The aloe vera plant grows in Africa, Asia, Europe and in America. In Florida, Texas and Mexico, the aloe vera plant numbers over one hundred thousand and the estimated sales annually amounts to millions of dollars. It is a cactus-like plant and belongs to the plant family called “xeroids”.
The aloe barbadensis miller is native to northern Africa. It is a short stemmed cacti and spreads by root sprouts. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green in color. Flowers grow on a spike up to 90cm tall. Of the 240 species of the aloe vera plant, only four have nutritional value to both humans and animals.
Aloe barbadensis miller tops the four and when purchasing aloe vera, you should make sure your aloe based product is from this line.
Among the earliest people who used the aloe vera plant’s healing properties were the Chinese. Even during the Middle Ages, the aloe vera was used for many sicknesses and today, the aloe barbadensis is used in folk medicine throughout the southernmost United States. Some cosmetics and patent medicines found on the market are prepared from the gel of the aloe vera leaves. Many individuals are buying creams, ointments and juices and aloe vera gel is found on facial tissues and in shampoos.
Everyone knows that you can use the aloe vera plant on a cut or a burn with excellent results. It is soothing on the skin and creates a healing environment for most injuries. Aloe vera is best known for treating burns. But did you know that you can drink aloe vera? An aloe vera drink contains over 20 minerals.
Humans require 22 amino acids to maintain good health. Most of these can be produced by the body but 8 have to come from food we consume because the body cannot make them. These amino acids are called essential because it is essential we get them from our food in order for our body to function in tip top condition.
All eight essential amino acids are supplied by the aloe vera plant. Because vitamins cannot be manufactured by the body, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E cannot be stored in the body, therefore the diet that incorporates aloe vera will have these vitamins provided. Aloe vera is one of the only natural vegetarian source of Vitamin B12.
Original aloe vera juice is 95% water and the 5% solids are the working ingredients. All aloe vera juices must be put in the refrigerator to slow down the oxidation process. In order to reach maximum benefits by drinking aloe vera, two to four ounces will need to be consumed on a daily basis. Because of its fragility, aloe vera will need to be used in a relatively short amount of time. Who would have thought a plant from the lily family would carry such a natural healing impact for individuals who would rather choose a less conventional way to treat various diseases.
Another way to take full advantage of the health benefits of Aloe Vera, is taking the working ingredients in the form of a supplement like aloe vera supplements. Not only will you get to enjoy the many benefits, you won´t have to deal with the disadvantages that come with using Aloe Vera in a liquid form.
