Interesting facts about aloe. Report medicinal plant aloe Interesting facts about aloe barbadensis

Aloe (agagave) is a houseplant, undemanding in care and useful. It can be recommended for growing to everyone! Firstly, because of the ease of aloe to care for, secondly, because of the exotic appearance of the succulent, and thirdly, because of its medicinal properties. How to grow it?

There are several hundred species of aloe in total. In the rooms they are most often bred aloe arborescens, aloe variegated, aloe vera .

Aloe variegated (tiger)

Aloe arborescens

It has a developed trunk, thick leaves of a grayish-green color, have a pointed sword-shaped shape and sharp teeth. In a room it can grow up to 1 meter in height.

Aloe variegated or tiger

This species is distinguished by a pattern of white transverse strokes on dark green leaves. This is a small type of aloe, with a short stem. Its pointed leaves are collected into a rosette and twisted in a spiral.

By the way, do not confuse this type of aloe with another representative of succulents - gasteria.

This is a bushy species also with a short stem. Its leaves are long and fleshy with teeth. Pointed upward.

Aloe care

Aloe is a plant that is undemanding in terms of temperature. In winter, it can be in a cool room or in a normal living room.

Aloe is a light-loving plant. When caring for aloe, you need to remember that light is important for it. With a lack of light, the plant stretches unattractively, the leaves become thin and turn pale. Aloe, unlike many other plants, tolerates direct sunlight. In summer, aloe feels good in the fresh air.

Water aloe very sparingly. The soil must be completely dry before watering. In practice this is 1-2 times a week. Excessive soil moisture can lead to root rot. In addition, you need to water carefully, water should not get into the outlet. Aloe does not need spraying.

Aloe propagation

Reproduction of aloe is possible by separating the children during transplantation. But more often aloe is propagated by aloe cuttings. It is best to do this in the spring, although aloes take root well at any time. The cut cuttings are slightly dried in air, and then placed in water or a damp mixture of sand and peat, deepened by 1-2 cm. The cuttings do not need to be covered or sprayed with anything; they even need to be watered infrequently.

You can also propagate aloe by seeds. Seeds are planted in February-March in soil treated with boiling water. For seedlings to occur, moist, warm conditions must be created.

Sometimes it happens that aloe blooms. But at home this rarely happens.

Aloe transplant

Young aloe plants are replanted once a year. After 3 years - once every 2-3 years, if necessary, and for old large plants, instead of replanting, the top layer of soil is replaced. Aloe is undemanding when it comes to soil, you can take any, but if possible, it is better to take special soil for succulents.

Aloe feeding is carried out in the spring-summer period once every 1-2 weeks. You can use special fertilizers for succulents or an all-purpose complex fertilizer. There is no need to apply fertilizer in winter and autumn.

Diseases and pests

Aloe is a disease and pest resistant plant. It happens that scale insects grow on aloe. In this case, the pests are scraped off the leaves and the leaves are washed with a soapy solution.

Aloe and its healing properties

Aloe is an evergreen plant from the lily family. Its leaves contain aloizides A and B, aloisins, aloenin, emodin, aloin (barbaloin) in different proportions. Scientists have studied and proven the content of 20 important components in aloe, which include stimulants, that is, substances that force the cells of our body to work, even those that have long since refused to function correctly.

Africa is the birthplace of aloe, but the plant has spread to many regions where the climate is conducive to its growth and reproduction. Aloe arborescens, one of the varieties of aloe, grows well at home, practically without weakening its qualities. Real aloe is aloe vera.

Especially interested in aloe are gerontological scientists who deal with the problem of aging and, accordingly, prolongation of youth, prolongation of that period of life when a person is not only able to work, but also in the full sense of the word young, capable of reproductive activity. And in this area, aloe makes it possible to use itself constructively, bringing great effect.

Aloe helps get rid of neurasthenia, insomnia, relieves stress, increases a person’s performance, older people feel a surge of strength and performance. Aloe generally stimulates the return of those body functions that were lost. The plant has a particularly strong effect on nervous system, restoring the activity of even severely weakened parts of the spinal cord and brain.

At eating aloe The unpleasant symptoms of radiculitis quickly disappear, the body recovers from infections, hypothermia, colds, and flu. Aloe has a strong effect on paralytic sciatica, etc.

Aloe is a strong biogenic stimulant that helps restore tissue and skin, which is used for severe forms of burns, eczema, skin ulcers and diseases. The drug carrisin is prepared from aloe, which significantly stimulates the immune system.

Aloe is truly our home doctor. The plant propagates by cuttings, best from shoots of the lower part of the trunk (shoots should be 2-3 years old, at least three centimeters in length). The cuttings should be placed cut side up and kept for some time in a dark but warm place. The soil should be clay-turf with the addition of humus, coarse sand, charcoal, and broken bricks. Drainage must be thorough so that water does not accumulate in the pot. You can propagate cuttings in sand.

Can be seated aloe, if the plant has sprouted from the ground. It is better to avoid direct rays of the sun, but the plant should stand in a well-lit place and watering should be moderate. It is best to collect medicinal raw materials in the fall. Wash the cut leaves and store in a dark place for 15 days at a temperature of +6-8 degrees. Under these conditions, bioactive stimulants are activated in the plant. Aloe leaves can also be dried. Aloe retains its medicinal qualities for a long time - for 1.5-2 years.

How to cook medicines and preparations from aloe?

Leaves are brewed like tea, do not boil to avoid the breakdown of nutrients, leave for 30 minutes. Strain the infusion and store in a cool place.

Tinctures. Finely chop the leaves and pour pure alcohol or vodka 1:2, leave in a warm place for 10 days, be sure to shake. Store in a dark place.

Extracts. You must first make an infusion and then evaporate it.

Aloe ointment. Mix cold oil (good olive or butter) with extract or squeezed juice aloe in the proportion of 1 part juice and three parts oil.

Biologically stimulated aloe juice. The cut lower leaves are wrapped in opaque paper and kept in the refrigerator for two weeks. Wash the leaves, cut them, add boiled water and leave in a warm place for 3 hours. After this, filter the juice.

Using fresh juice. Cut off the lower leaves, wash, cut and squeeze in a juicer.

Aloe cream. 40ml almond oil, 2g honey, 1g pure lanolin, 20ml aloe juice. Mix the composition. Store in a cool, dark place. Use not only as a face cream, but also as a healing cream for any type of skin for acne, peeling, etc.

Emulsion. To prepare it, you need castor oil, alcohol, eucalyptus oil. 70ml fresh juice aloe, mix 15 ml of castor oil and 15 ml of alcohol, heat in a water bath, stirring. Remove from heat, add 0.1 ml eucalyptus oil and stir until the mixture cools.

You can use aloe directly for many needs as soon as you cut the leaf, which many do, knowing the strong disinfecting properties of the plant, as well as healing and restoring broken skin, drawing out pus, etc.

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Report of the medicinal plant aloe

Agave against a hundred diseases

Aloe treatment. Agave against a hundred diseases. Aloe Vera - medicinal plant; species of the genus Aloe (Aloe).

Aloe is known to us as a traditional medicine and has been used for the benefit of humanity for more than five thousand years. This plant is unique! Ancient as Cleopatra herself! According to legend, the most famous royal beauties of antiquity took baths with aloe juice. The skin became unusually silky and smooth and remained so for a long time.

