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Aloe, a plant, a thousand uses

In recent years we have been reading more and more about a "magic" plant, aloe. Hundreds of magazines and web sites "bombard" us everyday with articles on the healing and cosmetic properties they have. Is that the case?

To give the answer, you will need a test. Before that, we will give you all the data about this plant.

Aloe is found in the hottest and most dry climates. We expect it to originate in North Africa, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, although it is grown in many parts of the world that are in favorable conditions.

The plant in appearance looks like a cactus, but it belongs to the crickets and includes dozens of species. It is estimated that about 500 species of the plant have been recorded, but few have a beneficial effect on the human organism. It is more related to onion, garlic, asparagus and turnip.

The most well-known species is Aloe Vera called pharmaceutical Aloe. The word vera means genuine. This species has been used for centuries by various cultures for the benefits it offers to health. Aloe's ability to retain water is what helps it survive in drought and high temperatures.

 

Aloe in antiquity 

Ancient Greeks and Romans used aloe to treat wounds. During his long campaign in Asia, Alexander's army used it as a healing wound. Indeed, for the supply of aloe, Alexander conquered Socotra, an isolated island cluster belonging to Yemen.

The healing properties of aloe were known to many other ancient people. The myth tells Cleopatra's wonderful skin was due to a lotion based on aloe.

In the Middle Ages, aloe fluid was used as a laxative due to aloin. It should, of course, be made clear that processed aloe juice usually does not contain large amounts of aloin.

 

The ingrendients and its use

Once the aloe has been chopped, it secretes two fluids that each have different properties. The yellowish-green juice containing the substance aloin is irritating. Instead, the transparent gel secreted from the inside of the sheet is soothing and helps in healing.

Nowadays Aloe Vera is used both internally and externally. Thus, the gel is put on the skin to relieve burns, sores and skin conditions such as eczema and surface fungal infection, also called dermatophytosis. Ingestion of juice treats various diseases of the digestive system.

Now we are able to know that the plant contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides, lignin and many other substances. Due to all these substances, Aloe has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, improves metabolism and helps to release collagen.

 

Plant your own aloe

The climatic conditions of Greece are suitable for the production of aloe. If we want to have the aloe plant in our house, we can plant it in a pot. All that is needed is proper lighting, a little water and a good quality phytosterol (enriched with compost).

The most common problem with aloe is frequent watering, though it is a myth that it does not need any water. We water the plant only when the potting soil has dried. In the summer months it takes more watering, about twice a week.

Harvesting the aloe leaves is a good thing to do since the plant is at least three years old, as the jelly acquires all the beneficial substances. Of course, you should know that the potted aloe plants are less developed than the plants on the ground. The most appropriate cropping season in terms of quality and yield is in autumn.

Of course, you can use standardized aloe vera products, for the preparation of which all modern processing techniques have been used. These products are more safe for dosing.

 

By Aggeliki Koskeridou

Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

MSc Health Psychology

www.AggelikiKoskeridou.com

insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official 

 

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