Aloe Vera: everyone has heard of it. What is this plant and what can it do for us?
Aloe vera is a thick-leaved perennial plant containing gelatinous flesh used for its therapeutic properties. Known for millennia, it was greatly neglected during the second half of the 20th century during the rise of industrial chemistry in the pharmacopoeia. Today, its virtues are arousing widespread enthusiasm and many cosmetic and skincare products based on aloe vera are widely praised through varied advertsing.
Marketing or proven benefits? Follow the guide through this jungle of information and beliefs.
A widespread plant, in a large family
There are over 400 species of aloe, but only a few are used for their therapeutic properties. Aloe vera (also known as Barbary aloe or Miller barbadensis) is the best known, alongside aloe ferox, arborescens, or saponaria.
It is native to South Africa and is found today in almost all countries close to the tropics and where the temperature remains more or less constant all year round, such as in Southeast Asia, the Antilles, central America, southern United States, most countries of the Mediterranean basin.
There are traces or evidence of the use of aloe vera in practically all civilizations for millennia: among the Sumerians (-3000), the Egyptians of the pharaohs (-2800), the Chinese (3rd millennium BC), Mesopotamians, Hindus, Arabs, Amerindians, Africans, Greeks (4th century BC) and Romans (2nd century BC), in short everywhere and for a very long time.
What is used in aloe vera?
We use two components of the plant: juice and gel
The extraction process is very important because the substances contained degrade quickly. It is therefore important to check the processes applied by the different manufacturers, as well as the packaging used to preserve the products. Hot processes and the use of preservatives are not recommended as they distort the product and degrade its properties.
Aloe vera, in juice or gel, has many very interesting properties by its composition in mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides or enzymes.
But on the internet you can find everything and anything. Let's try to sort out facts and beliefs
In external application, it is reported positive effects of preparations with aloe vera on the hydration of the skin, on the alleviation of burns and irritations, one also lends healing properties.
The antioxidant properties of aloe vera seem to be confirmed by studies, although the exact mechanism has not yet been explained.
An “anti-aging” property is often put forward in marketing publications. It is confirmed that aloe vera gel is hydrating and has a positive effect on the harmful effects of the sun on the skin, including the appearance of dark spots.
Anti-inflammatory properties are noted.
Its many vitamins and a positive effect on digestion and intestinal transit make it a useful dietary supplement.
No anti-microbial or anti-fungal effect has been shown.
In summary: to calm sunburns, eczema, to hydrate, for digestion and intestinal transit, soothe ulcers, YES!
To disinfect, fight AIDS or cancer, NO. Better to trust the specialists in these cases. It is obvious but it gets even better when writing it.t.
Finally, always choose professional producers who are serious and transparent about their manufacturing methods and the origin of their products. Ciel d´Azur laboratories and their brand Pur Aloe meet this requirement.
El aloe arborescens then? That will be for another blog post…