The Magic of Aloe Vera – Past and Present
Written on February 3, 2010 at 8:35 pm, by admin
The mystery of Cleopatra’s beauty may, indeed, have been a secret. It is said that she secretly used Aloe Vera Gel as an additive in her beauty baths, and in making dyes for her hair and lips. Read more
Aloe Vera Care Made Easy
Written on February 3, 2010 at 8:35 pm, by admin
Aloe Vera is an herb that is very popular for its various health benefits as a multi-purpose medicinal plant with many beneficial properties. It can be used to treat skin ailments, cuts and eczema. Read moreAloe Vera and Its Many Users
Written on February 2, 2010 at 6:31 am, by admin
Aloe Vera – Passing through Eminent Personalities of Different Eras Aloe Vera was discovered and rediscovered in different continents of the world by different civilizations. From Egyptians to Greeks and Indians to various European populations, Aloe Vera became a well-known natural remedy for various problems as well as a skin care item. Some most popular people around the world contributed hugely towards the popularity of Aloe Vera. The following discussion is your source to learn about people that used Aloe Vera for different reasons. Christopher Columbus Columbus traveled around the world and has a number of expeditions to his credit. It was on these journeys through seas and oceans that persuaded this great traveler to carry Aloe Vera with him. His main aim to carry this magical remedy from nature on his journeys was to treat his sailors during long expeditions. Aloe Vera was used as a treatment provider for various types of skin problems. Marco Polo One of the greatest travelers of the history, Marco Polo is also known to be familiar with Aloe Vera for its skin improving and healing properties. It was on his travel to the Orient that Marco Polo got familiar with many applications of Aloe Vera and described it in the form of his writings. Jesus Christ The Bible mentions the use of Aloe Vera on the wounds of Jesus Christ, after he was crucified and removed from the cross. It is also mentioned that the body of Jesus was wrapped in Aloe Vera and Myrrh to provide some relief to him after the brutal act of crucifying him. King Solomon The king of Israel around 970 BC, King Solomon, is another figure from the history, known to have a great knowledge of the natural plant. Not only had he learned about the healing abilities of Aloe, he actually cultivated the plant to extract benefits out of it. It is also mentioned in the records that Aloe Vera was sued in the king’s wedding. Also, in the Song of Solomon, one can find the mention of myrrh and aloes. Galen Around 200 BC, Galen was famous as a physician in the court of a Roman Emperor. Known for writing more than 100 books about herbs and natural remedies, Galen is known to prescribe Aloe Vera for different reasons. Mainly, he used Aloe Vera as a healing agent for variety of skin problems. Napoleon The great France emperor Napoleon is among the famous people from the modern history, who utilized Aloe Vera for its power to heal the wounds at warfronts. A number of Napoleonic wars were fought and in most of them, Aloe Vera was used as a healing agent for the wounded soldiers of Napoleon army. Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi from India is another well-known personality in the modern times, known to use Aloe Vera to maintain a good level of body strength during his long fasts. Gandhi, the greatest freedom fighter of Indian independence revolution, used the power of non-violence against the British rule and thus, went on indefinite fasts a number of times. According to him, Aloe Vera was one of the things that built his stamina to bear the weakness caused due to fasting. Following the footprints of the above mentioned personalities from past, one can adopt Aloe Vera as a revolutionary natural remedy for various purposes.
