Recipe for August 2007
Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality", and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites. There are over 500 species of aloe growing in climates worldwide.
The plant is about 96% water. The rest of it contains active ingredients including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins.
Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema. It can relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power come from increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and by increasing the synthesis and strength of tissue.
As a food supplement, aloe is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon.
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Aloe Moisturizing Hand Cream
This cream is designed for work-worn hands in need of soothing repair
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rosewater
- 12 drops herbal extract (if desired)
- 1 tbsp aloe gel
- 1/8 cup sweet almond oil
- 1/2 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tsp cocoa butter
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp anhydrous lanolin
- 1/2 tbsp liquid lecithin
- 1/8 oz. grated beeswax
- 400 I.U. vitamin E
- 6 drops tincture of Benzoin
Method
- Melt waxes, oils, cocoa butter, lanolin and lecithin and allow to cool a bit
- Place aloe gel in blender and whip for a bit
- Add rosewater to aloe and blend
- Stir tincture of benzoin (or grapeseed extract, if desired) and vitamin E into the warm oils
- With blender running, slowly drizzle the oils into the aloe-water mix
- Put up into suitable containers and store in refrigerator
Note: Shelf life is about one month.
Next recipe in September 2007.
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