Aloe vera as a medicinal plant and its effect on health& Well-beingThe use of aloe vera both as a medicinal plant and to enhance beauty has a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Today, the knowledge of the special powers of the plant is combined with technologically sophisticated processing methods to achieve the best possible effectiveness of the valuable ingredients of aloe for beauty and health.
Aloe vera (front in picture) in the wild (Photo: Jimmy Baikovicius)
Columbus and Cleopatra as advocates of aloe
Already the old Egyptians knew about the special healing power of the Aloe Vera. During excavations, recipes were discovered on clay tablets, which are about 6000 years old, which tell about the use of this plant as a means to achieve a strong constitution and a radiant appearance. Even the two best beauty experts of the ancient world, Nefertiti and Cleopatra, used aloe vera extracts to maintain their legendary beauty. The great warlord Alexander the Great always carried a certain amount of aloe vera plants with him on his campaigns, because they were considered the best means to bring the injuries of the warriors to heal quickly. Even Christopher Columbus never set sail without a few flower pots of aloe vera on board, because they were the panacea for all sorts of ailments that could befall a sailor on a great voyage.
Scientific "proofs" for the effectiveness
From a purely scientific point of view, approximately 160 different ingredients have been identified in aloe vera to date. These have the most diverse effects on the organism of humans and animals. The most important effects include, for example, anti-inflammation through antibacterial substances, strengthening the immune system, promoting digestion by regulating the function of bile and liver, and binding harmful environmental toxins in the body.
Aloe vera as a potted plant (Photo: brykmantra)
Furthermore, aloe vera contains a not to be underestimated amount of minerals and trace elements that vitalize the body and are essential for maintaining many of its functions. Iron, calcium and magnesium are just some of them. Are these substances lacking in the body?. are not present in sufficient quantity, it can promote cancer or even accelerate the occurrence of a heart attack. But the aloe vera provides a balance. Iron is important for sufficient oxygen in the blood, manganese helps detoxification, selenium kills free radicals and zinc heals wounds faster.
Not to be forgotten, of course, are the vitamins that are present in abundance in aloe vera. Vitamins B 1, B 2, B 6 and B 12 boost the entire immune system, promote blood formation and accelerate cell renewal. The vitamin C is an all-rounder, allows the body to quickly recover from various diseases and is also essential for a youthful fresh appearance. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does give an idea of the kind of jack-of-all-trades that this inconspicuous plant from the Mediterranean region is.
Modern products from Aloe Vera
The beauty industry trusts in the effect of the healing plant: Florena cream with BIO Aloe Vera (Photo: Florena Presse)
Aloe vera products are available in various forms, both for internal and external use. But with all creams, dragees, capsules and drinks made with aloe vera, it is of utmost importance that they come from a trustworthy source and that the products really contain what is advertised on the packaging.
Aloe products can be used both for health care and as a remedy. The spectrum of possible applications is almost inexhaustible. The active substances of aloe vera are suitable for both children and old people. Even animals can be successfully treated with it. If you have the possibility, you should put a flower pot with an aloe vera plant on the window sill, because the juice of the freshly cut leaves is a proven remedy for small injuries, burns or even sunburn. It is therefore virtually a first aid in a flower pot. The juice even cools insect bites. Makes the swelling disappear quickly.