Aloe vera plant healthWhether in cosmetics, dietary supplements or even as juice: Aloe Vera is attributed several positive properties, such as accelerated cell renewal of the skin. This made the plant a popular skin care product even among the ancient Egyptians, such as Cleopatra. But also today Aloe Vera enjoys great popularity as a home remedy for sunburn or other skin injuries. How you can easily obtain the aloe vera gel yourself and many other exciting facts about the healing plant, you will learn in the following article.
Aloe vera belongs to the Family of the lily plants and is originally found in tropical climates is native to. In the meantime, however, it has also become a popular houseplant. Found on many domestic windowsills. Remarkable are its thick fleshy leaves, in which the plant can store enormous amounts of water. Inside the leaves there is a colorless gel-like substance called Aloe vera gel, which, due to its properties, can be used in many areas of food and cosmetics industry Finds use.
Internal and external use of the miracle plant
Two main substances can be obtained from the aloe vera plant: The already mentioned gel as well as the so-called Aloe latex. The latter is obtained from the yellowish juice of the leaf bark and is used in some medicines against constipation used. However, the use should be discussed with a doctor, since prolonged use can cause a increased risk of cancer could consist. Aloe vera gel, on the other hand, is often used in the beauty and health industry. It is particularly healing for skin irritations and minor burns, such as sunburn. It cools the skin. Provides it with moisture. The gel is also suitable for more sensitive skin, because it maintains the natural acid mantle. But beware: the aloe vera plant is often said to have other healing properties. Thus, the ingredients are even to mitigate diabetes or alleviate intestinal and joint problems. However, these statements are not scientifically proven.
How healthy is aloe vera really??
More than 200 different ingredients have been detected in the plant. Among other things, valuable vitamins, minerals, mucilage from carbohydrates, amino acids and enzymes. The range is large, but the concentrations are low. For: Aloe vera gel already exists to 99% from water. The ingredients can also be found in domestic fruits and vegetables.
The proper care and propagation of the plant
Aloe vera has earned a special reputation not only as a medicinal plant, but also because of the extremely uncomplicated care a popular houseplant. Even without a green thumb, the plant will be a long companion for you. Aloe vera you just need to rarely water and it also grows on nutrient poor soil. It can also be easy to propagate, so that you can conjure up several aloe vera plants from a single one at once. The reason: older plants form small shoots by themselves, which can then be easily separated from the actual plant and placed in new soil. Another option is to dry the tip of a harvested leaf for a few days and then also put in soil.
How easy it is to propagate the aloe vera plant.
How to obtain the precious aloe vera gel?
Are you the proud owner of your own aloe vera plant? Then you can easily obtain the gel yourself at home. To do this, you must first cut off one of the lower older leaves with a sharp knife at the base. It is important to always harvest a whole leaf. To get to the gel-like substance, which is also suitable for consumption, you must first place the leaf with the cut surface down in water for some time. Because watch out: The yellowish juice of the leaf bark contains harmful substances called anthranoids. These have a laxative effect and can increase the risk of developing cancer. Due to the anthranoids thus never whole leaves for consumption use.
In order to remove all anthranoids without leaving any residue, we recommend cutting off the outer leaf bark as well. Once you have removed them, you can cut the leaf into strips, carefully separate out the gel and then wash thoroughly. With the gel you can now make your own cosmetics, such as creams and hair masks in a jiffy. In this article you will learn more tips to make natural cosmetics. But if you want to be on the safe side, Leave it to the experts and use already industrially processed products.
Put cut leaves in water, remove leaf bark, cut into strips and finally take out the gel.
The harvested leaves or the gel already filled in closed containers store best in your Liebherr refrigerator. This further enhances the cooling effect. Also a storage in the Freezer is possible. Small tip: In order to portion the aloe vera gel directly, use the ice cube form!