Say 'aloe' to lasting locks

I remember seeing my 80-plus-year-old grandmother, Andrea R. Aguinaldo, use sabila or aloe vera for her thinning hair. She swore it made her hair grow in her octogenarian years. She would cut a plump stem from the cactus-like plant that grew in her vast one-hectare garden in New Manila and religiously apply it onto her scalp. Her kitchen staff would also use the aloe’s inner gel for the kitchen burns that they would invariably get from frying with hot oils that oftentimes splattered on their arms and faces.

At that time, I thought it was an old wives’ tale to use sabila, as we were then used to medicines and pharmaceutical drugs being the cure all for all our ills and pains, instead of relying on Mother Nature. Now that we are in the 21st century, we are more aware of the curative powers of this wonder plant, which contains 200 vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 

Bettina and Serge Osmeña with their children Dani, Andi, Bea and Joey

Luckily, there is a certified organic aloe vera company within our reach with the Seattle-based American Global Health Group (AGHG). Their processing plant is located in their plantation, ensuring only the freshest superior quality aloe juice. The farm and processing of AGHG products are certified organic by Ecocert, one of the more stringent organic certifying organizations. The products are exclusively distributed by Organic Basket in the Philippines headed by childhood friends Bettina Lopez Osmeña and Bingbing Gonzales Quiros. Their main product, Aloe Cure, is a natural alternative to antacids and prescribed medicines, which can cause side effects over the long term.

One need not suffer from heartburn or ulcers to benefit from aloe cure. It has been proven to work on diabetics and hypertensive patients. This product is rich in amino acids that regenerate cells, which also makes it an anti-aging tonic. The malic acid contained in the plant neutralizes the acids in the digestive system upon contact. There is also the aloe chunks which are the natural fiber derived from the plant for those who want daily detox to be part of their lives. 

What we put in our bodies definitely has a strong impact on our health. There are many cosmetics out there that contain harmful ingredients that find their way into our blood stream. Lead, a known neurotoxin, is often present in lipsticks. Parabens, which are endocrine disruptors, are found in many cosmetics. Alum, a common denominator found in Alzheimer patients, is a common additive in deodorants. The list goes on. No wonder cancer and dementia are prevalent in our present society.

The Aloe Derma skin and hair care line is a wonderful alternative for those who would like to use more natural products. The Super Hydration Booster is made from 99.7-percent certified organic aloe juice and its light consistency is perfect for our hot and humid weather. Just cleanse, tone, then moisturize with the Super Hydration Booster and in 30 seconds, the liquid is fully-absorbed by the skin up to seven layers deep. There is a visible difference within a few days of application. The glow is evident and new skin cells are building up with the help of the rich amino acids present in the aloe plant. No wonder many cosmetic companies highlight the presence of aloe in their skin and hair products.   

For those with thinning hair, there is good news with a hair tonic that contains 99.7-percent pure aloe vera extract. This eliminates the mess and smell that comes from scrapping the fresh aloe plant. The shampoo and leave-in conditioner are perfect for over-processed hair that has been subjected to hair dyes and other damaging techniques.

Bettina Osmeña, president of Organic Basket, relates, “I know this may sound self-serving, but I went under a skin Visia  machine three years ago and was horrified to find out I was starting to develop wrinkles which were not yet visible to the eye. My dermatologist told me that Retin A has been proven to reverse wrinkles. I had been on it in the past, but I found it so uncomfortable because my skin would be itchy, red, and sore. I decided to return to this regimen and see if aloe vera could alleviate the effects of the Retin A. To my surprise, the aloe vera did its job of continuously healing my skin from the harsh effects of Retin A. Last week, I went under the skin Visia machine and to my great delight, all the wrinkles are now gone. I only have my crow’s feet left which is okay with me.”

Three loyal clients of Aloe Cure and Aloe Derma Nancy Uy, Billie Gan, and Dr. Paulita Villegas share: “We have been using Aloe Cure for the past months as an alternative to antacids. It has given relief from the acrid taste and feeling from acid reflux. We are also using related hair products, such as the hair tonic, shampoo, and conditioner for thinning hair problems. We encourage family and friends to use these products as these are natural products.”

If you want to be sure about buying the best cosmetic product, it would be wise to check the ingredients at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and www.safecosmetics.org.

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For information on Aloe Cure and Organic Basket products, visit www.aloepurephilippines.com, e-mail: info@aloecurephilippines.com or call (02) 888-2563; 819-2563