Aloe (agagave) is a common and familiar houseplant for us with thick leaves that look like curved daggers, readily grown by housewives because of its healing properties, to which we often resort for help. It is believed that aloe is good to have in a house where there are people with chronic diseases, weakened people or with a weak biofield. In a house where this plant is grown, people get sick less and recover faster.

Aloe Vera, or Aloe vera, is a herbaceous, perennial plant with narrow bluish-green leaves collected in rosettes. Aloe vera is recognized in traditional medicine as a remedy for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The juice produced from Aloe can have a beneficial effect on the health of the body - see “Aloe Vera”.

Juice from aloe leaves is widely used to treat burns, abscesses, wounds, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, etc., and has a disinfecting effect. If you apply a cut leaf of a plant to the wounded surface, it will help the wound heal faster.

The leaves below are more mature, thick and fleshy. As soon as the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, it is ready for consumption and the juice in it is as beneficial as possible. It is necessary to cut the leaf at the base, or it is better to simply break it off from the stem. It is necessary to take into account that plucked leaves cannot be kept in the open air (in the light) for a long time, otherwise they will be lost healing properties.

The medicinal property of aloe juice is a bitter substance - aloin, which helps improve metabolism. Before use, take a 3-5 year old plant, do not water it for two weeks before cutting it. Place the cut plant in a well-ventilated, dark, damp place for 5 days to activate biostimulants.

The famous doctor, famous for centuries, Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in his famous “Canon of Medical Science” mentioned one remarkable property of aloe: “. with rose oil, when applied to the head, helps against migraines, and when applied to the head with wine, it stops hair loss. "

I read in one of the magazines that aloe is a natural fat burner and that this miracle plant can help you lose weight without any diets or strict dietary restrictions. We know that there are substances that are natural natural fat burners, for example, in pineapple. Experts believe that the aloe plant perfectly cleanses the body and removes toxins and subcutaneous fat accumulations. It works, however, more slowly than expensive drugs, but it is absolutely harmless. And with its help you can get rid of unnecessary kilograms so that overweight will never return again.

Still, when taking care of yourself, first of all you should think about proper nutrition. After all, treatment will not give any results if you do not give up bad habits, and also be careful with an overdose of aloe. Let us remind you that those who want to lose weight quickly and therefore take a glass of agave juice every day - instead of the prescribed 1/3 teaspoon - risk developing a stomach ulcer. In pregnant women, aloe juice can cause premature birth.

You can use both freshly picked leaves and various mixtures and tinctures made from them.

To improve metabolism. Wash aloe leaves, chop and squeeze out the juice. Mix 15 grams of aloe juice with 250 grams of honey and 350 grams of Cahors wine. Leave in a dark place at a temperature of 4-8 degrees Celsius for 4-5 days. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day half an hour before meals.

For the treatment of boils. Pick a thick aloe leaf, rinse, cut lengthwise or crush and apply to the boil. It draws out pus well and promotes the rapid maturation of the boil.

Homemade aloe tincture: Pass 500 grams of leaves or the whole plant through a meat grinder, add 500 grams of honey, heated in a water bath to 50-60 degrees and add 0.5 liters of natural red wine. Pour into a dark glass container, seal well and leave in a cool place for 5 days. The first week take 1 teaspoon 2 times a day an hour before meals, the second week - 1 tablespoon in the same regimen. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.

The evaporated juice of aloe is called sabur and is used for medicinal purposes. Heavily diluted or mixed with the juice of some fruit, it is suitable for drinking.

General strengthening tincture of aloe leaves: mix 0.5 cups of crushed leaves with 0.75 cups of honey and leave in a dark place for 3 days. Add 3 glasses of red wine and leave in a dark place for 24 hours. Take tincture 1 tbsp. two to three times a day before meals.

Be careful with overdose. Overdose may cause intestinal irritation. Contraindications to the use of tincture: bleeding, inflammation of the bladder, pregnancy. Aloe juice can cause poisoning.

Aloe, or agave
Aloe arborescens and Aloe vera are grown indoors for their medicinal properties. Widely used in folk medicine and cosmetics, it has phytocidal properties and purifies the air in the room from germs.

Aloe Vera
More than 350 species of aloe grow in warm climates today, but the most common species with powerful healing properties is Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera). The authenticity of its unique healing properties is beyond doubt, since for many millennia this plant has been deservedly considered a panacea for many ailments.

Aloe in cosmetology
If you also have agave, or Aloe Vera, then consider that you have an instant cosmetic mask. The juice of this plant has bactericidal properties.

Aloe vera is the most unique medicinal plant

The most valuable component in aloe leaves is the mucous liquid. Photo: retales botijero/Getty Images

Despite the fact that aloe grows in places with a dry climate (Africa, the islands of Madagascar, Socotra, the south of the Arabian Peninsula, etc.), this plant has become widespread as an indoor crop.

The unique healing properties of aloe have been known since time immemorial. Various peoples widely used this amazing plant, and today it has not lost any of its popularity.

The first discoveries of the medicinal properties of aloe were made during the times of the Sumerians and ancient Egyptians, then aloe took a prominent place in Chinese and Indian medicine, and was also widely used by the Greeks and Romans. The Mayan civilization called this plant nothing more or less than the “fountain of youth.”

To this day, in many countries where traditional medicine is most famous, aloe still ranks first among medicinal plants. Local traditions consider aloe to be a magical plant that not only heals, but also brings good luck and also protects. Therefore, it is increasingly being used at home.

There are many varieties of aloe (about 350 species), but aloe vera has special medicinal properties. This perennial plant without a stem grows in hot countries, loves dry soil and is afraid of excess moisture. It does not require special care and grows easily from cuttings or shoots. When the plant reaches 4-5 years of age, its leaves can be used to prepare various medicines and cosmetics.

Aloe vera leaf is rich in various elements, it contains more than 75 nutrients and about 200 different active components. Carbohydrates, enzymes, twenty-odd minerals, more than ten vitamins, and eighteen amino acids undoubtedly represent a complete product. Aloe leaf also contains other beneficial components such as choline, salicylic acid and essential oils. In a word, despite many years of studying this plant, new possibilities for its use are still opening up.

Aloe vera moisturizes, restores the skin, renews skin cells, which prevents it from fading ahead of time. Photo: Alberto L Pomares G/Getty Images The most valuable component in aloe leaves is the mucilaginous liquid. It has astringent, bactericidal and healing properties. Therefore, many Indians applied this liquid directly to open wounds without suturing them, and this resulted in excellent healing without any visible scars that usually remain after suturing.

Aloe also acts as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent. It stops bleeding, anesthetizes tissue, relieves itching, soothes pain from insect bites, reduces fever, and helps with constipation. No wonder the ancient Egyptians often used it in laxative enemas.

It can be considered that aloe is a good biological regulator with a choleretic effect, beneficial for the stomach, and an excellent immunostimulant. It is highly praised for its ability to accelerate cell regeneration after surgery, as well as for the fact that its juice contains pericyclic cells. It is not without reason that for the ancients it was a real elixir of life extension.

For those suffering from anorexia, a full course of aloe treatment will stimulate appetite, while for obesity and bulimia it will help suppress appetite, and in a natural way.

Aloe vera and cancer

Aloe vera is one of the most promising plants for combating modern diseases, as well as for the prevention of cancer. Success in this area has come since the times of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as scientists noted that many survivors used aloe vera to treat their skin and also drank its juice.

