Scientific Name of Aloe Vera ...
A Blessing from Centuries to Date

The scientific name of Aloe Vera is Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Aloe Vera is a subtropical plant of the Asphodeloideae family . Aloe Barbadensis Miller is one of over 250 known species of aloe. The name “aloe” comes from the Arabic word "aloeh" which means "bitter and crystalline seva". 

          

This plant has been used since ancienttimes and it is known for its curative effects. The scientific name of . Aloe Vera - Aloe Barbadensis Miller - comes from a botanist named Miller. Miller described for the first time the plant from the Barbados Islands. Other botanists gave it other names like Aloe Vera Linne or Aloe Vera Lemarck. In trading, this plant is known as Aloe Vera and “vera” is a Latinword and means “ true”.

6 Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair, Skin and Weight-Loss

The green-cactus looking plant that sits out in your garden isn't just a plant with its roots in folklore, it's the crux of a million dollar industry that extends from beauty creams to healthy juices and diet supplements. Over time, aloe vera has seamlessly integrated itself into everything we use. But what makes this miracle plant so distinguishable?

The aloe vera plant is about one or two feet tall with prickly and bitter leaves, which act as a defence to keep animals and insects from feeding on the plant. The leaves hold a gooey translucent gel, also extremely bitter, and known all over the world for it's unbelievable healing properties. This translucent gel is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and lastly, Vitamin A, B, C and E. Another part of the aloe vera plant which is used is the 'sap', a yellow-coloured liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from the inside. When dried and purified, the powdered aloe is often used as a laxative, though it's effectiveness is questionable.

One of the most crucial elements found in aloe vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins. Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine and British herbal medicine have all advocated aloe vera as a healer, when applied or consumed orally. Let's go over some of its most prominent benefits.

Aloe Vera for Beauty

Bill C. Coats writes, "Since the skin needs nutrition of its own, Aloe Vera, when formulated into a properly designed personal care regimen, can treat, exfoliate, restore, reveal and provide constant, impressive nutrition to the human skin." And we're about to show just how you can do that. Once you move past the slimey texture of natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin, you'll notice how soothing and cooling it is. And it's for these exact reasons that Ayurveda refers to aloe vera as the miracle herb that can be used to treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns.

Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based dermatologist says, "Aloe Vera is rich in Vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing qualities. It can moisturise the skin without making it greasy, which makes it a great buy for those with oily skin." She also suggests drinking aloe vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach because it improves digestion and cures any kind of stomach trouble. And you know that if you've got a healthy inside, it'll give you a glowing outside which in this case is radiant skin.

Aloe vera or aloe vera-based products can be used in the winter as well as in the summer and by people of all skin types. Aloe vera treats the cells on the epithelial level of the skin which is why it's recommended by dermatologists to remove tan, treat sunburn and stretch marks. One way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel directly, another would be to make a pack using aloe vera along with some other special ingredients from your kitchen.

1. Aloe Vera for Dry Skin - Take some aloe vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon ofhoney, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Blend this mix till you get a paste. Apply it and leave in for about 20 minutes or so.

2. Aloe Vera Scrub - Grab half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. Stir the three ingredients together and use it to scrub both face and body.

3. Aloe Vera for Acne - Take some aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour like consistency and honey. Aloe vera's healing properties coupled with the anti-oxidantsfrom honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.

4. Aloe vera for Sensitive Skin - Grab some aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yoghurt and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

 

Aloe Vera for Weight-Loss

It's not just the beauty industry that's obsessing over the benefits of aloe vera, the health industry can't stop raving about it either. According to Britt Brandon, the author of The Everything Guide to Aloe Vera for Health, "Aloe vera can improve the effectiveness of your diet and maximise your weight-loss potential. With ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to weight-loss, as well as amino acids, enzymes and sterols, aloe vera ensures your diet is not only supportive of weight-loss, but also improves the body's absorption and utilisation, improving overall health as well asweight-loss success."

Aloe vera is used in a wide range of health products, like diet supplements, juices etc. It's rich in anti-oxidants which means it helps cut out free radicals in the body and boost your immunity. It's also a good source of protein so it helps muscle development and gives you copious amounts of energy. There are countless studies that prove how effective aloe vera is for weight-loss, but it should be consumed regularly and over a long period of time for it to really work.

