What is Aloe Vera and its Holistic Benefits?

The beauty of what nature has to offer us is phenomenal. In the plant kingdom itself we are afforded a tremendous amount of medicinal benefits that nature brings mankind.One of those plants being the Aloe Vera plant.

So what is aloe vera and what are its holistic benefits?

Aloe Vera is a perennial plant that is in the Lily family which includes the garlic, onion and the turnip. All of which have its own individual health benefits.

The Aloe Vera plant grows well in the warm climate. To date there exists over 500 variations of the plant.

It is described as an "orchestra of the polysacharrides, enzymes, amino acids, glycoproteins vitamins, minerals, intrinsic to the Aloe Vera plant and its inner gel," by The International Science Council.

Most of the Aloe Vera plants are native to the continent of Africa. The Aloe Barbadensis is what is currently known as the Aloe Vera. It is about 99% water and it is assimilated easily into the body because of its high water content.

In its appearance it is similar to the cactus. It is considered to be one of natures miracle plants. It is believed to live up to 25 years.

Most historians that the aloe vera plant originated from the northern regions of North Africa. Historically speaking civilizations such as the Egyptians were noted with its first documented use.

It was grown and valued by King Solomon. The plant was greatly honored by the Egyptians with superior medicinal benefits and these were eventually passed onto the Greeks.

Here is some history of Aloe Vera:

-2100 B.C.- noted in Nippur clay tablets used by Sumerian physicians believed highly in the value of its medicinal benefits

-1522 B.C.- Ancient Egypt papyrus

-400 B.C. - Greek-Roman recordings of the plant increased

-40- 90 A.D. - Documentation by Pedanius Dioscorides who wrote the Codex Vindobonensis Medicus Graecus

-It is believed that Cleopatra (68-30 B.C.) used Aloe Vera for beautification purposes.

-During the Middle Ages the Greeks and Romans began discovering its medicinal benefits.

-Mentioned biblically as one of the spices in the New Testament

-Thought by the Chinese and Hindus to come from the Garden of Eden was coined the 'silent healer'

These are merely some of the historical points of the Aloe Vera plant. Its journey believed to have touched the lives of such notable individuals such as Napoleon, Marcus Aurelius, The Knights Templar, Marco Polo and Christopher Colombus. These renowned figures are believed to have touted the benefits of the Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera is been coined the 'healing plant' throughout history. There are many holistic benefits of Aloe Vera and I will attempt to cover some of the most current and favored of the day.

1- Burns - considered to be a tremendous healer of burns because it relieves and soothes pain. Also dubbed the 'Burn plant'

2- Skincare - thought to be used for centuries as a source of anti-aging. Believed to be used by Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti as a source of hydration for the skin. Drinking the aloe vera juice with regularity also aids in supplying the skin with the natural building block collagen. Collagen aids in helps build and maintain healthy skin

3- Weight Loss - stimulates the metabolic rate which causes you to use more energy

4- Constipation - taking 2 tablespoons of aloe gel five days on two days off until bowels are regulated

5- Energy - when taken regularly aids the digestive track in elimination thereby increasing energy levels

6- Heartburn - aids in dilating blood vessels which increase circulation. This circulation allows fresh blood to flow which alleviate the area of the heartburn

7- Hair - used to moisturize and stimulate hair growth

8- Source of Vitamins - Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin

This is NOT a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician or health care provider who can offer you safe and effective advice for your needs or diagnose your medical history.