The Aloe Appeal~

Aloe barbadensis miller

 Aloe vera, a spiky, green, succulent plant that many people have at least some familiarity with.  It is in homes and planter pots through out the world.  Found in outside gardens in warm climates and growing wild from Africa to India, Hawaii to Mexico.   This plant originated in Africa but has naturalized to many places through out the world. Its name derives from the Arabic word "Alloeh" meaning "shining bitter substance", and "vera" in Latin means "true".  It has been deemed a plant of great substance throughout the world for centuries uncounted.  Greek scientists regarded the Aloe plant as a universal panacea.  The Egyptians called Aloe "the plant of immortality".  Today, much as in the past, Aloe is known for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties.

Manual Methods of Extraction

An Aloe "Plant"

 As with many things, in the past Aloe was harvested and extracted solely by manual means. Today, out side of very small operations, it is commercially prepared by mechanical methods.
Traditionally, workers harvested only the mature leaves near the base of the plant.  The tip and bottom of each leaf were cut off and the rest of the leaf was placed on end in a container so that the aloe latex, a bitter sap like substance, could drain out.  Then the outer portion of the plant was skinned off revealing the clear gel inside.  This gel was scraped out, crushed and pulverised by hand, filtered and put into the storage containers.  Today, there are two different main methods of extraction.  Whole leaf preparation begins with harvesting and washing the entire leaf, which is then crushed, ground, or pressed (depending on machines).  Then this mixture is "cleaned" through numerous filtering cycles, filtering with solvents to remove the aloe latex is done at this time.  Then the Aloe is pasteurized and homogenized to create a stable blend.  The second way mimics more traditional methods only instead of done by the human hand they have machines doing the work.  This method also uses pasteurization to stabilize the aloe gel and juice.
 

An Aloe Farm in Texas USA

Aloe Vera contains around 75 potentially active constituents including; vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.
 Vitamins: Vitamin A (beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (both anti-oxidants which reduce free radicals), Vitamin B12,  Folic Acid and Choline.
Minerals: Calcium, Copper, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.
Enzymes: There are 8 in all, some help to reduce inflammation and others aid in processing sugars and
 fats.
Anthraquinones: There are 12 total with a range of "jobs. These are traditionally known for their  laxative effects, however some  anthroquinones have more specialized jobs such as; working analgesics (pain relief), antiseptic, and antivirals.
Fatty Acids: aloe has 4 plant steroids; all of which have anti-inflammatory effects and some also are known for their antiseptic and analgesic properties as well.
Hormones: the hormones found here participate in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory responses.
Other: 20 of the 22 required amino acids (meaning our bodies make too little of and we need to support with food intake, and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids (meaning our bodies need the amino acid to survive but rely solely upon external sources of) are found in this plant.  Saponins; soap like substance found within the gel have cleansing and antiseptic qualities.

Aloe Juice and Gel

    With regular use, both Aloe Vera juice and gel will help improve skin elasticity which in turn minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It also helps to even out the color of your facial skin. It lightens dark spots and helps to slough off old dermal layers, while improving circulation (of new blood, oxygen and micro nutrients) to your newly forming skin cells.  The result, beautiful and vibrant skin. 

Over 500 Species Exist World Wide

Aloe Vera Skin Scrub: 
This scrub helps brighten and even out the color (lightening the dark spots)  on your skin.  It tightens pores, and helps reduce acne.  Massage gently (in a circular motion) for 1-2 minutes depending on skin sensitivity.  Rinse with warm water.  Use weekly.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbs aloe vera (gel or juice)
2 tbs brown sugar
1/2 to 1 tsp lemon juice

* This scrub is best done at night. Lemon juice contains phototoxins that make the skin very susceptible to burning in sunlight. Given the hours of sleep this no longer is a potential problem.

ALOE: YES? NO? Is it part of your skin health regime? Please share how you are familiar with this amazing plant.

FOR BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT LOVE YOUR SKIN PLEASE VISIT: http://www.rechercheorganics.com