Thus, the number of skin cancer survivors exceeded previously published predictions calculated for the event of a nuclear attack: this story has led to an increase in interest in such a remarkable plant and explains the special interest in aloe vera today.

If aloe vera is used in parallel with chemotherapy, it significantly reduces many side effects. Experiments have shown that patients who consume aloe recover faster. During clinical experiments, it was also discovered that aloe vera’s composition is compatible with many antibiotics, steroids, as well as other medicinal agents that were administered directly into the patient’s body.

It is known that Cleopatra appreciated the unique properties of this plant and loved to use aloe vera in her cosmetics. Thanks to the fact that her eye drops contained aloe, her eyes had a unique shine.

Aloe vera moisturizes, restores the skin, renews skin cells, which prevents it from fading ahead of time. The skin becomes smooth and soft, the number of age spots on the hands decreases. It serves as an excellent ointment for hands damaged by cold or chemicals. Aloe vera is also often used as an anti-perspiration remedy.

A few aloe eye drops soothe tired and sore eyes. Some doctors claim that this plant treats conjunctivitis and slows the development of cataracts.

Oral care

Aloe prevents the development of caries and the formation of tartar, as a result of which it is widely used to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Hair care

Aloe is widely used to improve the condition of hair and scalp and is ideal for those who want to provide themselves with good hair care at home. Aloe strengthens, heals hair and is an effective remedy against dandruff, hair loss and itchy scalp. After using it, the hair becomes voluminous, shiny and durable, and the scalp becomes healthy. Aloe can be used for both dry and oily hair, as well as fragile and damaged hair.

Aloe is a plant resembling an agave that grows up to 2-3 m tall. The stem is erect with long fleshy leaves, up to 50 cm long, forming a rosette at the base of the stem. The leaves are bluish-green in color, the edges are equipped with strong subulate-shaped teeth. The flowers are orange or yellow, sitting on thin stalks, collected in racemes. Rarely blooms indoors.

Other names: agave.
Homeland - Africa. It is grown as an ornamental medicinal plant.
Brief description: erect stem, xiphoid leaves with spiny teeth, orange or yellow bell-shaped flowers.
Parts used: leaves.

Where does it grow?

The homeland of refracted aloe (popularly called agave) is Africa. In South and East Africa it is grown as a cultivated plant. Aloe was brought to America and is cultivated on the islands of the Indian Ocean, in Venezuela, in the southern states of the United States (in these parts it is grown as Curacao Aloe or Aloe Barbadensis). There are more than 200 species of aloe in the world, but only a few of them grow in Europe (and only in Mediterranean countries).

Indications for use

For constipation.
For hemorrhoids, anal fissures and other diseases.
After operations on the rectum and anus.
As a component of creams and lotions.
As a stimulant of salivation and digestion.
Included in tea with a general strengthening effect.

Medicinal properties

Concentrated aloe juice is used as a laxative. It has a strong effect on the colon, so it is prescribed not only for constipation, but also for other diseases, for example, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, after operations on the rectum. Substances contained in aloe, in combination with other active substances, are included in many medications.

New indications for the use of aloe have been discovered. The so-called “regular aloe jelly” is included in many creams. It acts as a moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal agent.

What parts of the plant are used medicinally?

Only aloe leaves are used for treatment. The cut leaves are stacked in several layers near a pit covered with horse or goat skin. In this way, the yellowish-brown sap is collected. In order for the juice to thicken, it is heated over an open fire for about four hours or evaporated in boilers under direct sunlight. Depending on the drying method, the mass may be brown-black or flesh-colored. The juice prepared in this way is sold as aloe extract (lat. extractum aloe). The components of Aloe vera jelly are obtained from the juice of the leaves of this medicinal plant.

Aloin (hydroxyanthracene derivative - a hydrocarbon derivative) provides stool softening. Aloe contains glucosides, resinous substances and essential oils.

When laxatives are abused, the human body loses a lot of fluid and mineral salts. The maximum permissible daily dose of aloe is 0.05-0.2 g. Often the medicinal substance begins to act later, so there is a danger of overdose! A lethal dose is considered to be taking 1 g of aloe for several days in a row. When aloe is poisoned, diarrhea with blood begins, and irreversible kidney damage is possible.

Aloe (and other laxatives that act on the colon) should not be used by pregnant women! The drug contains anthracene derivatives that stimulate intestinal function and at the same time cause muscle activity of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage or premature birth.

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Aloe was known to the Egyptians as the plant of immortality. It has amazing healing properties, and you probably already know some of them. You may even have aloe vera at home for minor emergencies. emergency situations such as scratches, cuts and minor burns. But facts say that the benefits of this plant are not limited to topical use only, and it can also be taken orally.

Aloe contains about two hundred biologically active natural ingredients - these are vitamins, polysaccharides, enzymes, amino acids and minerals that promote the absorption of nutrients.

According to the Journal environmental science and health care,” the plant can also protect you from viruses, bacteria and fungal infections. All this helps cleanse the body of toxins and various pathogens. But these are not all the secrets you should know.

Useful minerals

Aloe vera is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper and manganese.

Enzymes

Aloe contains important enzymes such as amylase and lipase. They can improve digestion as they break down fat and sugar molecules.

Vitamins

Research shows that it contains vitamin B12, which helps our body produce red blood cells. Thus, aloe is a very important source of this vitamin for vegetarians and vegans who are deficient in their diet. Additionally, taking aloe can help with the bioavailability of vitamin B12, meaning our body can easily absorb and use it. Aloe also contains choline, folic acid, vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 (niacin) and B6.

Amino acids

The plant contains 20 of the 22 essential amino acids required by the human body. Additionally, it contains salicylic acid, which helps fight infections.

Additional benefits from use

Aloe is a good cleanser for our body, as it helps remove toxins from the colon, kidneys, spleen, liver, stomach and bladder. It can also provide effective relief from conditions such as dyspepsia, ulcers, intestinal inflammation and indigestion. In addition, aloe strengthens the digestive system and relieves joint inflammation, so it should be consumed by people who suffer from arthritis.

If you use aloe juice as a mouth rinse, it will effectively remove plaque. Aloe gel is also effective in treating mouth ulcers.

How to use aloe

Aloe can be eaten directly as a plant, but the easiest and most acceptable option is juice. It is easy to find in a healthy lifestyle store.

You can buy the juice and mix it with fruit smoothies or drink it without any additives. Often the bottles will have specific dosage instructions, but it would be best if you consult an expert or do a little research on the topic to find the exact directions for its use.

Classmates

Aloe is known to everyone and can be found in almost every home. Africa is considered the birthplace of this evergreen plant. It is also called Aloe vera, or Aloe vera. Currently, there are more than 300 varieties of aloe in the world. During the era of great geographical discoveries, aloe spread throughout the world, and today it grows in large quantities in countries with warm climates.

Aloe was first mentioned in the manuscripts of the ancient Sumerians - information about its medicinal properties was recorded on clay tablets. The vitality of this plant is amazing: it can live completely without water for about 7 years, and at the same time shoots continue to appear on it.

Any type of aloe has certain medicinal properties, thanks to the juice contained in its leaves. However, only those species that grow not as trees, but as bushes can be consumed internally. Tree aloe is well suited for external use (for healing purulent wounds, burns, allergic rashes, etc.).

