All is well: we have aloe on board!

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Aloe vera has been used in natural therapy since ancient times. The plant has been employed as a medicinal cure by all civilizations. Around 3000 B.C., aloe occurs in Chinese and Sumerian texts.

History

Ancient Egyptian citizens glorified aloe during the period of the pharaohs, referring to it as "the plant of immortality." They described the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of the plant. The pharaoh referred to it as the "elixir of an endless life." Cleopatra is supposed to have consumed aloe vera regularly.

Aloe has been recognized as the "flower of the desert" in Arabic culture since ancient times. It was previously sold in the Middle East by Arabic people. Its medical benefits have also been used in countries like India, and many others.

Famous physicians such as Aristotle and Dioscorides, among others, stressed aloe's beneficial abilities to treat injuries, eye diseases, care for the skin, prevent hair loss. Aristotle is claimed to have encouraged Alexander the Great to attack the island of Socotra for the reason to get aloe plants, to be able to heal his men with aloe's help.

This amazing plant was known as the "Doctor of the Sky" and "Fountain of Youth" by the Jivaro Indians, and it was regarded as one of their holy plants.

"All is well: we have aloe on board,"- these words were ascribed to Christopher Columbus, who always sought to bring aloe on his trips.

For decades, medical science and the use of pharmaceutical medications managed to dominate aloe. It is now scientifically acknowledged and is making a comeback as a super-effective natural medicine.

Nowadays

Aloe is the evergreen plant that can be found in many homes, but few people know about the benefits of having it on their windowsill.

It belongs to the family of succulents, so it retains moisture for a long time in its leaves, which are 99% water. The leaves also contain beta-carotene, minerals, protein molecules, amino acids, as well as natural antioxidants in the form of vitamins. It is important to note that the older the plant, the more nutrients its leaves contain.

For example, aloe is widely used for the treatment of the respiratory and digestive organs, for streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, for the treatment of skin diseases, and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, very often aloe is of great help in the treatment of purulent and infected wounds, as it can accelerate tissue regeneration. It can also treat burns, whether thermal or solar, effectively.

Aloe also helps dealing with stomatitis, and ophthalmologists use drops with the addition of aloe juice in the treatment of conjunctivitis, myopia and for the prevention of cataracts. However, that is not all - aloe vera is incredibly beneficial for the skin and hair.

Aloe vera juice contains more than a hundred biologically active substances and components, which deeply moisturize the skin, prevent dehydration and retain the required amount of moisture in the layers of the epidermis. Surprisingly, aloe vera penetrates the skin four times faster than water.

Since aloe contains vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium, and chromium, it protects the skin from the negative effects of external factors, creating an invisible barrier on the skin.

In addition, the plant has the anti-aging effect. Aloe juice helps to increase the elasticity of the skin, restore its tone and firmness, thanks to the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which help to maintain youth.

Some useful recipes

Here are some of the recipes, which will come in handy, especially in today’s times. When you are not sure you will be able to go get some medicines or you do not want to visit crowded places, use some of the aloe vera life-hacks at home.
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To treat a runny nose. Dilute fresh aloe juice with boiled lukewarm water in a ratio of 1:10. Instill drops in each nostril 2-3 times a day until the condition improves.

To treat coughing. Combine half a glass of aloe juice, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 50 grams of butter (unsalted). Take a tablespoon of this mixture 2 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is at least a week.

To treat eyes inflammation. Those who work a lot on the computer often have their eyes and eyelids turn red, also feeling irritation sometimes. Aloe juice helps - drip 1-2 drops in each eye 3-4 times a day.

To treat wounds. Cut open aloe leaf and attach the cut side to the wound with a plaster. After a few hours, the wound will begin to heal. Change the leaves several times a day.

The aloe vera plant, as well as many gels and extracts that may be manufactured from it, can be used in a variety of ways. Researchers are still working on novel applications for this succulent. If you want to utilize aloe vera for therapeutic purposes, talk to your doctor first, especially if you are on medication.

Disclaimer: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat illness should come under the direction of your health care practitioner.