Aloe Vera : such a precious resource !

Aloe Vera has been readily available on the shelves of the RAYON BIO for a few weeks now .

In order to meet the increasing demand for information , here follow a few explanations about this wonderful plant’s healing properties considered so beneficial to our health .

Throughout history Aloe Vera has been used by worldwide civilizations for its health benefits and as a natural source of beauty . If you are not allergic and use it sparingly, there is no risk !

Aloe Vera belongs to the lily family and is related to onions and garlic (and not to cacti as we might think).

Aloe Vera gel is produced from Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller leaves . This aloe pulp extracted from the heart of the large leaves is highly concentrated in vitamins (mostly A , C , and E) and in minerals (phosphorus , potassium , calcium , chlorine , iron , zinc) . Thanks to its exceptional components , it has a wide application of uses . What follows is a non-exhaustive list of examples of healing properties :

• Repairs our skin (softening , healing , anti-inflammatory , pain-soothing , regenerating , regulating , refreshing , hydrating , deep-cleansing …)
• Stimulates  immunity (strengthens the body’s immune defence system)
• Reduces cholesterol level
• Prevents premature ageing
• Of high-nutritional quality
• Works as an excellent digestive ( aids digestion , regulates gut motility …)
• Lowers blood glucose (in case of diabetes)
• Prevents gastric upsets and sleeping difficulties 

This xtremely precious resource is now available  - pure , fresh , unprocessed – on the RAYON BIO’s shelves . In order to enjoy its healthy benefits , put it in your shopping basket just like any beautiful peelable vegetable . No more additives . Only the best of Aloe Vera . Make the gel yourself , but how ? Here below : the preparation explained step by step .

Collecting Aloe Vera gel is quick and easy ! Homemade preparations should be quickly and carefully carried out . In addition , quality and security should go hand in hand  with a perfect hygiene . The very first thing to do is to purge the leaves of their aloin . Aloin is a very bitter yellowish sap leaking spontaneously from hardly cut leaves . It contains powerful laxative components and can irritate the skin and mucosas . To extract aloin , put the Aloe Vera leaves vertically in a glass salad bowl (for 10 minutes up to 2 hours if not more ,  according to the size of the leaves) .

1. Cut off the white edge of the leaf 
2. Cut away a short piece from the leaf and put what remains from the leaf in the fridge (wrapping it in cling film in order to stop gel leakage). The leaf will keep in the fridge for a month or two .
3. Cut off the serrated edge , get the top layer (skin) off and the below layer . The resulting flesh looks like a gel block .
4. Blend then the flesh briefly (to avoid air-oxidation) and add some lemon juice to preserve the gel for a few days . Don’t blend the flesh too long in order to preserve as many nutriments as possible .

The gel can then be used as food supplement or in local application .

The extra gel you won’t use immediately will only be good for about one week in the fridge .

Aloe Vera gel will be used daily in very small quantities (from 30 ml to 50 ml). Regularity appears to be important as well for an optimal result .

« Four plants are indispensable for the health of a man : grain , grapes , olive , and aloe . The first feeds him , the second raises his spirit , the third brings him harmony , the fourth cures him "

Christoffel Columbus  (1450-1506)