The unique composition of aloe and the use of aloe

The beneficial properties of aloe can be easily explained by studying the composition of the pulp of the leaves of this plant. Aloe contains more than two hundred biologically active substances, each of which has certain properties and has its own benefits. The vitamin composition of aloe includes vitamins A, E, C, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), the pulp also contains anthraquinone glycosides (aloin, nataloin, emodin), amino acids, resins, phytoncides, sterols, gelonins, enzymes, chromonomas, polysaccharides and other biologically active substances.

Aloe leaves contain allantoin, a substance that has a powerful moisturizing effect. It is thanks to allantoin that aloe vera is used today by most cosmetics manufacturers, and it is even called “ vehicle" Penetrating deep into the skin, allantoin delivers other components there, retains moisture in the skin and promotes regeneration processes, helping to restore cell structure, heal wounds and damage. Aloe juice is used in the treatment of many skin diseases: acne, eczema, ulcers, dermatitis, psoriasis, and minor cosmetic defects.

The polysaccharides that make up aloe juice form a protective film on the skin, protect it from solar ultraviolet radiation, soften, moisturize, and accelerate cell regeneration. However, the use of aloe is not beneficial for everyone; the harm of aloe juice becomes obvious if serious chemical or chemical treatments have been carried out on the skin. physical influences(dermabrasion, chemical peeling), in this case irritation may occur that can develop into dermatitis. One of the noteworthy useful properties aloe juice polysaccharides - the ability to influence macrophages - nonspecific immune cells, the scope of which includes the restoration of damaged epidermis. In aging skin, macrophages are able to renew collagen, which is why aloe juice is included in many cosmetic products.

Beauty salons very often offer relaxation baths, which contain either an extract or extract of aloe juice, or canned natural aloe juice.

Aloe in medicine

Aloe juice, and, accordingly, the preparations that contain it, have strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties, which is important in the fight against pathogens.

The juice of the plant is a common remedy for symptoms of acid reflux, such as stomach pain and heartburn. Helps improve digestion, relieves the body of acid reflux and cleanses the rectum. Aloe vera is a natural laxative.

Preparations containing aloe are widely used in many areas of medicine (gynecology, dentistry, dermatology, surgery, therapy, immunology) for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcers, constipation), eye diseases (conjunctivitis, myopia, inflammation of the cornea) and skin, inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, ARVI.

Aloe is also used for depletion of the body; the benefits of aloe with honey to increase immune strength are widely known; aloe juice is also used for tuberculosis, stomatitis, and diseases of the mucous membranes (mouth, genitals). What is noteworthy is that the bulk of the beneficial substances that make up aloe have a structure that is easily absorbed by the body when consumed orally and also quickly and easily penetrates the skin when aloe juice is applied externally.

An infusion of aloe leaves with honey is used to treat burns. The leaves are cut, poured with honey and left in a dark place for a month. Then they are thoroughly crushed, mixed again with honey, filtered and used in the form of compresses. Of course, it is better to always have some of this infusion at home, but burns can also be treated with fresh juice: simply squeeze the juice from the lower leaves of aloe, soak gauze pads in it and apply to the burns.

For open wounds, an aloe leaf is simply cut, the pulp is applied to the wound and secured with a bandage or plaster. The sheet is changed several times during the day, and the wound begins to heal. In case of severe burns and cuts, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.

There are many options for using aloe, as well as recipes for treating a particular disease, but the main thing is to correctly collect and prepare the ingredients for them.

Side effects of aloe

Excessive consumption of the plant's sap can lead to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. One of the advantages of aloe juice is also a disadvantage - the plant reduces blood pressure. Hypertensive patients should be careful.

Sometimes the plant causes allergies, irritation and rash. The juice of the plant is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, as it can cause diarrhea. At this time, as well as during breastfeeding, you should always consult a doctor before using aloe juice.

Despite the fact that the juice of the plant cleanses the rectum and relieves constipation, for certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, intestinal infarction, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, etc.) its use is strictly contraindicated.

How to properly collect aloe?

Aloe can be collected at any time of the year. However, not all leaves are worth picking. Aloe grows at the top, and therefore the leaves below are more mature. You need to be guided by the tips of the leaves - as soon as the tips begin to dry out, the leaf is ready for use and the juice in it is as beneficial as possible. It is necessary to cut the leaf at the base, or it is better to simply break it off from the stem. But it is worth remembering that after collecting the leaves, they cannot be kept in the open air for more than 3-4 hours, otherwise the lion’s share of all their healing properties will be lost. You can use either freshly picked leaves or various mixtures and tinctures made from them.

Aloe juice recipes

Biostimulated juice aloe is suitable for any skin type - it prevents the appearance of wrinkles. To do this, you need to make masks with it 2-3 times a week, for 10 minutes.

To prepare the juice, you need to cut and wash the aloe leaves, then place them in a shallow bowl in one layer, cover with foil and refrigerate for 2 weeks. When this time has passed, you need to throw away the blackened leaves, and squeeze the juice out of the rest and pour it into a glass container - this juice can be used. Before cutting the leaves, do not water the plant for several days.
If you add this juice (5-7 g) to a rich nourishing cream (10 g), you will get an excellent mask for dry and normal skin. The mask is applied to the face for 20-25 minutes, and then washed off with water and wiped with tonic.
For oily and problem skin, mix aloe pulp with lemon juice and egg white, apply to the face in 2-3 layers and leave for about 20 minutes until dry. Wash with cool water and wipe your face with toner. This mask cleanses oily skin, closes pores and relieves inflammation.
A rejuvenating, refreshing and toning mask is prepared from aloe juice, glycerin, honey, oatmeal and boiled water. All ingredients take 1 tsp. First, mix the juice with water, glycerin and honey, and then add oatmeal and mix. Apply the mask to the face for 25 minutes, then wash off with warm water. The result becomes noticeable after 1.5 months of use 1-2 times a week.
Aloe juice also perfectly restores hair and scalp. It penetrates under the skin, opens the pores and removes all toxins out, and they are easily washed off. Aloe gives hair freshness because it truly nourishes it from the inside. The composition of aloe juice resembles keratin, so when used, hair becomes elastic and strong.
Biostimulated aloe juice is also used to prepare hair masks. For example, juice (1 tbsp) is mixed with castor oil (1 tsp), nettle infusion (3 tbsp), egg yolk and juice from 2 cloves of garlic. The mixture is applied to the hair roots and left for up to 40 minutes, then washed with warm water as usual.
A mask made from aloe juice (1 tbsp), infusion of burdock leaves (2 tbsp), almond oil and honey (1 tbsp each), and 0.5 tsp stops hair loss. garlic juice. This mask is applied to the hair roots for an hour before washing your hair.
Pure aloe juice is used to wipe the skin daily. Every morning and evening, it is recommended to wipe your previously cleansed face with a piece of aloe leaf, removing the skin on one side. This procedure will benefit any skin.
Canned juice from aloe leaves: rubbing aloe juice onto oily, porous skin or skin with irritation and acne is especially useful. Canned aloe juice can also be used for these purposes. To prepare it, take 3 parts juice to 1.5 parts medical alcohol and mix. This product should be stored in a dark, cool place, enclosed in a dark glass jar or bottle with a tight stopper that will prevent the alcohol from evaporating.

