Seeking and searching for new and old beauty secrets is my hobby and
also my job. Yes, I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love. I
would like to share with you one of the most ancient beauty secrets of
all. The stunning Egyptian queens and other nobles of past centuries
used it. Luckily it is available to us, modern people of the 21st
century, too!
Although we have this miracle herb readily available to us, there are a
few things we should know about it in order to reap maximum benefits. I
started to research the rejuvenative herb a few years ago and since
then also claimed this ancient beauty secret as my own. I hope you will
enjoy the article and find some helpful tips that you can put to
rejuvenative use.
You might have guessed it, I am talking about Aloe Vera
Aloe (Aloe vera barbadensis miller and Aloe arborescens) - There are
about 300 species of aloe growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa,
Asia, Europe and America. Although Aloe vera is very cactus-like in
appearance, it is a member of the lily family. Out of about 300 species
of aloe, only four are recognized as having nutritional value. Aloe
vera barbadensis miller, known as Aloe vera, is on the top of this list
and is used in most commercial products with aloe content. Another aloe
plant that contains nutritional value is Aloe arborescens. In Europe it
is often grown in homes as a house plant. It would be good to grow
either of those aloe plants at home for emergency use.
History of Aloe
Aloe has been used for its medicinal properties for over
3,000 years. The Egyptian queens and well known beauties Nefretiti and
Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. It is said
that Alexander the Great in 333 BC was persuaded by his mentor
Aristotle to capture the Island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean for its
profound aloe supplies, which were needed to treat his wounded
soldiers. Antique Greek and Roman doctors Dioskorides and Galenos
recommended aloe vera to their patients. Egyptians used aloe juice to
embalm their dead.
The gel of the aloe vera leaf contains over 75 nutrients and
200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12
vitamins. The outer rind of the leaf has practically no nutritional
value.
Internal use: Aloe vera, being one of the most healing herbs, contains
strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is bactericidal,
fungicidal, and virucidal. Aloe vera promotes cell growth and is
strengthening to the whole immune-system. It is neurologically calming,
acting also as a powerful detoxifying agent that helps to clean the
morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and
colon. Aloe vera is very beneficial in case of coughs, ulcers, lesions,
hemorrhoids, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, constipation,
indigestion, asthma, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and radiation.
Being one of the best herbs to clean out the colon, it soothes all
kinds of stomach disorders. Aloe vera promotes menstruation when it is
suppressed. It expels pin worms after several doses. It helps reduce
the effects of aging and increases the quality of life of the elderly.
It is recommended for smokers and ex-smokers as it helps heal the
chronic catarrh.
How to prepare: One of the most successful alternative medicine
practitioners of the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th
centuries, doctor Jethro Kloss, provides a good recipe for all who have
problems with bowel movements. In his book, Back to Eden, Kloss writes:
"I have used aloes for many years with most splendid results. I have
used aloes for many years in connection with other herbs in the
following mixture: 1 ounce powdered buckthorn bark, 1 ounce powdered
rhubarb root, 1 ounce powdered mandrake root, ounce powdered socotrina
aloes, 1 ounce powdered calamus root. Dose: each person should take the
amount necessary to move the bowels freely one or two times a day. For
instance, start with one-fourth teaspoonful, then increase or decrease
the dose as needed. Some need much more than others, so everyone must
take the amount needed in his own case. Do not take it during pregnancy
or while nursing."
Aloe vera juice, taken about 20 minutes before breakfast, does a good
job on its own to move the bowels.
Do not use in case of: pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid using
aloe vera internally as, due to its laxative properties, it may cause
miscarriage.
External use: Aloe gel is used for topical treatment of wounds, burns,
cuts, sores, skin irritations, skin ulcers, itchy skin, eczema, acne,
stings, insect bites, and joint problems. It helps prevent the
formation of liver spots in aging skins. If aloe vera is applied
regularly and for long enough it will often cause established spots to
disappear. Aloe vera is one of the best anti-aging herbs available,
helping to rejuvenate aging skin and combat wrinkles. To achieve the
best results, only the highest quality of organic aloe should be
used. (Organic aloe has not been grown nor prepared with
harmful synthetic substances, thus containing much higher medicinal,
rejuvenative and nutritional value than the plant grown and prepared
with traditional methods.) It is extremely helpful in the
treatment of gum disease - gingivitis and periodontitis. It
reduces the bleeding of the gums. Aloe is powerfully antiseptic in gum
pockets where normal cleaning is difficult. Cracked and split corners
of the mouth can be cured by aloe. It is helpful in the treatment of
cold sores (Herpes simplex) and shingles (Herpes zoster). It is an
excellent remedy in case of ear aches. Find out about our range of
certified organic aloe-vera based personal-care products.
How to prepare: To heal an ear ache, cut a leaf of an aloe plant (Aloe
arborescens), fillet out the inner leaf gel, and put the gel into an
aching ear. In a few hours the piece of an aloe becomes completely dry.
All the healing juice penetrates into the ear. Remove the dry piece and
place a fresh piece of aloe in the ear. This remedy should heal an
aching ear in about 24 hours. I have used this cure several times. It
works.
Good to know: When you buy a ready made aloe vera gel or juice, read
the label! When the product contains the whole leaf," that means that
it includes the rind, which is little more than a filler. A high
quality aloe vera gel or juice contains only the nutritious inner gel;
it is not heat treated, filtered, concentrated, or powdered. Pure aloe
vera gel is one of the most nutritious products available. Like most
natural remedies, aloe works best when used fresh from the plant, but
it oxidizes rapidly when cut and exposed to the air.
My personal beauty secret - certified organic Aloe-Vera-based products.
There is one product that I use most of all - B5 Hair Repair - that I
splash all over my body, face and hair. It is especially good for dry
hands and for all kinds of wounds. I keep one extra bottle ready for
emergency use. Pure Aloe vera - ahhh, the rejuvenative and healing
miracle!
About the Author - Eve Juurik
Eve believes in promoting Body-Mind-Spirit Health, Fitness and Beauty
in an Organic Way
