Aloe Vera gel is a well known ingredient in many beauty and health care products.
The Aloe Vera plant is a tropical succulent found mostly in Africa, but available worldwide where climates allow. People have even taken to growing them in their own homes because they are such useful plants. There are more than 200 different species of the plant, but Aloe Vera Barbadensis is considered one of the most beneficial. It is the most common form harvested for extracting the Aloe Vera gel used in health and beauty preparations.
The Aloe Vera plant has a wide range of purposes and has been used medicinally since before 200 B.C. The main component of the plant for these uses is the gel it produces when a leaf is broken off, or damaged. The juice from the plant can be used as well. Aloe Vera gel contains pain and scaring inhibitors, agents for cell growth stimulation, natural antibiotics, coagulants and astringents. It truly is a multipurpose wonder plant. These are just some topical medicinal uses of Aloe Vera gel, it has many more applications. When rubbed on the skin, it helps heal burns, abrasions, bruises, cold sores, psoriasis, eczema, insect stings, and acne.
When the Aloe Vera gel or juices are commercially prepared for internal consumption, they have even more health benefits. Studies have shown that it has the ability to help heal ulcers, rectify indigestion issues and constipation, and even help with infections, insomnia, and arthritis. This still does not exhaust the list. This plant is even being incorporated into the market as a health drink now, for obvious reasons.
Used as a cosmetic, Aloe Vera gel is soothing to the skin and adds toning and moisturizing qualities to any product it is combined with. It has uses as a wrinkle preventative, a stretch mark inhibitor, and a dandruff remover, just to name a few things. Aloe Vera gel can be found in almost all skin care products in some form, and has even begun to be used in the pet care industry to enhance the appearance of our furry friends.
With all of these benefits to using Aloe Vera gel, some might be wondering if there are any drawbacks. Because this is a plant derivative, there is always the chance of an allergic reaction, though it is fairly uncommon. Side effects from topical uses are generally very minor and uncomplicated. There can be more side effects when take internally, and the consumption of Aloe Vera products is contraindicated with some medications because it can inhibit their absorption. It is advisable, as always, to consult a physician before beginning
Author Resource:
Mike Ruffles is a student of natural products and is keen to pass on his knowledge on Aloe Vera Gel . You can also visit AloeVeraGelInfo.com for more detailed infromation.
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