Benefit of Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera

Benefit of Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera

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A member of the lily family, Aloe Vera derives its name from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’, which means bitter. There are nearly 240 varieties of Aloe growing in the dry regions of Africa, Europe, Asia and America but the one that is popularly used in commercial products is Aloe barbadensis miller. We examine the various beneficial properties of aloe vera plant and gels and extracts that are obtained.

Aloe Vera Plant

The aloe vera plant has been used since ancient times for healing infection and burns. It was used by African hunters to reduce perspiration. Ancient records of Egyptians, Arabs, Africans and Indians show how aloe vera plant was used. The aloe vera plant also finds mention in the New Testament. Ancient Chinese used aloe vera gel for treating eczematous skin conditions. With a high water content of nearly 96%, the aloe vera plant has been hailed as a medicinal plant with many a beneficial property. The aloe vera plant can easily be grown at home – it is virtually maintenance free. You can then break off a part of the leaf and use the fresh gel to apply on any burn or other wound. . When the aloe vera leaf is broken, it oozes a thick sap that drips from the open end. This bitter sap is used to accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation.