Bottling my own Aloe Vera

Today, I took a trip to my grandparent’s house and couldn’t help but notice their extremely large aloe vera plant. As usual my grandmother sent me home with a handful of leaves and I decided to bottle them. I love to bottle aloe because it makes using it much more convenient.

First I had to cut the leaves off of the plant. We cut the oldest leaves meaning the biggest ones and closest to the ground. By slicing them off right at the intersection point you do the least harm to the plant and get the most out of each leaf. Later at home I used a very sharp knife and sliced the leaves in half long ways. I then took a spoon and shaved the inside of each leaf removing all the juices. I was unable to find an appropriately sized jar so I opted for a small plastic container. Now I have a container of aloe juice ready whenever I need to use it. I keep it in the fridge and it should stay good for a couple months.

I will use this aloe juice on my arms and hands for my eczema, on any cuts or scrapes, any zits, canker sores, skin infections, in a drink perhaps and so on and so forth. Try it; it’s worth the sticky mess. 

Cranberries – The Magical Fruit

Cranberries are used to make many foods and drinks but they are much more than just a fruit.

Be sure to appreciate the ones
you love and have a Happy Valentine's Day <3

Cranberries contain flavonoids and polyphenolics, natural compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits. It is because of these compounds that cranberries have been used for hundreds of years to prevent and treat many health problems. Historically, the cranberry fruit and plant has been used to treat wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, liver problems and more. More recently, cranberries are used as a preventative measure for urinary tract infections, stomach ulcers and dental plaque. This magical fruit has also been useful in maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and preventing blockages in the major arteries leading to the heart.

You can get the benefits of cranberry by drinking the juice, diluting concentrate with water, taking capsules, or using a mixture. I personally take one capsule of UltraCran everyday. Each capsule contains 36 g of cranberries equals and 1 g of cranberry concentrate. You can find a variety of different doses at your drug store and determine what dose is best for you. Although I cannot say that I have experienced any cranberry miracles, I do find this supplement useful for preventing urinary tract infections. So one pill a day, or even every couple of days keeps my upper and lower urinary tract healthy.

So try it. But before you do, be sure to check out the potential side effects and cautions of overuse because anything in excess can be bad for you. 

Aloe Vera – The Healing Plant

This cactus like plant has a countless amount of medical uses, making it one of the most respected medical plants found in many gels, creams and lotions. Aloe has antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral compounds that help prevent wound infections. It also has immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory compounds, and it stimulates collagen synthesis and skin regeneration. Aloe gel contains vitamins C and E, plus the mineral zinc. Not only does an aloe plant provide quick relief from a burn or scald, the potted plants have been shown to remove formaldehyde from tainted indoor air.

For as long as I can remember, my grandparents have been growing and using aloe vera plants. From a scrape to a stomachache, my grandmother has always snapped me off some aloe leaves and sent me home with them (just like the Windex from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Unlike Windex, aloe actually works for just about everything skin related. I have always had minor eczema on my hands/arms and aloe has always been a great form of relief. By simply applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel, a couple times a day I usually feel relief by the second day. Fresh aloe gel soothes pain, cools the skin and stimulates blood flow to burned skin. Aloe can be used for the treatment of acne, fleabites, rashes, sunburns and many other skin irritations. In addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.

                            

  

Do you have minor eczema or any other skin irritations? Try swapping your prescription cream for fresh aloe gel and see which one you prefer.