Aloe Vera from Mallorca - nature's all-rounder
If there was envy in the plant kingdom, then aloe vera would have to shed its leaves.Their level of popularity would not be particularly high.And that has nothing to do with the cactus-like exterior and beautiful red bloom.The desert lily, as one of its many names, is the over-achiever of the flora.No other plant combines so much potency in so little space.Scientists have so far proven an unbelievable 200 (!!) ingredients in the fleshy pith of the leaves.Aloe has positive effects on almost every area of the human body - on the immune system as well as on the intestines or on joints and cartilage.And yet the "plant of immortality" - as the early Egyptians called it - stands out when it comes to healing skin problems.The all-rounder has a cooling, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effect and gives the tissue back much-needed moisture.Extremely dry skin will thank you immediately.
The self-healing plant
There is so much to say and write about aloe vera.There is always a hymn of praise at the end.The word "amazing" does not adequately describe the "green pharmacy".Anyone who deals with aloe will quickly learn that the plant can go for months without rain.True, it contracts and its leaves become thinner.But only to puff it up like a sponge again the next time it rains.Leaves harvested after a downpour sometimes weigh a kilogram.The liquid is stored in the marrow (also called gel).The self-healing powers are also amazing.If you cut a leaf, a thin film will form over the wound within a few moments.This juice then turns into a "band-aid," a gummy layer that seals the cut airtight.This stops moisture loss on the one hand and prevents germs from penetrating on the other.
Aloe helps with acne and sunburn
You have to search a long time for a better transition - to come up with the use of aloe in the cosmetics industry.Aloe is also to be understood as a protective film for human tissue.The gel has no potential for irritation and can be applied to both irritated and diseased skin: acne, sunburn and psoriasis - to name just three.It also contains active ingredients that counteract skin defects and at the same time stimulate collagen production.Seen in this way, the aloe is a "first aid plant".
Perfect skincare
When something sounds so good, is there always a catch? The answer is: no.At least not for cosmetic use if laboratory tests have been carried out beforehand.Of course, there is also the use of pure aloe in naturopathy.And here there may be at least one problem.That happens right after the harvest.And applies to the professional aloe grower as well as to the enthusiast who lets the "plant of immortality" thrive in a flower pot at home.
Aloe Vera - also a laxative
The leaf of aloe vera consists of three layers: on the outside the so-called leaf bark, underneath the leaf juice (contains aloin) and finally the valuable pulp in the core.The latter must be secured – and carefully separated from the rind and juice.This is done with a sharp blade and a practiced hand (yes, with high-quality products the harvest is still manual work) or with a little trick (applies to private botanists): With the cut pointing downwards, the leaf is hung up in a glass of water.After 60 minutes at the latest, the Aloin juice will have run out.Why this is so important: The liquid not only tastes very unpleasant, it also has a strong laxative effect.In the past, this knowledge was used by doctors - they prescribed the ingredient in the form of a powder for constipation.According to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, however, there is a risk that aloin can cause cancer - but only if the dosage is too high.It is easy to explain why such a valuable plant as the desert lily also has a dangerous side: the sap protects against bugs and animals.To put it unscientifically: the aloe protects its valuable marrow between the leaf bark from attackers.
Cleopatra swore by the plant By the way, this knowledge is not new.Whoever deals with the history of aloe will find the first records from Mesopotamia from 5000 years ago.And almost simultaneously from Egypt.The plant was considered the "blood of the gods" there - and was probably also used by the beautiful Cleopatra for care.However, it was known that the yellowish juice had to be removed beforehand.Who would have wanted to be responsible for the fact that the beautiful ruler had to complain about very reddened areas of her skin.
From Mexico to Mallorca Another ruler also swore by the "true aloe": Alexander the Great.He instructed his healers to treat injured soldiers with the plant's gel.Hundreds of years later, records were made in Japan that the samurai, i.e. the emperor’s soldiers, rubbed aloe gel all over their bodies.Her goal was to become invulnerable with it.Incidentally, it took even longer for the medicinal plant to arrive in Europe today.Aloe was introduced from Great Britain from the 12th century.It was brought to Spain in the 19th century - and from there on to South and Central America.A little irony is the fact that Mexico has become one of the main growing areas today.However, the most potent aloe comes from Mallorca - the warm summers and dry winters offer an ideal climate for the plant.Fun fact at the end: To this day it is not known exactly where the desert lily comes from.Researchers assume that it comes from the Arabian Peninsula, without being able to narrow down the region more precisely.So the aloe is not only an all-rounder, but also a little mystery of botany.