How to drink aloe vera juice: The natural taste of aloe vera is so bitter that you wouldn't think of consuming it as is. Take the gel, dice it into small pieces and blend. Now mix a bit of this with some other fruit or vegetable juice that's preferably sweet. You can also use the leaves of aloe vera, blend them, strain and drink. If you find it too bitter then mix it up with honey and drink. You can also add some lemon to this mix.

Aloe Vera for Hairfall

Aloe vera contains something called proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair. Diane Gage, author of  Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer says, "Keratin, the primary protein of hair, consists of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. Aloe vera has a chemical make up similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage."
Aloe vera contains something called proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hairall smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair.

What Is The Neem Plant And How Is It Used?

         In India the neem medicinal plant is highly regarded because of its many uses and benefits.

The neem plant is a fast-growing and long living tree, native to Burma in India.

From there the neem tree has spread and is now grown all over the world.

In India the neem medicinal plant is highly regarded because of its many uses and benefits.

However, the rest of the world is still unfamiliar with it. Unfortunately.

Neem is a fascinating and versatile plant and using neem has many benefits.

All parts of the neem tree are useful, and on this page I tell you how and why.

Using The Different Parts Of The Neem Plant

The most widely used parts of the neem tree are the seed kernels, the leaves and the bark:

Neem Seeds

The fruit of the neem plant looks a lot like an olive. The flesh surrounds a seed that contains one or several kernels.

Neem oil, the most popular neem plant product, is made by pressing the neem seed kernels.

The kernels can contain as much as 50% oil.

In the western world the seed oil is mostly known and valued as a safe and effective insecticide. Neem oil is very popular with organic gardeners.

It is also used as a natural insect repellent, a safe and more efficient alternative to the harmful DEET.

Neem seed oil is also an ingredient in many skin care products. In India most of the neem oil is used in neem soap, but there are also neem shampoos, lotions, creams etc.

Besides that the oil is valued for its huge range of medicinal uses. The seed kernels contain the highest concentration of active substances in the neem plant. Pressing them for oil is one way to get at them, but you can also make various extracts from the seeds.

A warning: the seed oil can be toxic and should not be taken internally!

You can read more about neem oil and its uses and benefits here.

Neem Leaves

 The leaves of the neem plant are the most versatile and most easily available resource.

They do contain the same active ingredients as the seeds, just in much lower concentration.

Leaves are available all year round, since the neem plant is evergreen. (Seeds are obviously only available once a year).

It's easy to make your own neem home remediesfrom leaves.

Leaf pastes and extracts are used in skin care products, hair oils, in neem toothpastes and mouth washs, and they also have lots of medicinal uses.

Many herbalists recommend chewing the leaves, taking capsules of dried leaf, or drinking the bitter tea. The leaves cleanse the blood, help the gastrointestinal system (ulcers!), support the liver, and strengthen the immune system, to name just some of the most popular benefits.

Although the leaves of the neem tree have been used this way for thousands of years in India, I recommend you are careful when taking them internally. Neem is a very powerful herb. It's best to ask a qualified herbalist first, and to not take it internally over long periods.

However, the topical use of neem leaf extracts and leaf paste is safe. Skin care and the treatment of skin disorders is where the neem plant really shines.

·         It is extremely effective in eliminating bacterial and fungal infections or parasites,

·         its antiviral activity can treat warts and cold sores,

·         it soothes inflammation and reduces redness,

·         it moisturizes the skin and keeps it supple,

·         it can even lighten scars and pigmentation.

Examples of such uses are scabies and acne treatment.

Uses Of Other Neem Plant Parts

Here are some uses of the neem tree that receive less attention:

Neem Twigs

Chewing young, supple branches, and then using them as a toothbrush, prevents cavities and gum disease. Indian villagers have used this method for centuries. (Though in modern India neem toothpaste, mouthwashs, and bark powders are the preferred method.)

Neem Cake

Neem cake is a strange name for the pulp that is left after extracting neem seed oil from kernels. It is indeed edible, at least for animals, and is sometimes used as fodder. However, the most common and recommended use is as a soil amendment and fertilizer.

