Aloe Vera, A Wonder Herb For Skin
Aloe is grown mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe
and America. Because of its many therapeutic uses, it is now
commercially cultivated in the United States, Japan, and
countries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. However, in many
places you can grown your own Aloe Vera plant quite happy in a
pot as a household plant.
Despite its very cactus-like characteristics, Aloe belongs to
the lily family, which also includes asparagus, onions, leeks
and garlic. The Aloe plant contains over thirty enzymes,
including lipase and oxidase. It could be argued that enzymes
are the missing element in the modern diet since 40% of the
adult population suffer digestive problems and digestion is
enzyme-based.
Aloe Vera also contains significant levels of salicylic acid
(the active ingredient in aspirin) which accounts for some of
the herb's pain-killing potential. Some people swear by a burst
of aloe spray on sunburn when a gel or cream is too painful to
apply.
Salicylic acid also plays a role in Aloe's detoxifying and
cell-cleansing capacity. The well-researched capacity of Aloe to
stimulate the immune system is arguably its most important
attribute. Others have testified that a daily drink with high
quality Aloe juice helps clear sensitive skin. Aloe is well
known as a soothing ingredient in skincare lotions and body
products.
There are a host of studies from every continent documenting the
healthful benefits of Aloe Vera, taken both internally and used
externally. Aloe has truly earned it reputation as a natural,
healthful 'wonder' herb.