Antibacterial face mask for acne, with honey and aloe: Rinse one medium aloe leaf well under running water, cut into small pieces, pour

500 ml of water and put on fire. Let it boil and then simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Then remove from heat, strain and add 4 tablespoons of honey to the broth. The aloe decoction must be hot, otherwise the honey will not dissolve. When the mixture has cooled, apply it to your face for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the mask thoroughly, first with warm, then cool water.

Any cosmetic masks with aloe will be effective if they contain at least 40% juice.

In many apartments you can now find these ornamental plants. But not everyone knows that aloe vera plants are not only beautiful, but also useful. Aloe has been used since ancient times to treat various diseases. However, there are many nuances in herbal medicine. Therefore, it is worth understanding what diseases the plant treats, how to use it, what properties and contraindications it has. It should be remembered that aloe also contains toxic and harmful compounds, so you can use the healing properties of the plant only if you have complete information about it.

Description

Aloe is a genus of flowering plants in the Xanthorrhoeaceae family, numbering about 500 species. Most members of the genus are succulents that grow in arid tropical regions and have mechanisms for conserving water. At the same time, plants are distinguished by their love of light and warmth. Aloe plants are very diverse in size. These can be trees 10 m high, or small plants. A characteristic feature of representatives of the genus is thick sword-shaped leaves extending in all directions from the trunk, usually covered with a whitish coating and equipped with thorns along the edges. In nature, the leaves of the plant serve to accumulate moisture. For medicinal purposes, it is mainly the leaves, sometimes parts of the stem, that are used.

What is the difference between aloe and aloe vera and what is the difference between agave and aloe?

No more than one and a half dozen species of the aloe genus are used in medicine. Of these, the two most famous for their medicinal properties are aloe vera or true aloe and tree aloe or agave. Thus, aloe is the name of a genus of plants, and agave and aloe vera are separate species. Although in everyday life both of these plants are often simply called aloe, which can cause confusion, since it is not clear which plant we are talking about.

The medicinal properties of both types are similar, but have some differences. It is believed that aloe vera is more useful for treating skin diseases, wounds and cuts, and aloe vera has stronger healing properties when used internally.

Aloe vera

The plant's homeland is Northeast Africa. It is a little over half a meter in height and has fleshy, slightly bluish leaves growing from the lower part of the stem.

Aloe now grows wild in various regions - the Canary Islands, North Africa. The plant can also be found on the Arabian Peninsula. Even the word “aloe” itself is of Arabic origin. It means “bitter” because the leaves of the plant contain substances that taste bitter.

The plant can also be grown at home. It takes root well in an apartment, but rarely blooms.

Agave

Grows mainly in South Africa - Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The plant extract was used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm mummies. The plant looks like a small tree or shrub 2-5 m tall. Fleshy leaves grow at the top of the trunk. The inflorescence has the appearance of a long raceme with bright orange flowers.

Can also be used as a house plant. However, home-grown specimens are significantly smaller than their wild counterparts.

Chemical composition of leaves

Aloe is a unique plant. In terms of the number of active biological substances it contains (approximately 250), it has no equal among representatives of the flora.

The main component of the leaves of the plant is water (97%).

You can also find in the leaves:

Esters
Essential oils
Simple organic acids (malic, citric, cinnamic, succinic and others)
Phytoncides
Flavonoids
Tannins
Resins
Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, E)
Beta carotene
Amino acids (including glycine, glutamic and aspartic acids, essential amino acids)
Polysaccharides (glucomannans and acemannan)
Monosaccharides (glucose and fructose)
Anthraglycosides
Anthraquinone
Allantoin
Microelements – selenium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, copper and others
Alkaloids, including aloins

Application

Aloe is known primarily as ornamental plants with an unusual appearance. Meanwhile, the medicinal properties of aloe became known several thousand years ago. Various parts of the plant were successfully used by Egyptian priests and ancient doctors. Modern science confirms its healing properties. They are explained by a unique complex of vitamins, microelements, amino acids and other compounds that have a beneficial effect on various systems of the human body.

But even when grown as a houseplant, aloe can bring medicinal benefits, because it refreshes the air and enriches it with phytoncides. In addition to medicine, the plant extract is widely used in cosmetics and perfumes. The juice and pulp are used for cooking.

Medical use

Typically, the juice obtained from the fleshy leaves or outer parts of the stem (sapwood) is used in medicine. Both fresh juice and evaporated juice (sabur) can be used. The juice is obtained by collecting it from freshly cut leaves. It is also possible to obtain juice using a press. The aloe flower, despite its beauty, has no medical use.

Photo: Trum Ronnarong/Shutterstock.com

Fresh juice and sabur are the most useful types of drugs. Their high effect is explained complex action on the body of various compounds. Some components of the plant, which can be found in various pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, do not have such a high effect due to the use of preservatives.

In addition, aloe oil is widely used in medicine and cosmetics. It is also prepared from the leaves. In traditional and folk medicine, dosage forms such as syrup, gel, ointment and liquid extract are also used. In some cases, the extract can be administered intramuscularly by injection.

What does aloe cure?

The components of the plant have a positive effect on the following systems and organs of the human body:

cardiovascular system
gastrointestinal tract
leather
immune system
nervous system
eyes

Also components of the plant:

Have antifungal and antiviral effects
Removes toxins and waste from the body
Increases the overall tone of the body
Restore intestinal microflora
Lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Accelerate hair growth and prevent hair loss
Improve blood circulation
Helps with allergic diseases
Relieves muscle, joint and toothaches
Used in dentistry to treat stomatitis, gingivitis and plaque
Used as a prophylactic against cancer and as an aid in their treatment
Have antioxidant, diuretic and laxative properties
Used to treat diseases respiratory tract(tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia)
Used in gynecology in the treatment of diseases such as candidiasis, vaginosis, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, genital herpes

Aloe juice has a powerful bactericidal effect. It is active against:

staphylococci
streptococci
dysentery bacillus
typhoid bacillus
diphtheria bacillus

Different pulp compounds are responsible for improving the functioning of various body systems. For example, the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant is explained by the presence of salicylic acid, a laxative - anthraquinone and aloins, a choleretic effect - zinc and selenium, etc.

Application in gastroenterology

Sabur improves intestinal motility. It can be used as a laxative and choleretic agent, as well as a digestive aid. In addition, preparations obtained from the plant are used for:

Gastritis
Enterocolitis
Gastroenteritis
Ulcerative colitis
Stomach ulcer and duodenum

Application in dermatology

The plant is most beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases. Oil is most suitable for application to the skin. The oil has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties and is used to treat various dermatitis, rashes, psoriasis, urticaria, eczema, acne, bedsores, burns, wounds.

Application in ophthalmology

Aloe juice can be used to treat various ophthalmological diseases - conjunctivitis, inflammation of the mucous membrane, progressive myopia and even cataracts. Medicinal properties aloe for the eyes is explained by the presence in the plant of an extensive complex of vitamins, primarily vitamin A. The components contained in the juice improve blood supply to the retina and tissues surrounding the eyes.

Photo: Ruslan Guzov / Shutterstock.com

Application for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The beneficial effect of plant components on the cardiovascular system is primarily due to enzymes that reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and sugar in the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. Studies have shown that taking 10-20 ml of juice daily can reduce total cholesterol levels by 15% within a few months. Research also shows that the plant gel may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

Contraindications

Internal use of preparations from the plant is contraindicated for:

Exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases
Individual intolerance
Severe hypertension and severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system
Bleeding – hemorrhoidal, uterine, menstruation
Hepatitis A
Cholecystitis
Jade
Cystitis
Hemorrhoids
Under 3 years of age
Pregnancy

Ointments and oils used for wound healing and in dermatology have fewer contraindications. In particular, they can be used by pregnant women. To treat children, ointments can be used starting from one year of age.

