Interesting Facts About Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is something of a wonder plant. Used for thousands of years and well documented for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, it’s no wonder aloe is such a popular ingredient in modern cosmetics and medicine.

Aloe Vera Gel is so unique because of its many bio-active ingredients; according to research, over 200 active ingredients have been found so far. All of the ingredients in Aloe Vera are important as each other; despite intensive efforts it has not been possible to isolate an especially useful ingredient and use it as a single substance effectively. Aloe Vera gel displays its true effectiveness when all of these ingredients work together, when it is in its original and pure form.

The Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has many beneficial properties and this is why it is so widely used in the cosmetics sector. From moisturisers to soaps, makeup and even natural deodorants, Aloe Vera has proved to be an invaluable addition to many products. Just a few of these benefits are listed below.

Some history to start with – Pliny (60AD) documented a wide range of applications for Aloe Vera including; healing wounds, insect bites, boils, bruises, sore throats, bleeding gums, dysentery and many other ailments.

Skin moisturising – According to scientists, many of the ingredients in Aloe Vera cause it to have a skin moisturising effect. Its moisturising properties means it is perfect for use in moisturisers (obviously), soap and even toilet roll!

Anti-inflammatory action - Aloe Vera Gel exerts a soothing effect on the skin through the action of various active substances in that the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins is inhibited. Aloe Vera is often used in after-sun care lotions because of its anti-inflammatory action. Some razors have also been developed to release Aloe Vera gel to utilise both its anti-inflammatory action and its skin moisturising benefits to stop irritation and leave shaved areas smooth and moisturised.

Cell growth - The fact that Aloe Vera Gel stimulates cell division has been impressively demonstrated in a cell culture test. According to a website dedicated to the plant, Aloe Vera is a cellular regenerator. What that really means is that Aloe Vera can help heal cell damage and promote cell growth; in combination with some of its other mind-bending properties it makes for a very good ingredient in anti-aging skin care. It’s even suggested that the ancient Egyptian Queen Cleopatra bathed and drank Aloe Vera Juice in order to maintain her youthful complexion.

The complex nature of Aloe Vera means that it is well equipped to deal with a multitude of ailments in both the cosmetic and medicinal sectors, including many that have not been mentioned above.

Aloe Vera truly is a king among plants.