Aloe VeraWritten by Judi Singleton
Uses : It is useful for X ray burns, Dermatitis, Cutaneous and disorders of skin. Drug from juice is tonic and is used in jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles. Aloe Vera Gel has remarkable ability to heal wounds, ulcer and burns.There are over 250 species of Aloes in world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial value, most commonly known is Aloe barbadensis... better known as Aloe vera. All Aloes are semitropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors in areas where there is no chance of freezing (USDA zones 10-11). However, they make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Potted Aloes benefit from spending summer outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright colored coral flowers. Aloe flower nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds! History shows that Aloe was used by Cleopatra as a cosmetic aid for her skin, which was said to be of legendary beauty. This places plant in use at least as early as 1500 BC. Arab traders spread it far and wide around 6th century, trading it as far as Asia. It is said that Alexander Great conquered areas where plant grew so that he could use medicine for his soldiers, other reports state that he kept one particular island for growing aloe for his soldiers. Mention of this remarkable plant is made in 12th century German medical records as well as in Compendium of Materia Medica to Chinese Ming dynasty. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote of using it externally for treating wounds of all sorts. Columbus carried it on board his ships during his ocean voyages. To confuse matters even more thoroughly, there is still another product called aloe that is entirely different from two just described. That is aloe of Bible, so-called lignaloes or aloe wood, a fragrant wood from an entirely different plant that was once used as an incense. It has nothing to do with aloe we are discussing except that some persons try to glamorize aloe gel by incorrectly ascribing to it a biblical origin. The names may be same, but plants referred to are not. Actually, aloe latex has been used as a laxative for about eighteen centuries, but neither it nor aloe gel is referred to in Bible. The medicinal properties of Aloe vera have been known, and recorded since biblical times. It has been used for a variety of ailments, and as an ointment for burns, cuts, and rashes, as well as an ingredient in various beauty preparations. The sap of Aloe is a thick, mucilaginous gel. It is this gel which is used medicinally. The outer skin has essentially no value, but because it is commercially easier and less expensive to utilize entire leaf, 'whole leaf' Aloe juice has been hyped as 'best'. This is not case. Growing Aloe plants Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely frost tender. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. The soil should be moderately fertile, and fast draining. Established plants will survive a drought quite well, but for benefit of plant, water should be provided.
| | Cilantro For Your HealthWritten by Judi Singleton
Cilantro - pronounced [sih-LAHN-troh] The leaves and stems of Coriander plant are called Cilantro. Widely used in Mexican, Caribbean and Asian cooking Cilantro has a strong pungent taste. People usually just love taste or hate it because it is that distinctive flavor. Coriander is believed to be named after "koris", Greek word for "bedbug" as it was said they both emitted a similar odor. People of European decent frequently are repelled by smell of cilantro. It has not gained in popularity in Europe as it has in many other parts of world.Coriander grows wild in South East Europe and had been cultivated in Egypt, India and China for thousands of years. It is mentioned in Sanskrit text Cilantro is mentioned in Medical Papyrus of Thebes written in 1552 B.C. and is one of plants which grew in Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It is even mentioned in Bible in Exodus 16:31, where manna is described as "small round and white like coriander seed." The ancient Hebrews originally used cilantro root as bitter herb in symbolic Passover meal.The Romans themselves used coriander with cumin and vinegar as a preservative. Romans and their conquests, introduced cilantro's use and legend spread to Asia, where it appeared in recipes for potions used as aphrodisiacs in China during Han dynasty (207 BC-200 AD).Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Mexico and Peru, It is used in recipes throughout Mexico and Central America. Sugarplums as referred to in Dance of Sugarplum Fairy, were actually a treat made of sugar coated coriander. The Chinese used herb in love potions believing it provided immortality. Coriander is one of herbs thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant. The essential oils of cilantro leaves contain antibacterial properties and can be used as a fungicide. Coriander seeds is considered to have cholesterol lowering properties. Today herb has important medical uses. Chelation therapy has been used by conventional medicine to pull lead from people suffering from lead poisoning. Chelation therapy is administered intravenously using chemical agent EDTA it removes metal from blood stream. Dr Omura found that fresh cilantro removes heavy metals from body in less than two weeks. Cilantro, is a fast growing annual reaching 12 - 24 inches tall. The entire plant including leaves, seeds and roots are all edible. Coriander can easily be grown in pots. Simply pick or trim fresh leaves of whole stalks as required. The leaves get a stronger and sometimes disagreeable flavor as they get older and larger. Some great recipes using Cilantro are: From Mexico and Southwestern USA Anaheim Chile Salsa Verde This recipe originally accompanied Grill-Roasted Brined Turkey with Anaheim Chile Salsa Verde. This beautiful, mild-flavored green salsa may be served heated or at room temperature. For brightest green color possible, add cilantro just before serving.
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