to the Aloe Vera plant and its exudate (inner) gel.” Now that I’ve answered the “what is Aloe Vera?” question for you, here’s where you can get a detailed picture of => |
|
The various names of Aloe Vera: The Aloe Vera that seems to help most people is, as mentioned earlier, Aloe Barbadensis Miller and not any of the other plants in the same family. But depending where you are in the world or what texts you read, you may find it referred to as on of the following: The Burn Plant First Aid Plant - as many communities use it without question to treat burns and sunburn. This is either done by squeezing the gel out of the leaf and applying it to the wound or, if the burn is large, splitting open an entire leaf and placing it gel side down on the affected area. The Healing Plant Medicine Plant Potted Physician Plant of Life Wonder Plant - in reference to its ability to heal a number of afflictions, both externally and internally in humans and animals. The Silent Healer - because it seems to heal afflictions without side effects. So much so that users often quickly forget they even had the ailment and that it was Aloe Vera that helped. The Dietry Plant - because it contains so many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients (see above) some use it as a dietry supplement. Heaven's Blessing - obviously the wide range of ailments it seems to deal with do make some communities regard it as a plant that must have been sent from up above. Single Bible - as it is known in Jamaica Ends constipation. Lowers high cholesterol. Halts the growth of cancer tumors. Repairs "sludge blood" and reverses "sticky blood". Boosts the oxygenation of your blood. Eases inflammation and soothes arthritis pain. Protects the body from oxidative stress. Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea. Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits. Cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn's disease and other digestive disorders. Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms. Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients. Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns. Replaces dozens of first aid products, makes bandages and antibacterial sprays obsolete. Halts colon cancer, heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract. Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance. Speeds recovery from injury or physical exertion. Hydrates the skin, accelerates skin repair. Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglycerides in diabetics. Prevents and treats Candida infections. Protects the kidneys from disease. Functions as nature's own "sports drink" for electrolyte balance, making common sports drinks obsolete. |
|