One of the easiest and low maintenance plants available with the maximum health benefits is Aloe Vera. This plant has variegated leaves that flow out from its center base. It grows best when planted the natural way in the grounds, but they do just fine in the pots as well. It is really quite an incredible plant and succulent plant and belongs to the Lily family which also includes garlic and onions. They can be kept in the kitchen near a window.
Aloe Vera sometimes is also described as ‘Wonder Plant’ because of its medical importance. Apart from medicine Aloe is also used in food supplements, herbal remedies and cosmetics.
The medicinal claims about Aloe Vera are endless. Some are backed by scientific theories while others are not. Different parts of the plant are used for different effects on the body and they have both internal and external applications.
Aloe Vera contains 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes polysaccharide, and fatty acids- no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.
Aloe has a history of 5000 years attached to its usage by the humans. There many benefits and medical uses for Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, Folic Acid, Choline, B1, B2, B3 (Niacin), B6. It is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12. Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe Vera include: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, Selenium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
It is also considered to be a rich source of amino acid which is the building blocks of protein. It is said that that there are about 22 amino acids that are necessary for the human body out of which 8 are the most essential ones. The general estimate of the amino acids found in Aloe Vera is between 18-20 including all the 8 essential ones.
The benefits of Aloe Doesn’t end here. It also contains quite an impressive range of fatty acids too. They contain 3 plant sterol that are very important fatty acids – HCL cholesterol (which is the lowest fats in the blood), Campesterol and B- Sitosterol. All these are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other acids include Linoleic, Linolenic, Myristic, Caprylic, Oleic, Palmitic, and Stearic.
Aloe is also known to be a very good Adatogen. Adaptogen basically is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resists illness. It is said that aloe as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This helps you to cope with stress on a better scale.
Aloe Vera helps with digestion. A properly functioning digestive tract is one of the keys and foundations of health. Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. The interesting thing about taking aloe internally is that, because it is an Adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or diarrhea, helping to regulate your elimination cycles in whatever way you need. It also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and in our gut keeping our healthy intestinal flora in balance.
Aloe also helps in detoxification and alkalizes body. It helps in maintaining the cardiovascular health and also boosts up immune system. It is also a well known disinfectant, anti-biotic antimicrobial, germicidal, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent. It helps in reduction of Inflammation. It is also known for its weight loss quality.
Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. It proves to be a lifesaver when you rub a stem of aloe on a skin burn. Aloe Vera is also an excellent astringent that helps in the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
So with all the benefit of Aloe Vera, one should definitely have this hassle free wonder plant at their home. All you need to do is plant it in a well drained pot and place it near a sunny window where ample amount of indirect sunlight is received. Water aloe deeply but then allow the soil to dry at least 1 to 2 inches deep between watering to avoid root rot.
Ferns n petals have healthy Aloe Vera plants stored at their green house for all the health conscious people. Get your plant and enjoy the benefit of aloe the natural way