Aloe Vera and Its History
Written on January 14, 2010 at 7:31 am, by admin
How Ancient Civilizations Discovered the Existence of Miraculous Aloe Vera? Aloe Vera owes its existence to the ancient age, when research on various medicinal plants began simultaneously in many parts of the world. Since then, a number of useful facets of this miraculous plant unfolded in front of human race. Here are some facts about Aloe Vera history, indicating its emergence during ancient period on different continents. Sumerian Land The first mention of Aloe Vera dates to 2200 BC when the Qula Temple in the Nippur City of Sumerian land used special types of tablets, containing various medicinal products, one of them being Aloe Vera. Mention in Egyptian Documents Papyrus Ebers, the famous Egyptian document mentioned as many as 12 medicinal formulas that made use of Aloe Vera with other products of medicinal value in 1550 BC. The final products were used to treat various human disorders affecting the body internally and externally. Alexander the Great It was around between 300 and 400 BC that Alexander the Great became a great admirer of Aloe Vera that helped to treat the wounds of his army soldiers. Aristotle, the mentor of Alexander, encouraged latter to capture the Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean, which was famous for the plantation of Aloe Vera plants. Hippocrites and Copra Mention Aloe Vera Hippocrites in the west and Copra in India mentioned the use of Aloe Vera during the first millennium BC. At the same time, the Arabs started trading the Aloe plant as well as the processed Aloe products in different parts of the Asian continent. Leaves as well as boiled saps of Aloe Vera were used to heal different health problems. Greek Use of Aloe Vera Celsius was the first physician from Greek to mention the use of Aloe Vera as purgative or laxative in 50 BC. The Greek medicine expert Dioscorides in the 1st century AD became the first person to write a detailed description of the Aloe Vera plants and its use for various purposes. He mentioned the use of Aloe Vera for cleaning stomach, treating boils, bruises, tonsils and teeth and gums related problems. Many other uses of Aloe were further discovered by Dioscorides. During the same time, Aloe Vera was also mentioned to be applied to the crucified body of Jesus Christ. Also, the beautiful queens of Egypt, including Cleopatra, used Aloe Vera to enhance their beauty. The Bible mentions Aloe Vera and its use as spice. Mention in Roman Medicines The Roman physician named Pliny the Elder further added to the description of Aloe Vera made by Dioscorides. Pliny discovered the use of Aloe juice in treating sores and checking perspiration. By 200 AD, Galen, Antyllus and Aretaces became other physicians from the Roman Empire and other parts of Europe, who contributed towards the popularity of Aloe Vera for various other medicinal purposes. By then, Aloe Vera became a popular name among plants with medicinal qualities. Hence, this wonderful plant became famous among royal families, traders, physicians as well as general public.
Aloe Vera Juice Detox Formula Detoxifying Formula 32 Oz
Written on January 2, 2010 at 4:29 pm, by admin
Aloe Vera Gel 6.76 Oz
Written on December 27, 2009 at 3:57 pm, by admin
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is often called the the fountain of youth and rightly so. It has been used for ages for its soothing and healing properties. Today, many ancient tales of Aloe Vera have proved to be factual as modern medicine unlocks the benefits of its leaf. It has amazing anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, soothing, cooling and rejuvenating properties. Aloe Vera Skin Gel can be used freely even on the highly tender parts of the skin, like under the eye to remove dark circles. Regular application prevents lines due to ageing and wrinkles..
Eat More Aloe Vera
Written on December 22, 2009 at 7:09 am, by admin
Aloe vera (barbadensis miller) is one species of the genus Aloe. The genus Aloe contains about four hundred species of flowering, succulent plants. Despite looking like a cactus, the Aloe vera is in fact a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae), which includes garlic. The name Aloe was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning “bitter” because of the bitter gel in the leaves.
Aloe vera is native to Africa and has been used by used by many different cultures including Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians and Spaniards for millennia. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the plant for treating burns, infections and parasites. The earliest record of Aloe vera is on a Sumerian tablet dating from 2100 BC.
Aloe vera extract, juice and gel.
Aloe vera extract is made by pulverizing the whole leaves of the plant, the juice is made from the inner leaf. Gel is the leaf pulp, a clear jelly-like material from the tissue that makes up the inner portion of the leaves.
Aloe vera is one of the most vitamin and mineral packed nutrition drinks around. Aloe vera contains about 96% water, 18 amino acids, vitamins including vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin B-6, choline, essential oil, calcium, chlorine, sodium, potassium, manganese, monosaccharides and polysaccharides including uronic acid, mannose and glucose. Aloe vera also contains aloin (barbaloin), ethereal oil, isobarbaloin, emoding lucosides of d-Arabinose, emodin, resitannol, ester of cinnamic acid and cinnamic acid.