Treatment of children under 12 years of age with internal remedies is recommended only after consultation with a pediatrician. Aloe vera preparations should be prescribed to older people with caution. During lactation, the use of internal medications is also not recommended.

Side effects

Most of the compounds contained in the plant have a positive effect on the human body. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

When using the extract, remember that the skin of the leaves contains bitter substances. But bitterness itself is far from their main drawback. Modern research suggests that the bitter alkaloid aloin has carcinogenic properties. Although aloin in small concentrations and with occasional use is most likely not dangerous (moreover, it is used in aloe-based laxatives and is also used as a food additive), it is still recommended to thoroughly clean them when preparing juice from the leaves. peel.

The plant also contains special enzymes - antaglycosides. If overdosed, they can lead to bleeding and miscarriages in pregnant women.

When taking the juice internally, gastrointestinal tract disturbances are possible - dyspepsia, heartburn, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Occasionally, blood in the urine, heart rhythm disturbances, and muscle weakness may occur. It is not recommended to take plant preparations immediately before bed, as this may cause insomnia.

Use at home

Of course, for treatment you can buy various drugs at the pharmacy that contain plant components. However, it is most effective to use fresh aloe juice. It can be prepared from plants grown at home yourself.

Growing

The plant does not require much care. Since it is adapted to arid climates, it can do without frequent watering. It is enough to do this 1-2 times a week, in winter – once a month. However, it is worth considering that the plant loves warmth and sun, so a well-warmed and lit place is better suited for it. In winter, the plant must be protected from cold and drafts. The easiest way to propagate a plant is with the help of apical shoots, cuttings and shoots that grow at the base of the shoots.

The largest leaves with a dried top, located at the bottom of the stem, are most suitable for cutting. Don’t be afraid to remove them, as the plant can quickly grow new ones. Before removing leaves, it is best not to water the plant for a couple of weeks, as this helps concentrate the nutrients.

Leaves must be cut, picked or broken off at the very base. The juice can either be squeezed out by hand, or the leaves can be crushed and passed through a meat grinder or blender. For the preparation of some compositions, this method is preferable. Before chopping the leaves, be sure to remove the skin from them.

It should be remembered that only fresh leaves have the greatest benefits, so the leaves should be removed only before preparing the medicine. Within a few hours, many active compounds begin to disintegrate. Juice or pulp from the leaves also cannot be stored for a long time, even in the refrigerator. Of course, they will not deteriorate, but at the same time they will lose many of their beneficial properties.

Making aloe vera medicine at home

Below are some juice or pulp recipes that you can prepare at home. Very often honey is added to the juice, which enhances the effect of aloe. However, when using honey, you should keep in mind that it is a strong allergen, even stronger than aloe itself. The dosage should be strictly observed, since aloe vera products may cause some side effects. It should be remembered that these recipes do not replace treatment, but can only complement it. Before using them, you should consult your doctor.

To improve digestion, as well as to strengthen the body after serious illnesses, it is recommended to mix:

150 g juice
250 g honey
350 g strong red wine

This mixture should be infused for 5 days. Take a tablespoon three times a day before meals.

For children, another recipe is suitable for strengthening the body:

Half a glass of juice
500 g crushed walnuts
300 g honey
juice of 3-4 lemons

Take a teaspoon 3 times a day before meals.

During the course of treatment for tuberculosis, the following mixture is suitable:

15 g juice
100 g butter
100 g cocoa powder
100 g honey

The mixture should be taken 3 times a day, one tablespoon at a time.

When treating ulcerative colitis, it is recommended to take 25-50 ml of juice twice a day. For gastritis, take the juice one teaspoon half an hour before meals for 1-2 months. For constipation and colitis, it is also recommended to take a teaspoon of juice before meals.

For stomach and duodenal ulcers, you can prepare a composition by taking 0.5 cups of crushed leaves and ¾ cup of honey. The mixture must be infused for 3 days in a dark place. Then add a glass of Cahors, leave for another day and strain. Take a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Pure juice can be used to treat respiratory diseases. For a runny nose, it is recommended to instill 3 drops into each nostril every day. The course of treatment is a week. For a sore throat, gargling with plant juice diluted in equal proportions with water will help. For stomatitis, you can also use freshly squeezed juice for rinsing.

To treat neuroses, mix aloe leaves, carrots and spinach and squeeze the juice out of them. You should take two tablespoons of juice three times a day.

When treating conjunctivitis and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, the paste from the leaves should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. Undiluted juice cannot be used! Leave the mixture for an hour, boil for an hour and strain. The resulting liquid must be used to apply lotions and wipes.

3 tbsp. l. juice
6 tbsp. l. honey
9 tbsp. l. vodka

The components are mixed and the resulting substance is moistened with gauze, which is applied to the affected area.

Aloe and its healing properties

Aloe helps get rid of neurasthenia, insomnia, relieves stress, increases a person’s performance, older people feel a surge of strength and performance. Aloe generally stimulates the return of those body functions that were lost. The plant has a particularly strong effect on the nervous system, restoring the activity of even severely weakened parts of the spinal cord and brain.r

At eating aloe The unpleasant symptoms of radiculitis quickly disappear, the body recovers from infections, hypothermia, colds, and flu. Aloe has a strong effect on paralytic sciatica, etc.

How to cook medicines and preparations from aloe?r

Leaves are brewed like tea, do not boil to avoid the breakdown of nutrients, leave for 30 minutes. Strain the infusion and store in a cool place.r

Tinctures. Finely chop the leaves and pour pure alcohol or vodka 1:2, leave in a warm place for 10 days, be sure to shake. Store in a dark place.r

Extracts. You must first make an infusion and then evaporate it.r

Aloe ointment. Mix cold oil (good olive or butter) with extract or squeezed juice aloe in the proportion of 1 part juice and three parts oil.r

Biologically stimulated aloe juice. The cut lower leaves are wrapped in opaque paper and kept in the refrigerator for two weeks. Wash the leaves, cut them, add boiled water and leave in a warm place for 3 hours. After this, filter the juice.r

Using fresh juice. Cut off the lower leaves, wash, cut and squeeze in a juicer.r

Aloe cream. 40ml almond oil, 2g honey, 1g pure lanolin, 20ml aloe juice. Mix the composition. Store in a cool, dark place. Use not only as a face cream, but also as a healing cream for any type of skin for acne, peeling, etc.

Emulsion. To prepare it, you need castor oil, alcohol, eucalyptus oil. 70ml fresh juice aloe, mix 15 ml of castor oil and 15 ml of alcohol, heat in a water bath, stirring. Remove from heat, add 0.1 ml eucalyptus oil and stir until the mixture cools.r

About aloe for children

About aloe for children: experiments with aloe, observations, stories, poems and riddles about aloe for children, interesting facts, a fairy tale about aloe, educational video for kids.

Why is aloe called agave?

“He will decorate the house for a whole century, And he will heal everyone in that house. That flower is unsightly in appearance,

But he is famous as a healer.” (Aloe.)

Aloe has a second name - “ agave". It is connected with the belief that aloe blooms only once every hundred years. And then he dies. Alexander Kuprin even reflected this fact in the story “Stoletnik”.

