The Amazing Aloe Vera

The history, benefits, Uses and a refreshing recipe.

If Alexander the Great took over an entire island because he wanted its amazing plant, we need to know what that plant was and its war worthy benefits. That plant is the Aloe Vera succulent. Legend has it that Aristotle instructed Alexander to start an expedition to the island of Soqotra (part of Yemen today). Alexander hailed the plant – a miracle, after he treated a nasty wound with its naturally antibacterial gel. His grande army utilized it and were deemed “indestructible.” Harness its power yourself by trying it in the form of a refreshing aloe iced tea with the simple recipe below.

The name of the plant comes from the Arabic word Alloeh, meaning bitter for its flavor. Yet, it has been loving called the “plant of immortality” and the “gift of nature.” Ancient Chinese and Egyptians used it in various ways from treating rashes to embalming their dead. Here are somethings it can do for your health and wellness.

Note: Though most natural remedies are safe with minimal to no side effects, it’s always important to practice caution when treating serious health issues by consulting your physician first.

Benefits

• Wound healing
• Cooling
• Antiseptic
• Antifungal
• Laxative
• Sunburn healing

Uses

• Hydrates skin
• Can be applied to acne and sunburns
• Drinking aloe juice can treat candida
• Apply to eczema, itchy or dry skin
• Can be applied to the outer eyelid to treat conjunctivitis
• Drinking aloe juice can provide a laxative effect
• Purifies the air in your home – particularly, the chemical formaldehyde used in wood furniture.

How to use

The entire aloe plant can be used from its juice which is taken internally for treating candida or constipation. The gel from the aloe leaf is applied topically to treat skin conditions. To extract gel from a fresh leaf simply cut a long slit lengthwise and peel back the outer green skin. Scrape the gel membrane inside with a spoon.

Refreshing, Aloe Vera Iced Tea

1. 1 Cup hot water
2. Teaspoon of fresh aloe gel (from washed and cut aloe leaf) or concentrated aloe gel (kind for food use only) like this Aloe Vera Concentrate.
3. Teaspoon of agave, local honey from Bill’s Bees or other sweetener of your choice.
4. Green tea
5. Ice cubes
6. Lemon (Optional)

Directions

Brew green tea or simply microwave for 1 minute. Add fresh or concentrated aloe food safe gel. Stir in honey or sweetener of your choice. Let stand to bring to room temperature. Add a few squirts of lemon if you’d like. Pour tea into your favorite tall glass with ice cubes and enjoy this fresh and healing aloe tea!

Share your favorite ways to use the amazing aloe plant in the comments section below.