Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel
There are numerous benefits of aloe vera gel, which is widely used for both cosmetic as well as medicinal purposes. Read on for more information about the subject.
Aloe vera is one of those herbs that has been used by humans since time immemorial. It is believed the ancient Egyptians used it for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, and archaeological evidence shows the plant depicted in the wall carvings of that period. Also known as the medicinal aloe, Indian Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant and even the ‘Miracle Plant’, it is a succulent native to north Africa that thrives in the arid, tropical climates of Asia and Africa. It is the gel within the fleshy leaves that is used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
The Aloe Vera Plant
The short-stemmed plant grows to no more than about 40 inches, with thick, fleshy, spreading offsets; the green stalks sometimes carry white flecks, and it flaunts yellow flowers in summer. It forms arbuscular mycorrhiza — a special symbiosis that lets it store rich mineral nutrients absorbed from the soil — and does best in well-drained, sandy soil with a fair share of sunlight, being intolerant of snow and frost but resistant to bugs and aphids. Long grown as an ornamental, it is now cultivated on a large scale for its medicinal properties, with techniques focused on increasing succulence so the plant survives even amid low rainfall. It is potent with mannans, polysaccharides, lectins, anthraquinones and aloin, and it is the synergistic proportions of active compounds such as C-glycosides and various lectins that give aloe vera its power as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and health-restoring agent.
How Aloe Vera Gel Is Extracted
Fresh aloe vera gel is obtained from the leaves of the plant. In commercial production, the mature leaves are harvested, cleaned and disinfected with an antiseptic solution; the green cover and the spines on the edges are then removed, either manually or mechanically, and the transparent jelly is processed into different forms such as juice, gel and powder. Aloe vera is now found and cultivated in many parts of the world for these products — gel, powder, juice, health drinks, incense sticks and more — and it is also a common, easy-to-grow household plant. In some parts of the world the gel is even used for culinary purposes, and it is a common ingredient in a wide range of beauty products.
Aloe Vera Gel Benefits It is a common fact that aloe vera gel is beneficial in various ways, as it is said to have antiseptic, anti-allergenic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The following are some of the benefits of aloe vera gel for skin, hair and health.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel on Skin
Topical application of aloe vera gel is an age-old remedy for a number of skin conditions, such as first-degree burns and minor cuts. Sunburn, insect bites, skin irritations, blisters and rashes are also treated with it, and it is beneficial for dry skin and cold sores. Diseases like psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus and genital herpes may be controlled with aloe vera gel, and it has even been suggested for use on patients with skin cancer. Its soothing effect calms irritated or inflamed skin and reduces pain and itching, and it is used for acne scars, wrinkles, blemishes and age spots. The gel can also kill microorganisms on the body, thereby preventing infections. Dedicated aloe vera creams are now available to heal cuts, stings and grazes.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel on Hair
Aloe vera is commonly used as a hair conditioner: apart from making hair smooth and shiny, it helps control dandruff and is useful for people with seborrheic dermatitis. For controlling hair loss, aloe vera juice or gel is applied to the scalp daily; it is also believed to promote hair growth, rectify split ends and soothe an itchy scalp.
Internal and Medicinal Benefits
The sap or juice of the plant, rich in aloin and rare minerals, is used all over the world to address digestive conditions, heartburn and constipation, and it is included in commercially available beverages, yogurts and desserts. Research reveals that the sap improves blood glucose levels in diabetics, and taken orally the juice reduces the discomfort associated with ulcerative colitis. It is used extensively as an immuno-stimulant and is being researched for effectiveness against cancer in humans, and topical applications on an aloe vera base are used for genital herpes, psoriasis, gingivitis and plaque. With proven antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is used in medicines to inhibit ringworm (tinea) fungi, and the gel is also ingested to help with acid reflux, candidiasis, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma and hayfever, and to safeguard the system against free radicals.
Now you have a basic idea of the many benefits of aloe vera gel. Internal use is recommended in some cases, but seek your doctor’s opinion before resorting to such treatments. Topical application of aloe vera is usually not associated with side effects, but discontinue use if any occur. It is always better to use fresh aloe vera gel, so plant some in your garden — and it is advisable to approach a qualified herbal practitioner before using aloe vera to treat any disease.
