Does Aloe Vera Play a Part In Our Health and Beauty

Overview and Origins of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is just one of the 400 species of the Aloes plant. It is native to North Africa. It is a stem-less or short-stem succulent plant which grows up to a height of between 80-100 cm. The leaves are thick and fleshy, exhibiting a greyish green color. It is serrated or spiked on the edges of its leaf. Its flowers protrude on a pendulous spike, up to 100 cm tall, with a yellow tubular corolla approximating 2 to 3 cm long.

History of Usage

The Aloe Vera has for many centuries been popular used as an indoor plant, but it grows better outdoors. For many years it has been recognized as a natural topical or miracle healing plant, primarily used in the home for its ability to cure many minor wounds, burns or skin irritations as well as other ailments.

In the Bible, Alexander the Great conquered an island in the Indian Ocean to secure supplies for treating soldiers with battle wounds. Many cultures, like the Japanese, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Chinese, to name a few, all have used the Aloe Vera plant in one of its various forms as a drink, in food, as a topical gel or ointment for its health, beauty or healing characteristics.

Modern Day Usage

Today it is used in drinks, food, gel, or topical ointment forms worldwide with a great measure of success. Besides using it as a cure for minor wounds, burns or skin irritations, there are many other home uses for Aloe plant, some of which include using;

    As a gel for softer and more beautiful skin
    Its milk is used for remedying kidney infections
    Used as an ingredient several food items or as a beverage
    It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome
    It is used for Asthma, Psoriasis, and Eczema
    It is used as a laxative
    Internally for mouth sores
    It is used to break down food residue in the intestinal tract and clean out of the bowels
    It is used to relief bloating and stress

There are a few reported side effects from ingesting Aloe Vera juice internally. These side effects include: the loss of electrolytes, intestinal cramps, fluid imbalance and can turn the urine a pinkish color. Most of these side effects have arisen due to individuals consuming higher than recommended quantities of the drink. However, none of them are considered serious.

There are many companies in the market promoting Aloe Vera in one of its forms. GNLD (Golden NeoLife Dyamite) is one company that has a long history of scientifically researching, formulating, developing and marketing high quality and potent herbal products. The company manufactures and markets 2 Aloe products that are very effective, Aloe Vera Drink and Aloe Vera Gel.