There simply is no better known ingredient out there, than aloe vera. The aloe plant has been in use for thousands of years. Because of this very fact, its been used by millions of people around the world. Although there are thousands of products in the market place, this ingredient stands the true test of time.
When you are looking for the most gentle ingredients for your skin, make sure it contains aloe vera. There are many applications for this wonderful and sticky substance. Its been used for all kinds of various skin conditions, including dry skin and for burns. Because of its popularity in China, the use of the aloe plant has exponentially increased.
Within the aloe vera plant, there are a variety of other species that are more potent and potentially valuable. That is one of the reasons for the use of the term vera, the Latin term for true or truth. The great part and the reason so many people grow this plant at home, is because its relatively easy to do so. If the aloe vera grows a stem, it is likely to be a short one. Just remember when the plant reaches a certain maturity, the leave can be a bit spikey like and have some sharp edges on it that can be prickly. Avoiding the hides, simply extract the juice from the plant, by manually pulling one stalk and cutting in half. The slightly sticky white to yellowish juice oozes from the leaf.
Uses of Aloe Vera
Since aloe is very gentle to use, you can apply this on virtually any part of the body.
While many of the medicinal capabilities of Aloe vera are still being looked at under the microscope or on a Petri dish, a few things are already certain. It does help in soothing or healing sunburn or other mild burns. The liquid’s properties seem to have a calming effect on the skin too, which would explain why it recently found an application in the treatment of pimples or acne.
The key to the plants success, lies in the sap of the plant. It can be found in many different products like, yogurt,soap, deodorant, moisturizer, and even antiseptic preparations. In particular, the class of vegetarians and consumers of organic products combined, seem drawn to such applications for health and natural reasons.
Aloe Vera Gel
The interesting part of the Aloe Vera Gel, is how easy it is to convert the herb into a gel because of the juice’s already sticky composition. Beware of the use of food or other industrial coloring, though, as these compounds are under scrutiny for causing some unintended skin reactions or promoting the development of certain diseases.
Typically, the more colorless the gel, the safer it is to use, unless of course the manufacturer certifies that no artificial coloring is used in the production of the mixture. Many companies extend this gel’s benefits by adding in extra anti oxidants and other nutrients into their gels and creams.
While the aloe vera gel has been successful in treating minor burns, recent studies reveal that it may slow down the process of healing as far as minor cuts or bruises are concerned. The gel does seem to have a proven effect in the treatment of minor skin infections due to its inherent antibacterial properties.
As for Aloe vera juice, there are still many gray areas. For instance, its use as a laxative has been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 2003. As a cure for indigestion or heartburn, however, the juice seems to hold its ground, free from any FDA encumbrances.
Final comments
In conclusion, the external application of the Aloe vera compound, whether in gel or juice form, seems to be the least controversial part. Aloe has many uses beneficial to your health.