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Nancy’s nook-Aloe vera

Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera, is one of nature’s most revered therapeutic healing
herbs. The beneficial effects of this tropical succulent have spurred recurrent legends about
its properties that have persisted for over 5000 years throughout world history.
isten, can you hear the sound of the birds
The topical and internal effects of aloes have been known since ancient times. Aloe’s use
singing? There, in the trees, where the cool
was first discovered on a Mesopotamian clay tablet dating from 2100 B.C. and that
Lbreeze gently blows through the branches and
certainly means that it has been used before that time. Nefertite and Cleopatra, two
across your face. The rustling of the leaves accompanies
Egyptian queens, used aloes as a beauty aid.
the melody of the flitting birds and the ground beneath your
bare feet is soft and welcoming. The sky is a brilliant blue with soft white clouds slowly drifting
In its use as a healer, it orchestrates many biologically active ingredients to achieve the
by. The mild morning sun sparkles amidst the dappled shadows and the scent of hidden little
goal of wound healing, and is excellent for skin health and many skin problems. Aloe can
flowers and damp grass wafts up to greet you as you walk slowly and caresses your senses.
penetrate and anesthetize tissue, it is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal and it possesses
If you feel a sense of calm and peace wash over you after reading these words, then you
anti-inflammatory properties and is capable of modifying or regulating one or more
know how powerful nature is to our well-being. We are connected in more ways than we can
immune functions.
see, or imagine, to the nurturing and vital life force that is present throughout the wilds of the
land, the open savanna and the dense jungle, the tame backyard grass and the domesticated lemon
Growing Aloe vera in your garden is like having an outdoor first aid kit and it is a powerful
tree.
superfood. Use the inside gel to treat many skin conditions such as acne, pimples, psoriasis,
It is so vital to our health, and overall quality of life on all levels, to connect on an ongoing
eczema, rosacea, scarring, and stretch marks. It also helps reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles.
basis to this vibrant and indispensable energy and life that is fully present when we take the time
to step outside where the sun shines, the earth crumbles and the sky beckons.
If you have burns or wounds, spreading the gel on them will aid in healing, as well as easing
Being in nature has been proven to have many benefits, including decreased stress and
and soothing sunburns. Use the outer oldest leaves, as long as they are moist and thick, as
depression, improved relaxation, enhanced mood and increased immune function, improved
they have the most potent healing benefits. Once you have carefully cut the leaf from the
cardiovascular and respiratory function, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep-wake cycles
main plant, set it to drain the yellowish latex liquid for about an hour or so. You can then
and heightened awareness.
cut the leaf in half and scrap out the gel with a spoon, or you can use a vegetable peeler
Spending time in nature also can improve relationship skills and reduce aggression, as well
to peel it on one side and then use the spoon or an angled knife to get to the glutinous gel.
as help with general medical recovery, pain reduction, and ADHD reduction.
Use immediately, and store the left over in a jar in the fridge just for a couple of days or
The Japanese have a unique name for this experience; Shinrin-yoku, which roughly
so. Fresh is always best. Using the gel as an ingredient in your smoothies is a great way to
translated means ‘forest bathing’. It's the practice of spending prolonged periods of time with
reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort, to ease
trees in order to gain from their many health benefits.
congestion, stomach ulcers, and to relieve heartburn. It can also help ease arthritis and
So take the time now to go outside in a safe place where nature is all around you, take off
your shoes
rheumatism pain. so you can stroll barefoot on the earth and go for a meandering walk with no
destination in mind. Be aware of the scents, the textures, the tastes, the sights and the feelings
All in all, Aloe vera is a potent healing plant. It fits well in a semi-arid climate as it is drought
that surround you.
tolerant and does not need a lot of water. However, if you would like the full benefits of
Close your eyes and just breathe, be present to the
using and ingesting the inside leaf gel, which is approximately 99% water, give it enough
wonder of nature.
water so that the leaves are full and succulent. Although the Aloe will survive without water
If you cannot go fully into nature, just step out into
for a long time, its leaves will gradually dry up and will not be of any beneficial use. Make
your garden, no matter how large or small it is and be
sure your Aloe is planted in well draining soil, as too much water will rot the roots and also
present to it in this moment.
And remember that to live our life in balance, we must
turn the leaves limp or brown. So be sure to visit and check up upon your healer friend to
be in balance with nature too.
make sure she is happy with just the right amount of water, and she will then provide you
with tender and juicy leaves to heal you www.nancysartnook.com
and promote your health and wellbeing. www.facebook.com/NancysGourmetArtNook
Nancy Horenburg - naneky@gmail.com
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