Therapeutic properties of Aloe, the silent healer
The therapeutic properties of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) have been known for many centuries. Were detected evidence of knowledge and use of this plant for therapeutic purposes in all the ancient Eastern and Western civilization: the Aloe Vera was the "Plant of Immortality" by the Egyptians, the plant from the "magic virtues" for Sumer, the "Lily of the Desert" for the Arabs, the "Silent Healer" of the Hindus, the 'elixir of longevity "of the Russians. The Greek physician Dioscorides (41-68 AD) and the Roman historian Pliny the Elder describes the effectiveness of aloe in treating many diseases and it is said that Alexander the Great wanted to ensure a continuous supply of aloe conquering the island of Socotra, in Indian Ocean.
Notes to the Middle Ages in monasteries and used by the Knights Templar, mixing the pulp with the pulp of Hemp and wine of palm obtain the so called "Elixir of Jerusalem", the medicinal virtues of aloe have subsequently fallen into oblivion. So it was that aloe became known mostly as an ornamental plant, till the 70s when some U.S. companies and the rediscovered, thanks to innovative technologies for cultivation and processing, relaunched on the market. Several studies conducted in the laboratory have confirmed the therapeutic properties and then the ancient wisdom of the people who already used it thousands of years ago.
Says Dr Max Skousen Director of investigations California, USA "The juice of Aloe Vera is the most powerful synthesis of antibiotic, astringent, coagulating agent, pain inhibitor and stimulating growth of tissue that is known in nature.” Although many considered a "species of cactus, in reality, aloe is part of the lily family, grows in areas with a hot, dry climate and is a plant remarkably resilient. There are over 200 varieties, but among all the so-called aloe vera seems that with greater therapeutic power.
Is extracted from its leaves a gelatinous substance, used fresh or properly processed, has anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients and is therefore suitable for a wide range of ailments including skin diseases, ulcers, burns, cuts, hemorrhoids, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, colds, headaches, urinary tract infections, and to facilitate the growth of hair. Finally it seems that the use of extracts of aloe has not only the power to heal the body but also the gift to rejuvenate your spirit. These are the words of Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi (1869-1948) "I wonder what the secret forces supported me during my long fasts? Well, they were my unshakeable faith in God, my simple and frugal life style and I discovered the benefits of aloe in the late nineteenth century, when I arrived in South Africa. "