Aloe vera and aloe vera are two different plants that, although they belong to the same genus, differ in their appearance, composition and application. The habitual aloe is a tree plant, which is also called the "agave". Aloe vera is a grassy variety that does not form a tree-like stem, and its leafy plates grow from the root collar (rosette). Today we will consider what aloe vera is, how it is used, we will tell about the benefits of the plant and the treatment with it of various ailments.
Description and photos of plants
The word "aloe" is of Arabic origin and means "bitter", which is quite logical, because there are bitter substances in the leaves of the plant.
Botanical description
The scarlet present (second name) is an evergreen succulent herb that belongs to the asphodel subfamily. It has a short stem, from which the long curved fleshy leaves, resembling in appearance tentacles of an octopus, depart. It is referred to as succulent for the reason that the leaf plates are able to store a lot of moisture and also prevent excessive evaporation.
Such unpretentious succulents are grown at home: agave, adenium, aihrizone, zamiokulkas, kalanchoe, lithops, fatty meat, spurge, yucca.
Sheet rosette has a diameter of 60 cm. Rhizome short, pivotal. During flowering aloe throws a long arrow, which is formed on the tubular flowers of yellow.
The spread of this aloe
Homeland aloe vera - the south-western regions of the Arabian Peninsula, it also grows on the African continent: mainly in North Africa and some territories in the west and east of the mainland. You can meet the plant in Portugal (on the island of Madeira) and the Canaries.
What is included
The composition of the plant is impressive:
- esters and essential oils;
- organic acids (malic, citric, succinic);
- flavonoids;
- enzymes;
- minerals (over 30!);
- amino acids (threonine, methionine, leucine, lysine);
- Sahara;
- vitamins (group B, choline, folic acid, A, C, E);
- enzymes;
- antraglycosides.
Did you know? The ancient Greeks knew about the healing properties of aloe vera as early as the 4th century BC. It is believed that it was for the benefit of a useful plant that Alexander the Great captured the island of Socotra on the advice of Aristotle, where it grew in abundance.
Useful properties of aloe vera
Aloe Vera products can:
- stimulate the production of collagen (a substance that is the basis of connective tissue, which performs a protective and supporting function in all organs in the body);
- have an antioxidant effect (remove free radicals that can cause cancer formation);
- remove toxic compounds from the body;
- strengthen the immune system;
- improve metabolism;
- accelerate tissue regeneration;
- slow cell aging;
- destroy bacteria, including staphylococci and streptococci;
- reduce inflammation;
- remove cramps in the stomach and intestines;
- have a slight laxative effect.
Find out what is useful aloe, what are its medicinal properties and contraindications.
The presence of such a number of useful properties due to the rich balanced composition. A positive effect is achieved not only due to vitamins and microelements, but also due to the presence of biologically active substances that stimulate the production of antibodies and compounds in the body that can improve protection and also destroy pathogenic flora, which causes the appearance of diseases. The composition of the plant has not been fully investigated to this day, so it is impossible to say for sure which components make the plant in question indispensable in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity of microorganisms.
Application features
The plant is so useful that some ailments are treated simply with its juice, which does not undergo any additional processing. Although, of course, there are various preparations based on the components of aloe vera.
Fresh juice
The following diseases are treated with juice:
- stomach ulcer;
- gastritis;
- dysentery;
- tuberculosis;
- purulent wounds;
- runny nose;
- acne;
- burns.
The combination of aloe (agave) and honey will be a good cure for stomach aches.
Tuberculosis. Mix equal parts of aloe vera juice and cuffs, butter, honey and cocoa. Stir. Take 15 g in the morning and evening for half an hour before meals.
Burns, suppuration. Cotton pads or tampons are moistened with concentrated juice and placed on the affected places. It is necessary to change the lotion as it dries.
Runny nose For the treatment of adults take pure juice, for children - diluted 1 to 2 with water. 5-6 drops are instilled into each nostril, after which the head is slightly tilted. Repeat the procedure three times a day.
Acne. If acne appeared as a result of blockage and inflammation of the pores, then you need to wipe the affected areas daily with a small piece of freshly cut leaf, in which there is quite a lot of liquid. You must first degrease the skin with medical alcohol. The second option involves mixing white or blue clay with aloe juice. Gruel is applied to the face, hold for about 15 minutes.
To clean the skin of acne will help bee propolis, Siberian siksha, zucchini, cumin, beeswax, lavender essential oil, hillwort, pumpkin oil.
Gel
It is a gel from the plant pulp, which is a dietary supplement. Note: it is an additive, not a drug. Pharmachologic effect:
- improves the digestive system;
- removes toxic substances;
- destroys viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause diseases;
- improves absorption of vitamins dissolved in water or fats;
- normalizes metabolism;
- normalizes the pH level at the cellular level;
- improves the functioning of the immune system;
- positive effect on the recovery processes in pancreatic tissues.
Important! The additive increases the threshold of sensitivity to allergens, therefore, alleviates asthma symptoms.The dosage is as follows: during the day, you need to drink from 40 to 120 mg of supplement, after shaking. In the event of a negative reaction from the body, be sure to consult a doctor. Do not exceed dosage. There are also cosmetic gels with aloe, in addition to the main component, in their composition there are other useful substances, for example, allantoin, herbal extracts, vitamins. Such means heal abrasions well, protect skin cells from oxidation, accelerate regeneration, maintain a balance of moisture in the skin, normalize the work of sebaceous glands, lighten pigment spots. There are no uniform rules for the use of gels - each manufacturer specifies recommendations on the package or package leaflet.
Extract
Concentrated aloe vera extract is sold as a solution for injection (1 ml ampoule). With its help, these diseases are treated:
- myopia;
- myopic chorioretinitis;
- blepharitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- gastric and duodenal ulcers;
- iritis (disease of the iris);
- keratitis
Important! The tool enhances the action of iron-containing drugs and can cause potassium deficiency when taking diuretics.
Ointment
The ointment is made from aloe juice. For this, juice and honey are mixed in equal parts. On a glass of the mixture add a tablespoon of alcohol. Everything is mixed and stored in the refrigerator.
It is used to treat wounds and ulcers. A bandage can be applied over the ointment applied to the affected area. The treatment is carried out until complete recovery.
Contraindications and possible harm
It is forbidden to use aloe:
- during pregnancy;
- during breastfeeding;
- in the presence of chronic heart disease;
- people with severe liver or kidney disease;
- in the presence of allergies;
- with a strong depletion of the body.
- if there is hypersensitivity to antibiotics;
- when taking vitamin complexes, so as not to cause hypervitaminosis;
- with increased acidity or hypersensitivity of the stomach.
Did you know? Egyptians considered aloe a plant of immortality, and its juice was used both for treatment and for embalming.Although aloe vera is a relative of agave, it is slightly different in properties and use. This is a wonderful plant that helps to solve many health problems without using chemicals or aggressive to the internal environment of drugs.