Aloe vera, or Aloe Barbadensis Miller, is a succulent plant from the Liliaceae family. The name of the plant is derived from the Arabic word “alloeh”, which means a shining, bitter material, and the Latin word “vera”, which means true.
Aloe Vera is also known by other names: “lily of the desert”, “wonder plant”, or “burn plant”.Being succulent, aloe Vera has the ability to repair itself quickly in case of damage.
The leaves contain a healing gel that closes the wound. Even though the leaf may be damaged, it will keep on growing from the plant.The aloe Vera leaf consists of two parts: the odorless and transparent gel, and the yellow juice with a bitter taste that leaks from the leaf when it is cut.
This juice contains latex, which may cause some serious side-effects when you drink it, so it is best not to use it without medical supervision. Although it probably originated in Sudan, Aloe Vera thrives in different regions of the planet: Central America, the Bahamas, Southeast Asia, West Indies, Southeast Asia and the Southwestern United States.
The good thing is that Aloe Vera is easily cultivated indoors and it does not require a lot of care. Aloe Vera has been known and used for its medicinal properties for centuries.
The first written record about aloe Vera’s healing powers was found on a Mesopotamian tablet as early as in 2100 B.C. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks also used aloe Vera for the treatment of internal ailments, as well as damaged skin.
What kind of substances does Aloe Vera Contain?
Aloe Vera is a true fountain of precious nutrients for the treatment and nourishment of our entire body. First of all, aloe Vera abounds in B-complex vitamins, which are vital for the health of our nervous system. Vitamins A, C and E are important for maintaining a strong immune system, fighting the effects of free radicals and bacteria.
Aloe Vera contains essential minerals calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper. Aloe Vera’s compounds called anthraquinones can reduce pain and work against viruses and bacteria.
Unfortunately, they are often taken away from aloe Vera manufactured products. Aloe Vera contains 20 anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and pain-relieving amino acids. 7 of these are essential amino-acids.
Aloe Vera Health Benefits
1. Aloe Vera Promotes Good Digestion
It calms the mucous tissues and irritations in the gastrointestinal tract, which is confirmed by the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Bastyr University in Washington.
Aloe Vera offers relief from irritable bowel syndrome and it cleanses the intestines from toxins.
Aloe Vera generally soothes different kinds of irritations due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Aloe Vera Boosts the Immune System
The rich content of antioxidants and polysaccharides found in Aloe Vera gel,provides our body with antioxidants and antiviral components that fight the free radicals, viruses and strengthen our system.
3. Aloe Vera Helps Patients with Diabetes
Research has shown that Aloe Vera can lower blood sugar levels.
It also helps reduce accumulated fat in the blood, which is important for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
4. Aloe Vera Reduces Bad Cholesterol
The LDL, or the bad cholesterol, was lowered by 18 percent when aloe Vera juice was taken daily in the amount of 20 ml. A study carried out by the National Institute of Health has confirmed this finding.
5. Aloe Vera Offers Relief from Pain
Aloe Vera gel has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving abilities. It can be applied directly to the skin topically to calm muscle pain but also orally, to calm the inflammation, stiffness and pain caused by arthritis.
6. Aloe Vera Heals and Regenerates the Skin
This ability of the plant is probably the most famous. Aloe Vera is a remarkable skin moisturizer and regenerator. Aloe Vera gel heals wounds and restores damaged tissue of the face and the skin. It soothes any kinds of inflammation and reduces redness of the face.
Aloe Vera has been found beneficial in treating skin diseases, like psoriasis and plaque.
It also brightens dark spots on the face and gives your face a glowing complexion.
A face scrub with aloe Vera gel in combination with oat flakes or baking soda will refresh and exfoliate the skin on your face.
A Homemade Method To Treat Your Face with Aloe Vera Gel
You should have in mind that it is always best to use raw Aloe Vera plant for the treatment of your face and skin, since a lot of potentially harmful ingredients are added to the manufactured cosmetic products made from it.
In this respect, I would like to show you a simple method of using raw Aloe Vera leaf to treat you face, which will make your face glow with beauty and health. Here is how to do it:
- The leaves need to be completely washed to remove any impurities. After this, the Aloe Vera leaf should be softened with the help of a roller, or simply by applying gentle pressure with your fingers.
- Then the leaf should be cut into two halves, including the edges from both sides. This will open the leaf and it will enable you to peel it easily.
- The next step is opening the leaf with your hands. If it is difficult, cut through the center of the leaf with a knife.
- Using a spoon, remove the amount of the juice that you will need for one treatment of your face. Store the rest in a container for future use.
- Now is the main part: with the tip of your fingers, spread the aloe Vera gel throughout your face. Let the mask sit on your face for 20 minutes.
- Remove the mask from your face after it has dried completely and wash the face with water only. The last step is drying your face with a clean towel.
You should expect remarkable results from this natural treatment of the face if you repeat the procedure for at least 7 days. The skin on your face will be glowing, smooth and soft.
