Plant of the month – Aloe VeraAloe Vera was known to the ancient Egyptians as the "plant of immortality" and today it still retains this reputation. Due to its wide spectrum of action, it works wonders both internally and externally on the skin.
Aloe Vera plant
Botany
Today, the origin of the plant can no longer be determined with certainty, since it spread widely in early times. However, the origin of the plant can be narrowed down to northern Africa, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, but also southern Europe. Today, aloe vera is grown in tropical to subtropical climates with few, short periods of precipitation and temperatures of 20-25° Celsius. These areas are mainly located in the south of the United States, Mexico, Africa, Central America and Spain. The plant is undemanding in care, hardly needs fertilizer or water, but a lot of sunshine.
Ingredients
More than 200 active substances
Aloe Vera contains hundreds of substances that form a symbiosis and thus produce the plant's many properties. New ingredients are constantly being discovered. So far known are some vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E, but also minerals and trace elements, which in conjunction with the vitamins, enzymes and secondary plant compounds support many processes of the body. It also contains amino acids, including some essential for humans, which have a positive effect on our metabolism. Acemannan, called aloverose in the case of aloe vera, is considered to be the most important component. This has immunostimulant, antiviral, antineoplastic, i.e. effective against tumors, anti-inflammatory and intestinal cleansing properties 1 . The polysaccharides D-glucose and D-mannose provide the plant's ability to retain water.
According to the latest scientific findings, galactose, a simple sugar, is said to enhance brain power and may thus counteract the symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. 2
External application of aloe vera gel and juice
Cools the skin in case of sunburn
When used externally, the juice or gel of aloe vera has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. For sunburn and tightness it has a cooling and moisturizing Effect.
Shine and care for skin and hair
It provides shiny hair and soothes the scalp, it is also a real miracle cure for psoriasis. When used in facial care, it is an anti-wrinkle agent, as it stimulates the cell renewal of the skin and can also, through the anti-inflammatory effect, help against acne and herpes. Nevertheless the preserves the natural acid mantle of the skin and is therefore particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Aloe vera also has an anti-irritant effect on hives, neurodermatitis, shingles and mosquito bites. Due to the nourishing effect, it can prevent cellulite and also contribute to the healing of wounds 3 and scars.
In general, it can be said that Aloe Vera is an all-rounder and a true gift that can be used in every area of the body. Meanwhile, there are thousands of proven studies on the effect of the plant.
Internal use – good for the intestines
The juice contains aloin, which tastes bitter, but also in internal use makes aloe vera a panacea. It stimulates metabolism, which is supposed to help with fat loss in the body, but also has a digestive effect, which can help against constipation.
shine& Care shampoo with aloe vera juice and argan oil
Shaving soap avocado with aloe vera juice and green avocado oil
1 Sadgrove, Nicholas J., and Monique S. J. Simmonds: Pharmacodynamics of Aloe vera and acemannan in therapeutic applications for skin, digestion, and immunomodulation, Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 35,12 (2021), S. 6572-6584.
2 Lewis, John E et al.: The effect of an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex on cognitive and immune functioning in Alzheimer's disease, Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD vol. 33,2 (2013), S. 393-406.
3 Teplicki, Eric et al.The Effects of Aloe vera on Wound Healing in Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Viability, Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice vol. 30,9 (2018), S. 263-268.
Text: Franziska Bohland, Rebekka Kratz
Images: Laker, casellesingold (via Pexels)
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