“As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.” Numbers 24:6
When I was a little girl, my grandmother had a ginormous Aloe Vera plant. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she still has the same one. As a kid, I was intrigued by its long, pointed leaves and the gel that they contained. Back then I only knew that the Aloe Vera gel was good for wounds. After studying it out a little more, I am amazed by all the benefits of Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera originates from Africa and is usually cultivated as a potted plant and has two types of medical uses. The gel contained within the steams has a healing effect on wounds. The sap from the base of the plant works as a laxative.
For more than 3500 years Aloe Vera has been know as a healer. In fact the Greek physician Dioscorides wrote that Aloe Vera was effective in treating everything from burns to kidney problems to constipation. Queen Cleopatra saw the gel as a fountain of youth and used it to moisturize her skin. It is believed that the Egyptians used aloe in their embalming processes.
Benefits of Aloe Vera:
Beauty Treatments:
- Helps keep skin supple and soft.
- Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
- Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles.
- Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together 2 tbsp. of aloe Vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.
- Aloe is used in many beauty creams as an ingredient.
- Aloe Vera helps to rejuvenate the skin cells. It aids cell growth and thus keeps skin bright.
- Aloe Vera is used in making all types of creams.
- Protects the skin from pollutants when applied to the skin.
- Aloe is used in shampoos to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions.
- Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.
First Aid: Aloe Vera is a must have for all first aid needs.
- Soothes and promotes the healing of sunburns and other minor burns.
- Useful for bug bites and mild skin irritations.
- Taken internally, aloe is an effective laxative and promotes healing.
- Swab over blisters for relief.
- Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.
- Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.
- Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.
- Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe Vera ingredients.
- Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
- Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.
- Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.
- Stops bleeding and protects from infection.
- The protective and healing effect of aloe also works internally, and the gel can be used for peptic ulcers.
- Prevent scarring and stretch marks.
- Begin massaging aloe Vera on your stomach twice a day and continue throughout your pregnancy and after delivery for a few months until any stretch marks fade.
- Alleviate mysterious rashes.
- Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe Vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.
- Fight Athlete's Foot.
- Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.
- Soothe Psoriasis.
- Shrink Warts.
- Help eliminate Eczema.
- Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.
Aloe Vera can be purchased at many locations or you may choose to grow your own plant. To harvest the gel out the the plant, break off a stem and cut it open to release the gel. Be sure and apply it liberally to the desired area. Your skin will absorb it quickly. After applying, place the remainder of the stem into a plastic bag and place in the fridge until you are ready to use again.
There are many varieties of Aloe Vera on the market. When purchasing Aloe Vera make sure the main ingredient is Aloe Vera or states on the container that it contains 97% or more Aloe. Otherwise you may get a watered down version.
So there you have it. Another amazing plant available for our use. I have only touched on a few things. There are many more benefits of Aloe Vera. What a blessing to have such a great natural moisturizing and healing aid available.
Amazon and Vitacost both have a great selection of Aloe Vera products.
When clicking on the Vitacost page you will receive a $10 gift certificate for creating an account.
References
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