Neem Flowers

The flowers of the neem plant have a lovely, sweet, honey-like smell. It is quite intense, noticeable from a distance, but never overpowering. Bees love neem flowers and neem honey is popular. The flower oil is also used in aromatherapy and has a calming and restorative effect.

Other Interesting Uses Of The Neem Plant

The wood of the neem plant has become an important source of firewood in some regions of the African continent. The neem plant is particularly valuable as a source of firewood because if its rapid growth (it can be harvested within five years), and because it grows so well with very little water in the poorest of soils.

Personally I consider that a very important use of the neem plant. It could have a huge impact as we try to halt the spread of the desert.

All parts of the neem plant are also very beneficial when used as mulch, as a compost ingredient or as a soil amendment. Neem can be used to reclaim marginal soils. It can bring acid soils back to neutral, the deep tap root can break through hard layers, mine the subsoil for nutrients and bring them to the surface. Growing neem trees improves the water holding capacity and nutrient level of soils.

Again, this is a very promising use of the neem plant in my eyes. It could make a huge difference, not only in third world countries, but also on our abused agricultural soils. However, there is not as much money to be made as there is in the natural health industry, so unfortunately you don't hear much about it...

         Health Benefits of Holy Basil – Tulsi

The health benefits of holy basil, also known as tulsi, include oral care, relief from respiratory disorders, as well as treatment of fever, asthma, lung disorders, heart diseases and stress. Holy Basil, which has the scientific name Ocimum Sanctum is undoubtedly one of the best medicinal herb that has been discovered. It has endless miraculous and medicinal values and has been worshiped and highly valued in India for thousands of years.

Even going close to a Tulsi plant alone can protect you from many infections. A few leaves dropped in drinking water or foods can purify it and can kill germs within it as well. Even smelling it or keeping it planted in a pot indoors can protect the whole family from infections, coughs, colds and other viral infections.

These applications are not at all exaggerated. It has been an age old custom in India to worship it two times a day, water it and light lamps near it, once in the morning and once in the evening. It was, and still is, believed to protect the whole family from evil and bring good luck. Basil leaves have also been an essential part of all worship ceremonies since ancient times. These practices are not superstitions and actually has sufficient scientific reasoning behind them. Keeping in view the ultra disinfectant and germicidal properties of this legendary herb, wise people then devised these customs to bring people into contact with this plant every day, so that they may keep safe from day-to-day infections. Recent research on tulsi confirm most of these beliefs. In the following paragraphs, we shall see why it definitely deserves to be worshiped.

  Health Benefits of Holy Basil

The health benefits of tulsi include the following:

Fever: The miraculous healing properties of Holy Basil come mainly from its essential oils and the phytonutrients contained in it. Holy Basil is an excellent antibiotic, germicidal, fungicidal and disinfectant agent and very efficiently protects our body from all sorts of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Fever is mainly caused due to infections from protozoa (malaria), bacteria (typhoid), viruses (flu) and even allergic substances and fungus. Fever is not actually an ailment in itself. It is just a symptom which shows that our body is fighting against less visible infections. The tremendous disinfectant, germicidal and fungicidal properties of tulsi destroys all those pathogens discussed above and heals the resulting fever. It is an old practice in India to have a decoction of tulsi leaves and flowers in case you are suffering from a fever.

Respiratory Disorders: Tulsi, along with curing viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the respiratory system, gives miraculous relief in congestion due to the presence of components like Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole in its essential oils. It is very effective in curing almost all varieties of respiratory disorders includingbronchitis, both chronic and acute.

Asthma: Tulsi is very beneficial in the treatment of asthma, since it relieves congestion and facilitates smoother breathing. The phytonutrients and essential oils, along with the otherminerals in it, help cure some of the underlying causes of asthma as well.

Lung Disorders: The compounds likevitamin-C, Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole that are present in the essential oils of tulsi do not only cure the infections in the lungs, but also cure congestion of the lungs. Furthermore, they are found to be effective in healing the damages caused to the lungs due tosmoking, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. It also helps to cure tuberculosis due to its antibiotic properties.

Heart Diseases: Holy Basil contains vitamin-C and other antioxidants such as eugenol, which protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, eugenol is very beneficial in reducing thecholesterol levels within the blood.