Acemannan has antiviral and antitumoral activities through activation of immune responses.
Aloin (barbaloin) is an unwanted, harsh, irritant, bitter tasting, laxative contained in the yellow sap of Aloe, which is removed during processing. Aloin has strong laxative properties.
Cinnamic acid has the formula C6H5CHCHCOOH and is an odorless white crystalline acid. It has a floral aroma, is found in the essential oil of cinnamon and in shea butter. Cinnamic acid is used in flavours, synthetic indigo, pharmaceuticals, and to manufacture esters for the perfume industry.
Emodin is an orange crystalline compound, C14H4O2(OH)3CH3, obtained from rhubarb and other plants and used as a laxative. Emodin belongs to a family of compounds called anthraquinones, which have shown anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
Mannose is a monosaccharide, C6H12O6. The word mannose is from Manna, the food the Israelites ate in the desert in the book of Exodus. D-mannose, this form is used as a remedy for urinary tract infections.
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, glucose C6(H2O)6 is a monosaccharide.
The Health Benefits.
Aloe vera is a rather amazing plant. My great aunt did not know about acemannan but she did know about Aloe's ability to heal. She always said, “If it burns, stings, itches, hurts, or you want it to look like a baby's skin put the magic jelly on it”. She called it, “the magic jelly” because fresh Aloe vera gel heals burns like magic.
The gel has been used topically for thousands of years throughout the world to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. There are very few places where it has not been used.
The Benefits to Skin.
Aloe vera is well known as the supreme skin care regimen. It can aid in keeping the skin supple, and is used in the control of acne and eczema. It has a moisturizing effect and is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power comes from increasing the availability of oxygen and strengthen the skin. My advice is to pamper your skin with a little fresh gel everyday. Keep a few plants healthy and you will always have a steady supply. Cut a leaf in half and smooth it on your skin.
Intestinal Health.
Many traditional liquid health treatments are made from a base of Aloe vera juice with other herbs included. Drinking the juice and gel is widely endorsed by herbalists for soothing digestive tract irritations and general gastrointestinal health. It is also used to alkalize the digestive juices to prevent over acidity. It is said to cleanse the digestive tract and exerte a soothing, balancing effect.
The dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf can be taken orally as a laxative. Careful with this one, I tried it, it works. Drink lots of water and do not go far from the house.
Gastrointestinal issues can be serious, not something you want to mess around with. Check with your doctor before you do anything. It is important to get a diagnosis.
Suggestions for Use.
When you are stressed and need a herb bath put a leaf in the freezer for 30 minutes to get it cold. When taking a hot herb steam bath cut it in half and rub it on your face to cool you down. It soothes the skin on contact. Add the juice or jell to orange or grape juice, an organic banana and a little ice and blend in a blender. This is a good drink to cool you down and sooth the plumbing. If your stress is causing you digestive trouble add a spoon of Slippery Elm to the blend. If you have intestinal pain or menstrual troubles make a Yarrow tea and add this to the mixture.
To make a salve, remove the thin outer skin and blind the leaves in a blender, add 500 units of vitamin C powder to each cup add a tablespoon of honey to help preserve. It is best to use fresh but you can store it in your refrigerator for a couple of weeks. This salve is great for skin. For stess, after the salve has been in the refrigerator and having cooled use it on your face during a hot bath or if you do not feel like a hot bath but want to cool down rub it on your feet. Even better get someone you love to rub it on your feet.
Growing Aloe Vera
Light – Most Aloe species make excellent house plants when they are given enough light. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Because Aloe plants consist of mostly water, they are extremely sensitive to frost.
