When I was young, we went to visit our grandmother upcountry who at the time lived near a forest - it wasn't a forest, that's what kids translate as many trees...we would play in this "forest" all day, and one day I got a nasty cut on my knee. My grandmother got a panga, cut a piece of the Aloe Plant and applied it's gel all over it. The wound was sealed in a matter of hours and healed a few days later.
Aloe Vera may as well be one of the most versatile medicine in existence. It has been cited in various texts dating back to the 1st Century AD, called the Harmonious Remedy by the Chinese, Herb of Immortality by the Ancient Egyptians. It's healing and rejuvenating characters have been hailed by many scientists and doctors too who recommend it to their patients.
Most people who grow Aloe do it for ornamental reasons, its thick fleshy leaves and its interesting flowers provide aesthetic value and for its medicinal purposes. Aloe grows well in low rainfall areas meaning it can survive in your garden out back or you could grow it in a pot in your house - it must be a well drained pot in sandy potting soil and bright sunny conditions. Too much sun may cause it to burn and too much water because of non drainage will cause it to shrivel up. It is relatively resistant to most insect pests though some species of pests may cause a decline in plant health. They are though simple and easy to maintain and they can survive for a long time.
Aloe Vera in its raw for has numerous benefits from used as a food preservative water conservation in small farms to dilution of semen for the artificial fertilization of sheep! Most cosmetic companies are now purporting to put Aloe Vera in our soaps and lotions and pills and etc....but how much do they really put in for you to really get the benefits you are paying for? You know the saying, if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself.
The clear gel like substance contains Saponin, a chemical compound that acts as an antimicrobial agent used to treat wounds and increase its healing, burns, cold sores, sun burn, skin infections and to moisturize dry skin. Some chemicals in the aloe gel seem to be able to increase blood circulation in the vessels. The aloe gel well seems to have properties that are harmful to bacteria and fungi. If you have dry skin, or you have been sunburnt in the last coupla days that the sun has shown bright, apply some of the gel on your face for a few minutes and wash off - if you must. It has a refreshing feeling and it will moisturize your face.
When you need some aloe, just cut out a piece and squeeze out the gel and apply it generously on the affected areas - cutting it will not kill the plant. It will seal up and continue growing - if this does not prove to you its regenerative powers, I dunno what will!
No comments:
Post a Comment