Aloe Vera Myth or Medicine
Aloe Vera was obtained from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which means “Shining bitter substance.” Doctors use to believe that the Aloe Vera plant, and it’s so called ‘cures’ and its various products to choose from, was merely used as a placebo effect. But with more studies we have learned the true nature and vast possibilities of this wondrous plant.
For more than three thousand five hundred years, history has used the healing and moisturizing properties of the Aloe Vera Plant. With being mentioned throughout the Bible, one of which is when Christ was removed from the cross and then wrapped in aloes and myrrh, (John 19:39).The ancient Egyptians, where drawings of Aloe plants are found inscribed in the tombs of pharaohs, considered it the “Plant of Immortality” including the glamorous Cleopatra using the aloe plant as her personal skin care beauty secret.
History has also mentioned the legendary King Solomon, Alexander the Great, and Marco Polo as frequent Aloe Vera users. King Solomon grew the Aloe Vera plant and valued it highly. Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in order to have the Aloe for his army. Marco Polo recorded his descriptions of his many applications of the Aloe Vera plant.
Spanish Conquistadores discovered the Aloe plant in South America and exported large quantities back to Europe throughout the sixteenth century, making the Aloe plant a foundation of western medicine. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, it has remained one of the most popular prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. The only myth I have found on this plant is the practice of keeping an Aloe Vera plant as a good luck charm and form of protection of the home.
With Aloe Vera popping up in every phase of history, with many documented healing powers of the mysterious plant, it’s safe to say that this plant is not a myth but and an affective medicine.
Aloe Vera Uses
The marvelous properties of the Aloe plant have been given wonderful names around the world, such as ‘Burn Plant,’ ‘Medicine Plant,’ ‘Wand of Heaven,’ and ‘Plant of Life.’ This plant does not have mystical powers but has some unbelievable advantages.
Aloe Vera is utilized inside and out. It improves the metabolism, gives energy, cures menstrual problems, detoxifies the cells, and purifies the blood. It is a natural medicine for cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, inflammation, and IBS. Is beneficial for allergies, constipation, eczema, gall bladder conditions, hemorrhoids, abscesses, ulcers, acidity, joint and muscular pain, kidney malfunctioning, indigestion, asthma, and headaches. It decreases pain and swelling, reduces itching and burning, improves digestion, increases the function of the liver and kidneys, acts as an anti-bacterial, helps the muscles assist in healing wounds, enhances the natural curing of the immune system and mechanism of the body, and helps control diabetes and blood pressure. Aloe Vera is also very helpful in reducing various skin disorders like lip rashes, dry chafed skin, sunburns, fever blisters, minor cuts, and acne.
This impressive Aloe Vera plant also holds various essential ingredients such as salicylic acid, enzymes, amino acids, saponins and ligin, minerals such as copper, potassium, iron, magnesium and sodium and vitamins such as vitamins B12, vitamins C, A, and E.
Aloe Vera comes in the form of drinks and juices, gels and creams, tablets and capsules. It also acts as a moisturizer, natural cleanser and toner, and is used widely in pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. Aloe Vera is meant to repair the body with its natural substance and other natural ingredients that assist in the nourishing and improving quality of the skin.
Some side effects could occur if you are sensitive to garlic or onion, if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or have kidney and heart problems, and should be consulted with your doctor. Discontinue use immediately if you experience severe nausea, liver dysfunction, burning sensation, allergic reactions, or dermatitis and strangely colored urine. Aloe Vera should not be provided for your children and animals. And Aloe Vera is not proven to remove the problem in most cases, but is a help in reducing the symptoms.
