Aloe vera
Aloe vera (= Aloe barbadensis, Asfodelaceae)
Ibicencan: atzavara
Swedish: äkta aloe
In the Casita Verde there are many specimens of this aloe of which various products are made, for example a juice with lemon and aloe, served every Sunday. The plant is a native to dry regions and thus well adapted to a dry climate. The birds and butterflies that pollinize the aloes are not present in the Balearic Islands, therefore there are no fertile seeds and the plants only reproduce themselves vegetatively.
The inner gel of the leaves has wound-healing properties and revitalizes the skin. When eaten, it activates the lymphocytes and thus supports the immunodefense. The bitter part just below the skin of the leaves has laxative properties which the rest of the gel does not have. This bitter part cannot be recommended to children and pregnant women.
Among other effects that have been described for Aloe vera are: it stops cancer tumors, it lowers cholesterol, it protects the kidney from diseases (also preventing kidney stones), it reduces high blood pressure, it stablizes blood sugar in diabetics, it alkalizes the body, it is efficient against the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Aloe vera is an ingredient in several cosmetic products as for example tooth-pastes and skin-creams.