Stress: Vitamin-C and other antioxidants in Holy Basil, apart from repairing damages done by free radicals, also minimize the stress caused by these oxidants. They soothe the nerves, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and thus reduce stress. One such component is Camphene. Potassium also reduces blood pressure-related stress by replacing sodium and loosening the tense blood vessels.

Oral Care: Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant and its freshness lasts for a very long time. Holy Basil destroys more than 99% of the germs and bacteria in the mouth and this effect can last all day. It also cures ulcers in the mouth. Finally, it is also known to help inhibit the growth of oral cancer which can be caused by chewing tobacco.

Dental Care: Holy Basil destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath, while also protecting the teeth. It also has astringent properties which make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby keeping them from falling. However, tulsi also has certain compounds like mercury, which has rich germicidal properties, that can actually be harmful for the teeth if kept in direct contact for too long. Therefore, it is advised to avoid chewing these leaves. It is actually discussed in holy books and Ayurvedic teachings that chewing these leaves robs them of their holiness. However, it has no harm if you do not chew it or consume its decoction.

Kidney Stones: Tulsi, being a detoxifier and a mild diuretic, helps to reduce the uric acid level in the body, which is the main culprit as far as kidney stones are concerned.  It also helps to clean out the kidneys through increased frequency of urination. Acetic acid and certain components in tulsi essential oils also facilitate dissolution of the stones. Finally, it has pain-killer effects and help bear the pain from kidney stones as they pass.

Skin Care: Try taking a daily bath with a decoction of Holy Basil mixed with your bathwater, washing your face with it, or simply applying the paste of its leaves on an infected area of the skin in case of skin diseases. You can also just consume tulsi leaves, and still manage to keep your skin free from all infections. You may not believe this, but rubbing Holy Basil leaves or its extracted oils on the body keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. It cures skin disorders both internally and externally, without any side effects. This property mainly comes from its essential oils, which are highly antibiotic, disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal in nature. External application on the skin also removes extra oil from the skin surface. Camphene in it also gives a soothing, cooling effect.

Headache: Headaches caused due to migraines, sinus pressure, cough and cold, or high blood pressure can be effectively controlled by the use of a single tulsi serving. Camphene, Eugenol, Cineol, Carvacrol and Methyl-Chavicol have excellent analgesic, sedative, anticongestive and disinfectant properties.

Anti-Aging: Vitamin-C, A, phytonutrients and the essential oils in Holy Basil are excellent antioxidants and protect the body from nearly all the damage caused by free radicals in the body, which are hazardous byproducts of cellular metabolism that are responsible for a wide swath of diseases, including cancer. In the traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda, it is considered as a tonic to retain youth and avoid premature aging.

                                                                 Tulsi Plant

Alternatively known as the holy basil or ocimum sanctum, tulsi is a common name in most Indian households. Easy to grow and widely found in the Indian subcontinent, not only istulsi a revered, holy plant in Hinduism; it also finds its place in the ancient science of Ayurveda. Tulsi is commonly found in two varieties – the green coloured Lakshmi tulsi and the purple hued Krishna tulsi. Apart from the Indian subcontinent, it can also be found in tropical regions of most Southeast Asian countries.

Tulsi is worshipped, is offered the gods and is grown in many Hindu households not in vain but for a well-established reason – this humble, inexpensive herb comes loaded with a host of benefits. Tulsi is extremely beneficial for humans. From warding off some of the most common ailments, strengthening immunity, fighting bacterial & viral infections to combating and treating various hair and skin disorders – just a few leaves of tulsi when used regularly can help resolve a host of health and lifestyle related issues.

 

Tulsi assumes utmost importance when it comes to Ayurveda and naturopathy. Its essential oils are used to treat number of ailments. According to Dr Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath, “The essential oils found in tulsi, effectively act on our respiratory system”. It is rich in antioxidants which help in mitigating stress and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and so on. “Tulsi has linoleic acid which is extremely beneficial for skin,” adds Dr. Gautam. According to him, tulsi leaves have volatile and fixed oils which can help fight allergies, infections and pathogens. Tulsi paste as well as the powder has long been used in herbal and cosmetic products for its purifying, detoxifying and cleansing properties. Commonly paired with other herbs and ingredients like neem, giloy and turmeric, tulsi paste when applied on acneand pimples can ensure relief with lesser chances of repeat breakouts.