But this is a misconception. It’s just very difficult to create the same conditions in our homes as in his homeland - in Africa, beyond the Kalahari Desert in the Cape Land. Aloe blooms there every year. Want to see what aloe flowers look like?

It turns out that such a gnarled creature as aloe has beautiful flowers!

The stem of aloe is uneven, curved, and dry scales are visible on it - the remains of old leaves. African tribes have a legend about how aloe came into being and why this plant has this shape.

Legend - a fairy tale about aloe for children

In an African village there lived a healer-sorcerer. For many years he treated his tribe for illnesses. But the doctor has aged. It became increasingly difficult for him to collect the treasured herbs. One day he went into the desert to find medicinal plants. And there he was twisted by such pain that he could not straighten up.

As luck would have it, an old lonely lion noticed the sorcerer. I decided that this was easy prey and began to approach to attack. The sorcerer could not budge from the pain. He was not afraid of death. Thoughts flashed through his head that if he died, there would be no one to heal his tribe. The sorcerer could not allow the lion to eat him. The sorcerer gathered his last strength and turned into a tree a second before the lion's throw.

The lion was surprised when, instead of the old man, he bit a bitter and prickly leaf. The lion spat it out and ran away, howling with resentment. And in the middle of the desert, a crooked old tree remained standing. When the tribe went in search of a healer, they found only a tree with succulent, fleshy leaves, on which was the sorcerer’s loincloth.

In dreams, a sorcerer came to people and told them that the leaves of the tree were healing, and taught the tribe how to heal with them. People began to propagate the useful plant. And the healer remained with the tribe forever to help them with his strength and protect them from evil.

How does aloe heal?

Aloe contains a medicinal substance in its juice aloin. It is aloin that heals, healing wounds, improving appetite, restoring digestion. Since the substance “aloin” has anti-microbial properties, it is used to treat runny noses.

Aloin is more abundant in older lower leaves. You need to cut the leaf, remove the skin from it and apply it to the wound. After a couple of hours, change the leaf. Repeat several times. Show the children how it's done. Treat a doll whose hand wound is not healing. If children are involved in the process, it is worth recalling the bitterness of aloe juice. After aloe, you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and wash your face with water.

If the cut leaf is placed in the refrigerator and kept there for 2-3 weeks, the leaves produce special substances (biogenic stimulants) that enhance the skin restoration process.

CAREFULLY! For oral administration, aloe juice is mixed with honey, since the juice is very bitter. Aloe should be used internally with caution. You should not drink it at night as it interferes with sleep. There are a number of serious contraindications to taking it, so it is better to consult your doctor first.

Experiments with aloe. Why does aloe have such leaves?

Aloe is a leafy succulent. Let's look at aloe leaves with the children. Old leaves and young leaves will differ from each other. Let the children observe the plant and find the differences.

Differences between young and old aloe leaves.

1. Color. Young leaves are bright and green. Old leaves of aloe are lighter, as if some kind of whitish coating has been applied to them. A similar coating can be seen on plums. This wax. Wax reduces water evaporation. And it protects aloe from the scorching sun no worse than sunscreen.

Experiment with aloe 1. Drop some water onto an aloe leaf and see how the drop rolls off the leaf. Because the aloe leaf is covered with wax. Moreover, the shape of the aloe leaf is such that water flows to the roots of the plant.

Aloe experiment 2. If we throw an aloe leaf into water, it will turn silver. Air bubbles form around the leaf.

Aloe experiment 3. Rub the plaque on old aloe leaves with your finger. What do we see? The leaf under the wax is as green as the young one.

The young aloe leaf has not yet produced much wax, but over time it will also be covered with a protective waxy layer. In the meantime, the little leaf is growing, he is breathing intensely. Wax slows down not only evaporation through pores (stomata), but also respiration. That’s why we don’t yet see a waxy coating on young leaves, because they need to grow and breathe.

ਂ. Thorns. In old aloe leaves, the leaf edges have pronounced and rough spines. With age, the leaves become coarser, the spines become more and more rigid. And this is not surprising! After all, it is in old leaves that water is stored!

Young leaves appear during the rainy season. At this time there is a lot of other green food around, so the animals are not very interested in leaves. And they may not protect themselves with thorns.

3. Differences between old and young aloe leaves in leaf shape.

Old and young leaves differ in shape. The old leaf forms a hump, convex at the top. And the young one forms a hollow. I wonder why this happens?

The reason is that in old aloe leaves the pulp grows, more water is stored in them, and the leaf gains volume. If we cut the leaf crosswise, we will see that the inside of the aloe leaf is filled as if with gel or jelly. Water is stored in small bags. I wonder why the gel and not the juice, like in orange fruits? Let's conduct an experiment to answer this question.

Experiment with aloe 4. Drop a drop of water, and next to it, drop a drop of gel-like aloe juice onto the glass and leave them for a couple of hours. When the time is up, together with the children we will look at the results of our experiment and discuss them.

What do we see? The drop of water evaporated and dried, but the gel remained watery. This means that the gel helps the plant retain moisture!

People came up with the idea of using the gel to grow moisture-loving plants. (Show your child the hydrogel balls for indoor plants)

Wonderful educational video

for children about aloe

A very interesting video for preschoolers about the green doctor - aloe from the series of educational programs for kids “Shishkina School” on my favorite TV channel “My Joy”.

Proverbs and sayings about aloe

Proverbs about aloe are related to its bitterness.

They say about aloe: “You can’t get enough of aloe,” “You can’t make aloe sweet.” Aloe indeed has very bitter juice. You can even try it a little on your tongue to make sure of this. In medicines, aloe juice is mixed with honey, but even this does not help.

Why is aloe so bitter? Let the children answer this question themselves.

Let's discuss another saying: “More bitter than aloe.” In what cases do they say this? When something bad happens, something difficult happens, when trouble happens, the hero loses something. Let us recall with our children the moments in fairy tales when what happened to the characters could be described by the saying “Worder than aloe.” For example, when the hero experienced a feeling of loss. When Ivan Tsarevich burned the frog's skin and lost his Vasilisa. When Martyn's magic ring was stolen by Ulyana, and he himself was thrown into prison. When Snow White fell into eternal sleep and the seven dwarfs put her in a crystal coffin. When the queen and her son Guidon were tarred in a barrel and sent into the ocean. But it is important to emphasize that this state is surmountable, even if it seems to the hero that everything is over, there is always a way out of a difficult situation.

Riddles about aloe for children

“Green, prickly, dense for a hundred years, As soon as a runny nose took you by surprise,

Run to him as fast as you can! (Aloe)"

“It has thorns, but does not know how to wound,
But he treats us at any hour. (Aloe)."

“A leaf with a hump, a groove, has thorns, but does not know how to wound,

But he treats us at any hour. (Aloe)"

“The leaves are prickly, always covered in needles. It’s like a fountain growing out of a pot” (Aloe)

He will decorate the house for a whole century, And he will heal everyone in that house. That flower is unsightly in appearance,

But he is famous as a healer.

Poems about aloe for children

“They say “Aloe, aloe.” I wonder what it is? What is it like aloe- Aloe blue? Good or evil? Small or big? Good or bad? And then I saw aloe on Aunt Zoya’s chest of drawers. On Aunt Zoya's chest of drawers, an aloe grows in a pot. Green, small, prickly and crooked.

