The aloe vera plant has been used since ancient times for healing infection and burns. The aloe vera is native to North Africa but now can be found almost worldwide. It is a succulent plant which thrives in warm and dry climates very much like cactus does. But unlike its prickly cactus cousin, aloe vera is in a class by itself when it comes to certain healing properties. There are more than 100 species of aloe, but aloe vera is the one that has drawn the most scientific interest.
Aloe vera is a member of the lily family. It derives its name from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’, which means bitter. It is well-known for producing a thin, clear gel-like substance that provides soothing relief for common skin irritations. But another substance, known as aloe vera latex, can also be obtained from the inner leaf skin. With a high water content of nearly 96%, the aloe vera plant has been hailed as a medicinal plant with many a beneficial property. The aloe vera plant can easily be grown at home as it is virtually maintenance free.
Because the plant was considered healing to the skin, Alexander the Great conquered the island Socotra, where aloe was first cultivated, in order to preserve a good source for treating his soldiers’ wounds. The early Greeks and Romans were not the only ones who considered aloe a “wonder drug.” Legend has it that the gorgeous Cleopatra’s (queen from 69 to 30 B.C.) favorite beauty cream was the aloe vera. Aloe vera is an extraordinary plant and is possibly the most widely used plant for skin applications in history, assisting with natural healing and skin regeneration. It is the gel inside the leaves, which is aloe vera’s lifeblood, which is rich in many nutrients and water. It is this storehouse of over 100 minerals, enzymes, vitamins, lipids, amino acids and other active compounds – some of which are exclusive to Aloe vera, that give this plant a wide array of natural health applications, which often seem too good to be true.
Due to its healing and moisturizing benefits to the surface of the skin, aloe vera plant is added in various products and greatly utilized by various cosmetic companies. The aloe gel serves as a skin-softening emollient and is used as an ingredient in a variety of skin-care products, sunburn preparations, lotions, salves, creams, and shampoos. The extensive usage of aloe vera in cosmetic product is attributed to its skin friendly properties. Aloe vera moisturizes, cleans, smoothens, and softens the skin. It prevents wrinkles and keeps the skin fresh, young and gives it a healthy glow. It protects the skin from the after effects of sun rays, dust, smoke, exhaust fumes etc. It provides relief from burns and skin inflammation. It reduces swelling, pain and treats bruises. It stimulates dermal cells and rejuvenates skin.
Aloe vera is being used as a cleanser. If a piece of cotton is dipped in aloe gel cleanser and it is applied in the upward and outward motion all over the face, neck and even areas under and around eyes, it will help remove the dust, grease, oiliness, perspiration, old make-up etc.
Aloe vera is also used as after wax relief. The aloe gel is applied over the areas that have been waxed. Aloe helps to soothe, moisturize, heal and cool the de waxed surface.
Aloe gel can be used as an excellent natural after-shave lotion. It can be applied on the shaved areas either by itself or by mixing with a few drops of lime, lavender or rose oil.
Aloe vera has been very effective in treating burns. Aloe vera greatly diminishes the chances of scar if applied immediately after the burn occurred. It also helps in faster healing and relives pain.
Aloe vera is more popular among masses for its usage as shampoo and conditioner. When it comes to hair, it is no secret that the fewer chemicals you expose your hair to, the better it is. Aloe vera is an excellent natural hair conditioner and can be used in greatly reducing the amount of shampoo you use and can completely eliminate the need to use other chemical conditioners.
Additionally, aloe vera gel is provided with most of products like stretch marks, dark circles, spots and blemishes, wrinkles etc and is a vital ingredient in the preparation of the herbal paste for all cosmetic products.
The most common and prevalent use of aloe vera in cosmetic product has been in soap making process. The healing and moisturizing properties of aloe vera make it a perfect ingredient for soap. Aloe vera soap, when used as part of a daily skin treatment regimen, can help keep the skin healthy. Aloe vera soap comes in the category of topical application of aloe vera, which helps to assure that when applying aloe soap, you will get the highest concentrations of the natural healing agent delivered directly to your skin. Aloe vera is also a great skin moisturizer that helps to keep skin supple by bringing oxygen to the cells, and therefore increasing the synthesis and strength of skin tissue. One of the main reasons aloe vera soap has become so popular among consumers is that it possesses incredible moisturizing properties. Studies show that aloe vera improves the skin’s ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.
Many of the skin care products containing aloe vera are also fortified with Vitamin E and collagen to maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness and keep the moisture in. Today, aloe vera and skin care products seem to go hand in hand.
Peter Salazar’s source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com
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Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plant but is actually part of the lily family. There are over 300 varieties of the Aloe plant, but it is the Aloe barbadensis variety that exhibits the best medicinal properties. It is well known for producing a thin, clear gel-like substance that provides soothing relief for common skin irritations. But another substance, known as aloe vera latex, can also be obtained from the inner leaf skin. When taken in aloe vera capsule form, aloe vera latex may help promote healthy digestion, cholesterol, blood sugar and overall health. Aloe vera products include aloe vera gels, lotions and soaps, which can be applied topically to cuts, scrapes, burns or insect bites for gentle relief. Aloe vera supplements are also available as both a liquid (combined with wolfberry juice) and capsule form.
