Alove Barbadensis Miller, is a semi-tropical plant, one of over 25o species with a long
colourful history. The term "Aloe Vera" (meaning True Aloe) describes the species Aloe Barbadensis Miller modt commonly used for it's medicinal properties. The plant has
leaves- dhaped sharp-pointed,jogged -edged leaves which grow directly from the ground in the from of a large rosette. Aloe is often mistakenly called a 'Disert Cacti',alothough infact it is a member of the Lily with it's flowers closely resemdling Easter Lillies.Through out the world, Aloe vera is a familiar plant.It is probably one of the most discussed , but least understood medicinal plants in history. The many virtues of Aloevera have been recorded by many ancient civilizations , incluading those of persia (modern day lran), Egypt, Greece ,Italy,India and Africa. in modern times the plant is maintioned in floklore of the philippines & the Islands of southeast Asia incluading Malaysia. It is know in Tahiti , Japan and Hawaii. on the European continent , the spanish used aloe and carried it to their New world in the caribbean and South America . And,of course Aloe is used in the United States of America , Canada and U.K .Both as a drink and in cosmetic and ointment products .
However, those using Aloe , should heed the words of ancient dioscorides,whome said that healing properties are to be found in the yellowish to liver-coloured,offensive smellling , bitter tasting juice.But many "so- called "100% Alovera products available on the market,many of which do noy meet the description of dioscorides,might be questioned,because simply if the product you are thinking of buying looks like water,smells like water and tastes like water, most likely you are buying water. Dioscorides wrote that Aloe "has a leaf like a squill,thick,fat,somewhat broad in it's compass......... all of it has a strong sent and is very bitter to the tastet......... it has the power of binding,of inducing sleep,of drying ,of thickening of the body,it loosens the belly,and the cleansing of the stomach by drinking to spoonfuls with cold water or warm milk".The ancient chinese place aloe is a treatment for skin afflictions.In the 9th century,Al-kindi
"If the product you are thinking of nuying looks like water,most likely you are buying water...."
repeats the earlier information and also indicated its use for inflammatory pain and related Aloe's effective use for eye ulcers, for dyspnoea (shortness of breath) and for melancholy (low mood).During the Early years of this century,pharmaceutical companies studied thousands of plants.From those plants they derived many agents.However,since the 1950's this approach was reduced as it became expensive to manufacture agents from plants, so then synthetic manufacture became a cheaper alternative. Major drug companies also understood that natural agents or virtually impossible to patent and therefore control is very difficult .This is especially true for natural products like Aloe Vera, which has already been in use by the general popuation for many years ,and in some parts of the world grows easily and can by cultivated for medical use .
Different Uses of Aloe
The pulp (gel)of Aloe can be utilized in several different ways both internally and externally.It is ideal as a first aid treatment of burnes,Irradiation,sunburns and minor wound.It is a good heamostatic and disinfectant.
EXTERNAL USE
The fresh pulp from the leaf of an Aloe Vera plant is ideal for external use but a plant is not always available.Foutunately today ther exist on the market excellent products containing up to 98% pure pulp of Aloe Vera. It disinfects and heals wounds.
INTERNAL USE
Liquid Aloe Vera as a drink is an excellent regulator of the intestines and an excellect food supplement containing numerous viramins and mineral.
Aloe Vera is know to facilitate digestion .It activates blood and lymphatic circulation,and it alleviates arthritic and rheumatic pains.
BURNS:
It is probaly in the treatment of burns where Aloe Vera has show the most spectacular results.In fact it is the ability of Aloe to aid in the regeneration of irradiated tissues.Which has made the reputation of Aloe as a maracle plant in both the USA and USSR.
Liver infections:
The gel of stabilized Aloe Vera when drunk acts has a remedy against liver infections.It improves the liver functions and is an excellent antidote in case of excessive ingestion of alcohol.It is recommended as a preventative of cirrhosis of the liver .
Stomach and Intestines:
The pulp of Aloe Vera aids in prevention of stomach ulcers,facilitates digestion and intestinal transit .
Arthritis, Rheumatism, Back pain:
Bathes of Aloe alleviate the pains of arthritis and rheumatism. Certain therapists recommend light message of the pain full area with the gel or a salve of Aloe Vera .
Dermatology:
Aloe Vera is used widely in dermotology.It is reputed to be effective in the treatment of seborrhea. Herpes,redspots, psoriasis,eczema,mycosis and fever blisters .
Allergies:
It is proven that the pulp of Aloe Vera relieves the itching due to allergies and insect bites, as well as aiding in the healing,in both man and animals.
Hygien and Cosmetics:
Today, the cosmetic industery is the second largest in world, just behind the food production industry. The products offered cover a wide range: lotions and creams of all kinds, shampoos,deodorants, toothpaste, hairsprays, soaps,bubblebaths, eye washes, powders, lifstick, cleaners,astringents, emollients,moisturizers, beauty masks,and many, many more.
In just a few decades, Aloe ,already reputed fot its medicinal jproperties, has become widely used in cosmetic.Aloe Vera contains many active compounds, including numerous viramins and minerals, and is known as an astringent, moisturizer and cleanser. It softens the skin, diminishes wrinkles, and cures acne, red spots and many skin irritations. It protexts the skin against pollution and is ideal for the treatment of sunbyurn.
It is no suprese then, thaty this sector of activity has become an elder ado fot cosmetic companies around th world. So ,today we can find on the market the best , the useless, and the worst of products, especially the worst. In United States, this phenomenon is called "the great Anerican cover-up" or the great camouflage. For, instead of correctingot curing ,most of these so called miracle products simply camouflage the problens of the skin and hair.
Of course, Aloe Veral products are part of this great bluff. Not all products based on Aloe Vera are of acdceptable quality. So a discerning user must judge and compare. The user must also realize that a miracle product does not acquire beautiful skin and healthy hair overnight. Even with a good and proven product a successful treatment is the result of usin the propwe prducts and proven methods over a long period of time . The best products are those manutactured according to pharmaceutical standards which are more rigid than those imposed upon cosmetic products. Below are a few examples of cosmetic uses of a proven quality product.
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