Aloe is awesome for your body

SUMMER is here and most of us are catching some of this stunning hot sunshine.

After your days in the sun, perhaps apply cooling aloe cream or gel to ease the sunburn and reduce scarring. Ancient Egyptian records reveal aloe vera being part of the beauty treatment for queens. This may have included the beautiful Cleopatra of ancient Egypt. Aloe has won a place among many people, regardless of whether for vanity or fighting for survival. Alexander the Great once captured an entire island for the aloe that grew there. Aloe was well known in those days to assist in healing – even for the mighty soldiers.

Aloe is part of a succulent, drought resistant, bitter-tasting plant that has over 400 different species. It thrives in our geographical climate. Beneath the outer leaf is a yellow-orange sap (also known as latex juice). Aloin is a substance in this sap and well known for its powerful ability to purge the intestines. Drying out aloin to a powder and turning it into a tablet is now a common remedy found in shops and pharmacies for constipation and detoxification.

Further into the centre of the leaf is a clear gel and mucous-like pulp. Many shop-bought aloe juices contain the inner pulp which is soothing to the digestive tract and carries all sorts of benefits. If you have irritable bowel syndrome or certain inflammatory bowel conditions, aloe juice pulp may reduce inflammation and help heal the area. Science has shown that the substances called saponins in the inner gel of an aloe leaf have a cleansing and antiseptic effect. Great for wounds and burns.

Studies link aloe to hair growth, acne treatment, some cases of diabetes and helping to heal ulcers. Even toothpaste with aloe is great for supporting healthy smiles and gum disease may be remedied by aloe’s powerful healing properties.

Due to aloe’s reputation to fight off various bacteria, viruses and fungi it is included in numerous first aid remedies.

From beauty creams to healing gels and health drinks – aloe is awesome.