ALL THAT ZAZZ

By Mary N. DiZazzo

ALOE VERA, "true aloe"

Ciao bella,

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer of `09 which finally began!

Here I have info on an ancient healing ingredient especially great for skin that has had too much sun.

The Aloe vera plant with its succulent, long spiked leaves are thick skinned containing a clear gel-like appearance. With its 200 varieties of these desert lilies, Aloe vera meaning "true aloe" in Latin is the most commonly used and effective species of aloe.

Originating in North Africa, aloe vera plants are readily available and can be grown inside or outside. Some people keep a potted plant in the kitchen so a leaf can be cut and the inside applied on a cut or burn.

Aloe vera contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti microbial properties. The combination and balance of all the plant's ingredients is what makes it a soothing and healing substance.

Known for its benefits for over 3,5000 years, Aloe is still a frequently used plant. Research has proven that it speeds the healing process, mostly burns (from radiation),

Dermatologists recommend it after facial dermabrasion to speed healing from scars on the skin's top layers.You can find "Aloe Vera" in body and hand creams. Also in capsule, gel, lotion, spray and liquid forms. Great for post sun care!

Aloe vera juice is used to treat digestive disorders, ulcers and heartburn.

Also thought to be beneficial in the reducing of scalp care, stings, sore muscles, scrapes, scalds, psoriasis, acne, burns, sprains, bruises, cold sores, and abrasions.

So for all over health and beauty purposes we should all keep some potted Aloe around and invest in some juice. Enjoy the benefits!

Buona giornata, and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.mary4nails.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com