But it’s so cute!” (B. Zakhoder)

See you again on the Native Path! We wish you exciting discoveries and interesting games!

Author of the article and presenter of the column “For children about indoor plants"on the site "Native Path" - Olga Astrakhantseva, specialist - biologist, Master of Biological Sciences, reader of the site "Native Path", author of the blog "The Magic of Biology". Thanks to Olga for the interesting materials prepared for the Native Path!

More about indoor plants for activities and games with children:

Cactus Princess of the Night: an original craft for children using the 3D applique technique. Making crafts with children and learning the world around us.
- Poems about cacti for children: 23 poems for toddlers, preschoolers and schoolchildren, as well as humorous poems about cacti with tasks for children.
- Riddles about cacti: 23 riddles for preschool and primary school children about cacti. Riddles from simple to the most complex.

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Thanks to its almost magical effectiveness in treating burns, healing wounds, relieving pain, including “heart pain of lichen planus” (with regular use, there is a decrease in flaking and itching of the skin and an improvement in appearance), Aloe Vera and its medicinal cousins have been used extensively in various civilizations for many centuries. Historical documents from the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Algerians, Moroccans, Arabs, Indians and Chinese support the use of Aloe Vera for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. According to numerous traditions, Cleopatra used and thanked aloe gel for her irresistible charm and beauty.

The earliest record of scarlet dates back to 1500 BC. and is found on the Ebers papyrus, kept at the University of Leipzig. These Egyptian records report that many of the medicinal properties Aloe Vera have been known and used for centuries. Author of the famous Herbalist of Greece, Dioscorides, in the first century AD. made up a long and detailed description cases of using Aloe Vera. Dioscorides mentioned wound healing, tissue healing, insomnia, stomach upsets, pain, constipation, hemorrhoids, itching, headaches, hair loss, kidney disorders, boils, skin care, sunburn, acne, and more.

The oldest custom of some peoples of the Middle East - hanging aloe over the entrance to a house, especially a new one - was associated with the fact that the plant was attributed magical properties. It was believed that it contributed to the long life and prosperity of the inhabitants of the house and the house itself. This custom continued in Egypt until mid-19th c., in some places it still exists. Aloe plants hanging on houses could live for several years without water and even bloom!

In the Akkadian language (the oldest of all known Semitic languages), Aloe Real was designated si-bu-ru. From it comes the Arabic sabr, or saber, which means “patience”, “endurance”. The same word also refers to the dry condensed juice sabur, obtained from the leaves of different types of aloe (there are about 15), which has been widely used as a medicine since ancient times.

The first information about the medicinal benefits of dry aloe vera juice is available from Dioscorides (about 78 AD). His work also included a color image of this plant in buds. But even earlier, the Greeks apparently knew about the medicinal value of aloe from the island of Socotra.

The writings of the famous Arab traveler and geographer Idrisi (mid-12th century) say that the island of Socotra was conquered by Alexander the Great due to the fact that healing dry aloe juice was produced on the island. The various medical uses of aloe juice were reported in the treatises of the classic of ancient medicine, the Roman physician and naturalist Galen.

Other ancient documents indicate the use Aloe Vera for skin care, protection from sun, wind, fire and cold, treatment of small wounds, pain relief after insect bites, cuts, bruises, pain, poison ivy, allergic reactions and other diseases. Aloe is mentioned in John 19:39 as part of the infusion used to anoint the body of Christ after his death. The healing properties of aloe are not limited to external use; aloe juice is also used orally.

For many years, Indians and Mexicans used the juice as a means to improve digestive and excretory functions. Many people with excellent health have made it a habit to drink Aloe Vera juice every morning, only diluting it a little with fruit nectar. As these people say, they drink Aloe Vera because it gives them more energy and improves digestion, and they believe it will keep them healthy for longer. In Africa, aloe was placed above the entrance to the house, which supposedly made the life of its inhabitants long, happy and unaffected by evil spirits. In the Congo, hunters tied aloe leaves around their bodies to reduce sweating and, therefore, human odor.

Marco Polo discovered that the people of China used aloe to improve digestion, treat skin diseases, etc. The Malays and Jamaicans used aloe pulp to relieve headaches. The Filipinos used aloe leaves to relieve swelling from beriberi disease, and to preserve hair they applied a mixture of aloe pulp and wine. The discoverers of the New World transported aloe from North America to the Canary Islands, Jamaica, Aruba, Haiti, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia and other tropical and subtropical regions.

In 1595, aloe appeared in the Barbados Islands. Spanish missionaries in the Western Hemisphere planted and cultivated aloes around their colonies. In Cuba, a popular cold remedy was made from aloe vera with sugar and rum. In Colombia, aloe gel was applied to children's legs and feet to protect them from insect bites. The Simenol Indians used the gel during surgical procedures, applying it to the incision site.

The Indians of Central America and Mexico used the gel for burns, for the prevention of gastrointestinal ulcers, dysentery and all types of gastric and intestinal disorders, for prostatitis, sexual disorders, kidney and bladder infections. In Java, aloe gel was used to prevent the formation of scars from wounds and damaged skin. Aloe juice was rubbed into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and condition it. Farmers in South America also spread aloe as they moved.

Healing properties of Aloe Vera

List of substances contained in Aloe Vera, gives some answers to questions about the effectiveness and biochemical basis of the action of this wonderful plant. The subtle mechanisms of biochemical effects often remain unknown, but the presence of known constituents can provide insight into their effects. necessary properties. Without a doubt, all the ingredients in the plant are in a synergistic (mutually reinforcing) relationship. We are still waiting for new research and new discoveries that will help explain the healing effects of aloe. And, without a doubt, this will become the basis for the wider use of aloe in medicine and in the health industry.

Anthraquinones are well known for their laxative effects. They also exhibit analgesic activity. D\"Amico, Benigni and others in the early 50s of our century discovered their ability to destroy bacteria and viruses.

The anthraquinone complex of aloe has an analgesic effect. Aloe juice contains substances that are effective for chronic skin diseases and also has high digestive activity. It helps painlessly dissolve dead tissue.

Saponins are glycosides that have cleansing and antiseptic properties. It is believed that saponins block quinines, including bradykinin, a hormone considered responsible for “triggering” all inflammatory reactions. This mechanism helps explain the amazing anti-inflammatory effect of aloe.

Bioactive carbohydrates such as hexuronic acid and rhamnose are good ingredients for dietary supplements that are easily absorbed by the body and also have antibacterial effects.

Our food, unfortunately, is saturated with more starches than the digestive system can handle. Aloe juice saturates the body with enzymes such as catalase, oxidase, amylase, cellulase - enzymes that break down starches and other difficult-to-digest products.

Alpha amylase is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which prevents tissue inflammation and swelling that develops with peptic ulcers, bruises and other injuries.

Inorganic ingredients - minerals: calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, copper, chromium are also contained in aloe juice and saturate the body, which easily loses them after any stress.

Essential amino acids: histidine, arginine, tryptophan, lysine, valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine make aloe a unique product for people with allergies to protein foods.

Essential amino acids: proline, asparagine, serine, glutamine, proline, glycine, alanine, tyrosine, glutamic and aspartic acids.

Vitamins: B1, B2, niacin, B6, C, choline, folic acid, E, A, beta-carotene help maintain the integrity of the metabolism of the whole body, making metabolism more stable in stressful situations.

From the book about Aloe Vera by Max B. Skousen