Health Guide to the Aloe Vera Plant, Aloe Vera Gel & Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera UsesAloe vera or aloe is one of about 200 species and hybrids of perennial succulent plants that belong to the lily family, Liliaceous. They are commonly used as landscape plants in dry and frost-free areas and as sometimes cultivated as houseplants.

History of Aloe Vera

Most botanists agree to the historical evidences that the Aloe vera plant originated in the warm and dry climates of Africa. This plant has been in the records of early civilizations – from Persia and Egypt in the Middle East, Greece and Italy in Europe, to India and African continents. The plant is also very popular in Asia and the Pacific, and is present in the folklore of the Japanese, the Philippines and the Hawaiians. Aloe vera is also included in the history of medicine and medical thought. It was recorded that the Greek physician Dioscorides used it. Aloe vera was also used by the Spanish during their years of colonization and carried it with them to their conquests in South America and the Caribbean.

In Egypt, the plant was used as a burial gift to dead pharaohs as is depicted on their drawings and illustrations. The Papyrus ebers, an Egyptian document which was written B.C.E 1550, is probably the first document that detailed the discussion of Aloe Vera’s medicinal value. The document contains 12 formulas for mixing aloe with other agents to treat both internal and external human disorders.

It was Dioscorides who gave the first detailed description of the plant we call Aloe Vera and attributed to its juices “the power of binding, of inducing sleep.” He also said that it “loosens the belly, cleansing the stomach.” He also added that this “bitter” aloe (the sap) was a treatment for boils; that it eased hemorrhoids; aided in healing bruising; that it was good for the tonsils, the gums and all general mouth irritations, and it worked as a medicine for the eyes. Also, he observed that the whole leaf is pulverized; it could stop the bleeding of many wounds.

Plant Description

The most common aloe vera that you see in landscapes and households is characterized with fleshy, stiff and spiny leaves around the edges and are often crowded together in a rosette. Their flowers are usually reddish, produced on snowy spikes that may extend 6 m (20 ft) above the ground. There are also species of aloe vera that produce yellow, orange, or whitish-green flowers. Aloe vera is also known as aloe barbadensis. The word aloe vera comes from the Arabic word aloe, which means plant, vera, which means true or genuine.

Aloe Vera Barbadensis

This is the species of aloe known for its medicinal properties. It looks like a small agave plant, and when adult grows to about 60-70 cm. Small plants often have white dotted marks on the leaf, but will eventually disappear as the plant grows, making it give a shade of light to dark green in color. It is actually a succulent plant that has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stem less leaves.

Aloe vera plant may be grown from seed. It thrives in well-drained sunny locations, and prefers rough, gritty medium. It can also be grown in pots and needs little amount of water. When you want to grow them indoors, the offshoots of the plant can be removed and replanted in another pot.

Aloe vera is proven to be of great help in households. When this plant is present in your garden, you may cut the leaves, peel off the green skin and use the transparent aloe vera gel to aid burn skins, irritated skin and scalps. In most Asian countries such as the Philippines, this plant is popular with the mothers as they apply it to the hairs of their daughters along with coconut oil to prevent dandruff and lice infection of the hair. Another one of the many aloe vera uses is in removing lice eggs, when applied it makes the lice eggs easily slide off the hair.

Aloe vera gel and juices are extracted from the plant itself and is also known to aid various ailments. Its antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient for making lotions; moisturizers and other skin care products. Aloe vera juice is also used as a laxative and is known to aid in weight loss while aloe vera gel benefits skin irritations, dry skin and other skin problems.

Other Names for Aloe Vera

In India, aloe vera is known as Korphad; in states of Rajasthan and Gujarat it is called as GwarPatha, and in Tamilnadu it is known as Katralai. In Pakistan, the aloe vera plant is known as Quargandal and is used in Unani (Greek-Islamic) medicine. In South America, it is known as Sabila, in Indonesia it is called Lidah Buaya and in Thailand, it is known as Crocodile Tail plant.

Aloe vera is widely distributed in the different continents, and for most people it is of great help when it comes to healing and first aid medicine applications.


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Healthy Dieting Tips

Healthy Dieting Tips

Everybody thinks that dieting is for losing weight.  It is not so.  Today there are many dieting plans which are used for different purposes.  A person goes for dieting to remain fit or to become healthy and healthy living should be supported by healthy eating habits.

Healthy dieting tips will help you become a healthier person:

  1. Eat proper food – When you eat you should always go for balanced food.  All of us are aware that fruits and vegetables are healthy but we need to know which vegetables can be consumed in larger quantities.  Green leafy vegetables are on the top chart of healthy diet.  As far as fruits are concerned citrus fruits like oranges are best as they contain a large quantity of vitamin C.
  2. All dairy products are good source of calcium but can add to the fat content of your diet.  If you want to take calcium then go for low fat dairy products.
  3. Whole grains can be a great option for obtaining essential vitamins and nutrients to contribute to healthy living.
  4. Fish and meat products in moderation are excellent sources of protein and eaten moderately will save you from major diseases.

When you go for healthy dieting tips, you need to plan your eating and be straight about your plan.  A Healthy plan will minimize sugar based products like candies, cookies and desserts.  Junk food and cold carbonated beverages drinks cannot fit in the list of dieting tips. They are empty calories. If you are addicted then it is not possible for you to leave all these in one fine day.  You need to gradually try and replace this food with healthy food.

  • If you want to reduce tea and coffee.  Replace it with water and fruit juice recipes in moderation.
  • Every time you crave for fried chips, keep tree nuts with you.  They are equally tasty and a healthy source of protein.
  • For a person who has sweet tooth, use honey or jaggery instead of sugar.

If you are addicted to hot beverages like tea and coffee which do not allow you to stick to your healthy eating habits, then you should try reducing it day by day.  If you are having 5 to 6 cups of coffee every day then every week reduce it by one cup.  For every one cup of coffee or tea that you reduce replace it with one glass of water.  In addition, you can reduce your caloric intake by not putting sugar and milk in your one coffee.

Healthy dieting tips can be followed effectively if you want to stay healthy and live a longer life.

1) Jack LaLanne Power Juicer Recipes
2) Jack LaLanne Power Juicer Review
3) Juice Extractors
4) Green Juice
5) Benefits of Juicing

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