Soil – The soil should be sandy, moderately fertile, and drain well. Aloes have roots that are shallow and spread so when it is time to repot them pick a wide pot, they are better than deep ones. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a half strength, bloom type fertilizer (10-40-10). Do not over fertilize. New plants may also be grown from seed or propagated from the offsets around the base of mature plants.
Water – Established plants will survive a drought quite well. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before giving the plant a cup or two of water.
Nothing in this essay is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aloe vera has not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of any disease.
FLEXALL 454 MAXIMUM STRENGTH PAIN RELIEF 16OZ ALOE VERA
Written on December 21, 2009 at 5:47 am, by admin
Flexall gels help increase patient compliance and enhance ultrasound, cryotherapy, T.E.N.S. and massage therapists
Flexall 454 is 7% menthol and Maximum Strength Flexall 454 is 16% menthol
Both are aloe vera gel formulas that provide fast, long-lasting relief from arthritis, backache, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains and sprains, bruises, and cramps
Gels absorb quickly and completely, are greaseless, non-staining, and gentle on the skin
Natural Skin Care Right From Nature
Written on December 18, 2009 at 7:09 am, by admin
Natural skin care is a discussion where we need to consider the whole body; how we take care of ourselves from the inside out. Because what’s happening on the outside of our bodies (our skin) is a reflection of what’s happening on the inside of our bodies – we need to be sure we’re getting the proper amount of antioxidants and vitamins everyday to ensure our bodies remain active and strong. If we pay close attention to what we put into our bodies, we can help to make sure our skin keeps looking healthy and young.
The topical approach to natural skin care is also an important consideration. Since most antiaging skin care routines start with a clean face let’s start there. While doing my own research I’ve come up with three different types of soap that not only use natural ingredients but have also been proven to help your skin keep that healthy glow. Part of my search revealed information about olive oil soap. Antioxidants are important in protecting the skin from the sun and enviromental elements and can be found in olives. The second soap that got my attention was Black Soap or Anago, named after the Anago language of Nigeria, which is made from pure oils, butters and roasted plants. It has healing emollient properties that make it an unusual product. Have a look at some patented soaps that are produced in Texas. The patented Texas skin care soaps are made from the finest ingredients; many of their ingredients are homegrown.
Another important step in our antiaging skin care routine is to check out skin care lotions and creams. With so many of these products on the market it’s hard to know where to start. One thing we know for sure: It’s important to be able to closely check all the ingredients in a lotion or cream to be sure the product is formulated from truly natural resources. Unfortunately natural skin care products are not regulated in the United States so you have to read the labels carefully to be sure they don’t contain any synthetic ingredients as some can actually be harmful to the skin. The Internet isn’t always the best place to find natural skin care products as they often don’t list all of the ingredients. New Zealand is known for producing some of the best natural skin care products in the world. The testing process they use to determine the purity of their skin care products is one of the best in the world. When they say there are no artificial ingredients in their lotion or creams you can believe it is true.
When looking for the best natural skin care products look for ingredients such as seed oil, Aloe Vera, calendula, soy oil, pomegranate, green or white tea, and chamomile just to name a few. Although collagen plays an important part in how our skin ages don’t be fooled by products that list collagen extracts as an ingredient in their product as it does not work when it is applied directly to the skin as the skin pores cannot absorb it.
Since finding the correct natural skin care product has its challenges, it’s probably wise to talk to a skin care professional and/or check with a highly qualified nutritionist. However, if you feel comfortable doing it on your own, remember this: Don’t rely solely on the products advertisements, and carefully check out all the ingredients. Remember: what you see on the outside is what you are on the inside in terms of skin care.”
Hawaiian Aloe Vera SPF 15 4 Oz
Written on December 17, 2009 at 5:15 pm, by admin
Hawaiian Aloe Vera SPF 15Perfect for daily wear, this non-greasy, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun shield helps prevent sunburn and retains its SPF after 40 minutes of water activity. Certified organic aloe vera and sunflower seed oil absorb quickly and effectively to nourish sun-exposed skin..