Magical plant

Last weekend over lunch we were having a conversation about the benefits of aloe vera. I've been using it in all its forms for more than 10 years, but I always buy it in tubes, jars and packets - never taking its ingredients from the real plant.

I was told there is a specific way of extracting the gel from the plant that only experts can do, so I never tried.

But, last weekend, as the discussion got interesting, I decided to look on YouTube for a video that might show me how to extract the gel from the plant. Bahrain is full of aloe vera plants so why not have it fresh?

I found a couple of videos that gave me a general idea and then a group of us ventured outdoors, with a sharp knife, to find our perfect aloe vera plant for the experiment.

We found a spiky aloe vera plant sitting in the blazing sun and cut out one of its long leaves which started oozing instantly. I rubbed the oozing gel on my hand and licked it. It tasted horrible! It had a very bitter taste that I couldn't get out of my mouth.

Later, I remembered one of the ladies on the video saying that you should make sure to remove all the skin because it is very bitter. Once in the house, I removed the skin and isolated the gel and realised it was completely tasteless so that improved on my first impression.

I love using aloe vera for everything. Aloe vera gel is the top item in my first-aid kit for scratches, bruises, insect bites, burns - anything. And, I also use the gel on my face at night for better skin tone and to zap any unwanted spots. I also recommended to some of my clients to drink aloe vera juice which helps with digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, heartburn and more.

If you've never heard of, or seen aloe vera, it is a plant characterised by long, hard, sword-shaped green leaves with sharp points - is native to Africa and grows only in warm climates. It resembles a cactus in appearance but is actually a member of the Lily family (Lilidacae).

Aloe vera is full of goodness. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, and Folic Acid. It also contains small amounts of amino acids, enzymes and more than 20 minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, sodium, choline, magnesium, manganese, copper, chromium and zinc.

Modern clinical use of aloe vera began in the 1930s when there were reports of its successful use against x-ray and radium burns. Today, its healing properties are countless. Not only is it claimed to be an immune system stimulant but it has also demonstrated an anti-tumour effect. Other healing properties are:

* Detoxifying agent - It acts as a gentle cleanser and detoxifier when taken as a drink, working throughout the digestive system and skin tissue. It flushes out the dead skin cells, helps regenerate new cell growth and promotes healthier tissue.

The gel has many uses when applied topically. It increases circulation to the skin and can be used for frostbite, cuts, insect stings, itching, bruises, acne, eczema and psoriasis, prevention of scarring and healing of wounds. It also has anti-ageing factors (improved collagen formation) which rejuvenate the skin and reverse the process of age spots.

* Digestive function - It is generally beneficial to the entire gastro-intestinal system. It improves digestion without causing diarrhoea; it reduces yeast content and promotes a more favourable balance of gastro-intestinal symbiotic bacteria. It can therefore alleviate inflammation and is also helpful in healing stomach disorders, ulcers, constipation, haemorrhoids, rectal itching and all colon problems.

Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties have been used to treat such conditions as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; it can also reduce the redness, pain and swelling associated with muscular pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, bruising and sunburn.

It also has anti-fungal properties and is used in anti-candida treatment, athlete's foot, thrush, warts, haemorrhoids and worm infestations.

Aloe vera comes in many forms, including gel, juice or drinking gel, capsules, hair products, moisturising lotions, mouthwash, face creams and anti-perspirants. Practitioners usually find the gel the most effective, but the other forms are also beneficial.

Also, it is important to make sure that aloe vera is on top of the ingredient list of the purchased products. Read the list of contents and make sure it is one of the three top ingredients in the product - it should have close to 100 per cent aloe.

Quality, when buying aloe vera, is important, as only the leaf's inner gel should be used. Do not use aloe products that contain the latex or the whole leaf.

When you start to use aloe vera, give it enough time to work - at least three months. If you start taking it as a drink, you need to establish what dosage is right for you. Start with as little as a teaspoon and then work your way up gradually. And, keep opened bottles of aloe vera drinking gel or juice in the fridge.

My own experience with making my own aloe vera juice at home did not work out very well. It was too messy and slimy and one tiny piece of skin can ruin the taste of everything.

I'm not sure if I'll do that again, but maybe I'll keep the fresh plant for emergencies and stick to the tube for now. But, if you're feeling adventurous, let me know how you get on!

For more information, to book a seminar, or to join my personal mailing list, go to www.AliaAlmoayed.com