This is a continuation of our last discussion on boosting our immune systems, in order to be fortified against attacks to our health. We are aware about the second phase of COVID-19 and every day, we hear updates on the number of new cases being reported.
Our strategy remains prevention rather than cure. We will begin by talking about certain natural products that nature has already provided around us.
Our spotlight today is on aloe vera.
Aloe vera is a plant that evolved from the lilac family, of which garlic is also a member. It contains great curative and nutritive properties. Aloe vera has regenerative properties and is even mentioned in the Holy Bible as planted by God (see Numbers 24:6, Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17, Songs of Solomon 4:14). It is also said, in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, to have been carried by Alexander the Great on his conquests, as the only palliative for bruises and injuries.
There are over 400 species of aloe in existence. However, the one that has the greatest nutritional and therapeutic properties is the aloe vera barbadensis. Aloe is uniquely called a miracle plant or miracle healer, and is found in every part of the world.
The Aloe vera plant contains its greatest nutritional properties at two to three years of age. The succulent aloe vera is obtained from within the leaves, which is obtained by removing the peel or skin, leaving a slimy, sticky, gelatin-like tissue, containing tremendous medicinal properties.
The alow gel cannot be exposed to the elements for more than two hours, since it tends to oxidise easily, thus losing some of its therapeutic properties. It must undergo a stabilisation process to keep it maximally effective.
For consumer protection globally, there is an international independent body known as International Aloe Science Council that was established in 1981 to set standards in order to control the quality of the products and regulate the practice of the aloe industry. The council is to ensure purity of aloe products and the integrity of the manufacturing companies, as well as helping consumers make wise choices. It has its seal on every aloe vera product it approves.
However caution must be taken before ingesting any aloe plant around. It may be safe for topical application but poisonous if ingested.
Some properties of aloe (barbadensis) vera are highlighted below:
It is a complete food that meets all body nutritional requirements.
It is a pain inhibitor. Upon application to the affected area, it reduces pain. It has ability to penetrate deep layers of skin; blocks pain, penetrates and eases inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic. Aloe vera works in a way similar to steroids, like cortisone, but without the harmful side effects. It contains glycoproteins, anthraquinones and salicylates. Aloe is very helpful in healing skin abrasions and burns because it contains magnesium lactate. It is very effective against arthritis and insect bites. Aloe does not contain cortisone, but has enzymes and other elements which work extremely well in relieving soreness in affected areas.
Healing action: Aloe Vera has very high levels of calcium, potassium, zinc, as well as Vitamin C and E. These minerals promote the formation of a net of fibres that trap the red blood corpuscles, thus speeding up the healing process. Calcium is a very important element in the proper function of the nervous system.
Detoxification: Aloe detoxification is a combination of elimination, regeneration and assimilation. Due to the potassium which it contains, aloe vera improves and stimulates the liver and the kidneys, the principal organs of detoxification. Aloe vera contains uronic acid which eliminates toxic materials within the cells. The first time aloe vera is ingested, it tends to cause a slight case of diarrhoea because it causes an initial cleansing of the intestines from bacteria as well as from food stuck in the folds or in the diverticulum.
To be continued.
Mrs Chima Ejimofor is the lead partner at Infinite Health Consult. She is available for health and wellness products, seminars and talks. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07033179632, email infinitehealthconsult@gmail.com
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