Aloe (Aloe) is a genus that includes over 500 species of flowering, succulent plants. The most widely known species is the Aloe the gneiss (aloe vera) and it is so named because, although probably extinct in the wild, it is cultivated as the main source of the so-called "true Aloe" for various medicinal purposes. Other species, such as Aloe the beast (aloe ferox), also cultivated or collected from the wild for similar applications.
Description of aloe cultivation
Aloe is a native plant that grows in warm areas of the planet, while in Greece it is found in abundance. It is related to onion, garlic, asparagus and turnip and this affinity is seen during its flowering. Its flowers are from light green to red, ranging from yellow and orange. The leaves are long, broad, lanceolate, thick and succulent and have thorns on both sides.
Its special ability to retain water is what helps it survive in extreme weather conditions of drought and high temperatures. With some complex metabolism, water is transformed into a transparent gelatinous liquid, which is the characteristic of all its properties.
The aloe leaf consists of four layers: the bark, the subcortical sheath, the layer of glue and the parenchyma or pulp, which is the layer that contains the precious jelly. It is from the processing of this jelly that the various aloe products are produced.
Aloe is grown in many countries with tropical and subtropical climates, such as India, China, Latin America, Barbados, Jamaica, South Africa, Egypt, Mexico. In the United States, some of the largest plantations are located in Texas as well as in Central and South Florida.
The cultivation of aloe is particularly laborious, because all the work, such as planting, grooming and harvesting is done by hand. If one calculates the processing, we can understand, because as a raw material, aloe is expensive. Before planting, the soil is plowed and fertilized. The plantation gives a good harvest from the first and all year. Aloe is a perennial plant, it is easily planted in any pot and in common soil, which must contain a small amount of sand. The best time to plant is between April and August. Aloe loves light, but it needs minimal water, so be careful with watering, which is good to do once a week. It is not endangered by parasites, only fungi, and this, if you water it more often than necessary.
Aloe Ingredients
Aloe juice is full of valuable nutrients and healing ingredients, more than 150 and their number is increasing as scientists research and discover more.
Aloe contains amino acids (the eight basic and other non-essential), anthraquinones (12 anthraquinones are found in the bark and have antibiotic, bactericidal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties), enzymes (amylase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase, etc. , minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc), sugars (monosaccharides and polysaccharides), malic acid, salicylic acid, saponins, steroid-fatty acids, B, B2, B3, B6, C, E).
Therapeutic uses
Aloe is known for its healing, emollient, laxative properties, as well as its stimulating action on bile secretion.
-The bitter juice, which is collected by cutting the leaves at the root, has a strong laxative and laxative effect.-The most important, however, is the gel that is collected by pressing the leaves. This gel is an excellent wound healer, but also a healer of burns, which come mainly from hot liquids and the sun. and in the treatment of irritable bowel.-Has a strong antioxidant action, acting against free radicals.-Strengthens the immune system.-Has a strong anti-inflammatory action.
-Act against bacteria, fungi and parasites.-Improves metabolism and cell function.-Stimulates the production of fibroblasts for collagen release.-Has anti-aging action-Has anti-cancer action.-Strengthens the immune system and supports stimulants, slides.-Cleanses the body of toxins.Contributes to the healing of wounds, both intestine and stomach.-Used to treat bruises.-Recommended for hemorrhoids, warts and warts.-For gingivitis and periodontitis, reduces soft tissue swelling and reduces the tendency for bleeding gums.
