The secret of Cleopatra’s beauty

Times News Network
Cleopatra used it to enhance her beauty. Mahatma Gandhi took it to sustain himself during his long fasts. Some call it ‘the miracle plant, some the ‘medicine chest’ but without a doubt the plant in question, aloe vera, is one of nature’s most valuable gifts.

Nature’s pharmacy
Aloe is a cactus like plant, which belongs to the onion, garlic, lily and asparagus family. It is the nutrient-rich, life-nurturing gel of this unique plant that accounts for its success. This natural gel contains anti-oxidants, minerals and amino acids. Aloe Vera is also a natural antibiotic. Aloe vera works on two areas. It enhances your immune system and cleanses the body.

Anti-aging agent
Aging of the skin is characterised by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis, combined with the appearance of lines, creases, age spots and furrows in the face. Aloe vera has been found to reverse degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, in essence turning back the clock on the effects ageing has on skin.

Moisturiser par excellence
One of the main reasons aloe vera has become so popular is that it possesses incredible moisturising properties. Studies show that aloe vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin. Each of these factors make aloe vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological products. In fact, aloe vera is currently one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetics industry, being utilised in over 95 per cent of the dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured worldwide.

Medicine chest
Millions of people all over the world suffering from arthritis, asthma, and skin disorders are having incredible success with aloe vera. It is no wonder that it is called ‘nature’s pharmacy.’

One word of caution though. There are many products in the market that claim to contain aloe vera. Before you pick up a product that claims to have aloe vera in it, check if the product is genuine. And one way of doing this is to check if the product has the International Aloe Science Council’s seal of approval.
The numerous medical benefits of aloe vera definitely make it the queen of medicinal plants. And a daily dose of aloe is sure to keep the doctor away for a long, long time.