Aloe Vera is an age-old plant which has been proven to possess important therapeutic and cosmetic properties. There are more than 360 species of aloe, however only five of them have been proven to benefit health. Aloe Barbadensis Miller or as it is widely known Aloe Vera, is the most effective and widespread species. Aloe Vera gel which is located in the hard, juicy and fleshy leaves, contains upward of 200 nutrients.
They are biologically active nutrients that reinforce each other so to constitute a valuable ally for health, for both prevention and repair of damage and for the improvement of cosmetic and organic problems. Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides, lignin, malic acid, fatty acids, anthraquinones, steroids and many more function as a group and are absorbed in their entirety by the human body.
Etymologically, the word aloe comes from the hebrew word “alloeh” meaning bitter and bright substance, while the word vera has its root in latin, meaning real, genuine. Aloe’s story takes us centuries back, when people used it as a therapeutic plant, due to its significant ability to treat and heal wounds, burns, and bites.
It is known that hundreds of historical figures made use of aloe’s properties. Characteristically, Christopher Columbus carried on board pots of aloe, so that the sailors could avoid scurvy (lack of vitamin C). Officially, though, the plant’s beneficial properties were validated in1959 by the FDA.
Aloe cultivation is complex as it requires particular conditions in soil and climate. It may grow on stony and dry fields, that must have a fast acting drainage system. It helps if the terrain is sloping.
The plant benefits from sunshine, plenty of light and wind, therefore, it does not thrive in low temperatures and places were there is heavy snow in winter. It is recommended to cultivate aloe in coastal regions with a warm climate, so that the plant is not required to use its own natural resources.
For all the reasons mentioned above, the land in Greece and in particular the climate of the South are especially favorable for the cultivation of high quality, potent aloe. It is also important to avoid planting in winter.
The ideal age for harvest and processing, when the leaves contain all valuable ingredients, is between 2 and 3 years. At this age inside the leaves, in gel form are all those ingredients that make aloe known as a “natural pharmacy”.
Aloe, as a natural juice, taken daily at the right amount, helps in the prevention, rehabilitation, or alleviation of more than 100 different conditions. In particular:
– It prevents and reduced joint inflammation. It has reparatory and analgesic action, while it improves the mobility of muscles and joints.
– It has fungicidal and antimicrobial action, while operating as a preventative against colds, the flu and respiratory infections.
– It significantly improves digestion and food absorption as it regulates the microbiota. At the same time, it operates beneficially in cases of collitis and other digestive disorders such as constipation, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux and more.
– It is a very potent source of 9 vitamins (E, C, B1, B1, Β2, Β3, Β6, Β12, and follic acid), minerals, trace elements, enzymes, and aminoacids, in particular it is the sole vegetable source for B12.
– It has revitalizing and rejuvenative action on skin lesions (wounds, burns, etc) and skin disorders (acme, psoriasis, herpes zoster, blemishes, etc)
– It acts as an antiaging agent as it fights toxinosis: free radicals on the skin, while at the same time offering excellent hydration. It increases local blood circulation and improves the face’s skin elasticity and brilliance, by promoting elastin fiber and collagen production.
– It improves blood circulation, mainly on the level of small capillary vessels, where happens the exchange of oxygen and nutrients for our cells.
– It contributes to the body’s detoxification. When the levels of free radicals exceed the normal, they act destructively toward our cells. Aloe cleans the organs and assists in their normal function.
– It offers energy, while aiding in preserving a healthy body weight.
– It has anti inflammatory properties which results in suppressing inflammation in any part of the body.
– It actively contributes in the reduction of arterial pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose in cases of diabetes mellitus.
– It has anti-allergenic properties.
– It contributes to dental and oral hygiene.
Ideal
Aloe is the only plant – herb that is 100% biochemically compatible with the human body. This means that aloe is composed of the same elements that compose the human body. Therefore, benefits differ from person to person. Every person gains from aloe exactly what it needs (what is missing) and the rest are excreted without burdening the body.
It is ideal for vegetarians, smokers, athletes, people on a diet as well as those on medication. However, use by those having chronic medical conditions should be done by doctor’s consent.
Kaloe products do not have to be administered on large doses, as they are all fortified.
