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| aloe vera barbadensis miller |
Because of aloe vera, Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in Yemen where the warm climate of the area, was favouring its development. Herbaceous plant, perennial, native to Africa. Its name comes from the Arabic name alloeh. In Greece, aloe vera has acclimatised and grows in fields but also in gardens and pots. It has large, wide and spiky leaves at the base, narrower and pointed at the top, with white dots, while the flowers are in red, orange and yellow hues. It is an evergreen plant that grows in arid regions.
Aloe vera is known at least since 400 BC. The plant is mentioned by Pliny and Dioscorides, and since then has enjoyed huge commercial activity. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese, used aloe vera to treat numerous skin problems and heal wounds. Dioskourides’ reference is particularly characteristic:
"Aloe detoxifies the stomach, helps the ulcer, the itching, the skin irritations, hemorrhoids, the bangs and the bruises, stops hair loss, the stomach pains, bleeding from wounds, the oral and eye diseases and tonsillitis".
It is also said that Christopher Columbus was carrying on aloe vera, in all his trips and he called the plant as "the doctor in a pot”.
Aloe vera contains amino acids, enzymes, sugars, sterols, beta carotene, malic acid and choline, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, E, folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese. The juice detoxifies, stimulates the body, and do operate as a laxative, heals peptic ulcers, helps in the treatment of Crohn's disease and strengthens the immune system. In folk medicine aloe vera treats skin burns from fire or sunbathing, treats rashes, treats bites and cuts and has antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory action.
It also provides numerous cosmetic properties; it’s a natural product and can be used as a moisturiser alone or in synergy only with a vegetable oil. It treats acne, reduces inflammation, fights aging by stimulating skin firmness, reduces stretch marks and stimulates growth of new cells. It is ideal even for the skin babies and children. Apart from the aloe gel, can be found as a flower water which is very hydrating and refreshing and as a cosmetic butter.
Stella Crown©