Aloe Vera has long been acclaimed the “healing plant”. It forms one of the main ingredients for making soap, mainly softening bar. It is one of the unique cleansing bars. Combined with original properties of soap, this natural ingredients works wonder on the skin. Usually, olive oil is mixed with Aloe vera with some other constituents like sodium chloride and fragrance to make such soap. These soaps are free from animal ingredients. Also, it does not contain artificial color normally found in other soaps.
Aloe vera contains a variety of materials. One of its constituent is acid, which is antimicrobial, anti-helminitic (anti-parasitic worms). This constituent helps in fast wound healing of skin tissue and ulcers. Another ingredient lectin has anti-tumour effects. It is well known that amino acid is very essential for repair and growth of human skin. Aloe vera contains twenty of the twenty two essential amino acids. It also contains lipids which is the principal structural components of any living cell. The ingredient Urea-nitrogen has pain killing effect. It also contains eight of the thirteen vitamins making it one of the main nourishing materials. The antiseptic and antimicrobials property of aloe vera is attributed to its constituent phenolics. Lactates and Salicylates have analgesic properties. It also contains significant quantities of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
Aloe Vera is best known for its soothing and healing effects on burns and other wounds. Studies show that Aloe Vera when applied to a wound increases both the rate of wound closure and the tensile strength of the wound via the proliferation of cells, including skin, liver, nerve and blood cells.
Aging of the skin is characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis, combined with the appearance of lines, creases, age spots and furrows in the face. Components of Aloe Vera have been found to reverse degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, in essence turning back the clock on the effects aging has on skin.
Research has proven that Aloe Vera prevents suppression of the skin’s immune system. This suppression may be one of the causes of skin cancer. In addition, topical application of the Aloe Vera can be made up to 24 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light without reducing the degree of prevention regarding immune system suppression.
One of the main reasons Aloe Vera has become so popular among consumers is that it possesses incredible moisturizing properties. Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the skin’s ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin. Each of these factors makes Aloe Vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological products. In fact, Aloe Vera is currently one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetics industry, being utilized in over 95% of the dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured worldwide.
Aloe Vera is believed to reduce severe joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis, as well as pain related to tendinitis and injuries. When applied directly to the area of pain, Aloe Vera penetrates the skin to soothe the pain. Studies have also found that ingestion of Aloe Vera on a daily basis can help prevent and cause a regression of adjutant arthritis.
Aloe Vera promotes a variety of anti-inflammatory responses in the body, reducing swelling from injuries and promoting recovery from infections. Such anti-inflammatory responses not only aid in the relief of pain and discomfort, but also enhance the overall wound process.
It is worthwhile to note that several of the cleansing bars available in the market are made form synthesized chemicals and are much harsher than soap. Whereas a true soap is made from natural oils (such as olive, coconut and palm) and is a gentle cleansing product more appropriate for use on skin than is detergent. Soaps, unlike detergents, are made by combining sodium hydroxide or lye, oils and water in a process known as “Saponification”.
The soap with ingredient Aloe Vera is a true soap as it contains all natural oils and is free from synthesized chemicals. No wonder, it acts as a soothing agent in human skin. It provides the skin with its natural shine and glow. Aloe Vera soap makes the skin smooth and soft and quietly dirt free the skin pores. It also plays a role of moisturizer for the skin. People who suffer from acne and eczema and persons with dry skin can utilize aloe vera soap extensively. With its mild, smooth and creamy lather, this soap is the ultimate protector of skin.
Peter Salazar’s source for quality supplements is http://www.utopianaturals.com
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Aloe vera is known primarily for its cooling and soothing properties, especially for treating burns, irritation, and various skin conditions. But this herb has other uses, which are not as popular but certainly no less beneficial. Aloe vera juice benefits include improved digestion, blood circulation, detoxification, and pain relief.
Aloe vera gel is obtained from the leaves of the aloe plant, and may be applied topically or added to drinks. Aloe vera juice contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B-complex, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, and manganese. It is also safe to drink daily – in fact, experts recommend drinking at least two glasses every day to obtain maximum aloe vera juice benefits. Here are some of the most common aloe vera juice benefits:
Digestive aid
Aloe vera juice stimulates colonic irrigation, the process of loosening and washing out waste materials from the digestive system. These include food residues, toxins, and bacteria. These wastes can clog the intestinal lining and prevent nutrients from getting fully absorbed. Studies show that taking aloe vera juice regularly over several weeks can help break down residues and improve colonic irrigation. It also regulates the production of stomach acids, preventing digestive problems like ulcer, acid indigestion, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief
Aloe vera juice benefits people with rheumatoid arthritis analgesic and anti-inflammatory abilities. It helps relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improves joint movement to prevent waste buildup. It also contains mucopolysaccharides, which are basic sugars essential in cell regeneration. This helps rebuild muscle tissues and disperse damaged cells. Its cooling ability also alleviates pain and inflammation.
Cancer and blood disease prevention
Another important element in aloe vera juice is acemannan, which is believed to increase the production of white blood cells. This helps the body fight bacteria and viruses, as well as prevent the growth of cancer cells. It is currently being studied for potential use against breast and ovarian cancer, leukemia, and diseases caused by low blood cell counts.
IMPORTANT: Aloe vera juice is considered a dietary supplement, so it is does not follow the same regulations as standard medicines. Some aloe vera products contain silica, starch, gluten, or other extenders that can hinder aloe vera juice benefits and even harm your health. To stay safe, buy only products that are GMP-compliant and avoid those that contain artificial additives, such as food colors and flavorings.
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