by Silvia Dekumbis

Created on: July 07, 2010

The Aloe Vera is probably one of the most amazing plants that have been given to us by nature. For centuries, it was known as the first aid plant.  Some ancient cultures even referred to it as the plant of immortality. The family of the Aloe Vera plant includes more than 300 different species.  The true Aloe Barbadensis Miller, often referred to as the True Aloe has been used to treat external and internal health issues.

The Aloe Vera is a desert lily, which looks really rather like a cactus, resembling a great deal the American Agave.  It is estimated that the Aloe Vera plant has been used as a medicinal plant and as a symbol of health and well-being for thousands of years already. 

Its unique properties protect against the evaporation of moisture. If one of the leaves of the plant becomes injured, the wound heals almost instantly.  Over 3500 years ago, the ancient Egyptians, therefore, concluded through this discovery that the amazing self-healing powers of this plant could possibly be of great benefit to the human body. 

This powerful healing plant consists of approximately 95% liquid, enveloped by a moisturizing skin layer, almost resembling the consistency of wax. These bulging leaves of this desert plant are the protective layer of a gel-like liquid housing about 160 different healing properties.  The plant reaches maturity after the third year at which time the liquid has gained all the healing properties. Its active ingredients penetrate our skin, slightly cooling it down, preparing it for healing.  The juices obtained from within the leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and digestive enzymes. 

The active ingredients of the pure gel inside the Aloe Vera plant leaf have been used for purification and regeneration of the human organism, especially supporting a healthy intestinal tract.  It has been noted that Aloe Vera combats several intestinal health problems including diarrhea and constipation.   

The healing effects of Aloe Vera are specially known for rejuvenating our skin.  The many healing benefits include the regeneration of the skin due to sunburns, allergic reaction due to eczemas, fungal and bacterial skin infections, reducing sores and the appearance of scares. The topical application of Aloe Vera is considered a home remedy extremely compatible to over-the-counter medications. As a matter of fact, its healing compounds will often diminish skin problems more efficiently and without additional toxins found in medication otherwise. 

In the recent years, Aloe Vera has grown in popularity and can be found in many skincare products.  It can even be applied to the face and neck on top of the daily lotion or cream offering our skin an additional layer of moisture, protecting it from dehydration.  Care has to be taken during cold winter months as the cooling effect of Aloe Vera could create freeze burns on the skin.  

Learn more about this author, Silvia Dekumbis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.