For more than 3,500 years, aloe vera has been used worldwide. Dioscorides, a Greek physician, discovered that aloe vera was effective in treating a wide range of ailments: from kidney problems and constipation, to severe burns of the skin. Today, aloe vera continues to be widely used around the world, with many other products stemming out to personal care. With its long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance, aloe vera is used today in many products, including cosmetics, skin lotions, and moisturizers, burn gels and sunscreen creams. Studies have shown that aloe vera speeds the healing process, particularly in burns, including those from radiation.
Aloe vera contains vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents, polysaccharides, nitrogen and other components which may be anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives it its healing properties. One of the first documented users of aloe vera was Cleopatra, who lived from 68 to 30 B.C. The Egyptian goddess is said to have used aloe vera gel on her skin as protection from the sun. Also, many believed that aloe vera has anti-aging properties that slow the aging process. In fact, the Egyptians may have used aloe vera in their embalming of bodies, among other uses.
Muscle pain and pain in the joints occurring because of arthritis can be alleviated by applying aloe vera gels. In fact if used regularly, it can actually help regress arthritis. The gel of aloe vera is said to have a beneficial effect in decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood fat lipid levels. The extract of aloe vera is also known to balance blood sugar levels.
The benefits of aloe vera extend even to stimulating production of collagen and elastin both of which are necessary to prevent aging of the skin. As a moisturizer, aloe vera is very popular as it removes dead cells and also aids in the penetration of healthy substances. It reduces the intensity of pigmentation and lightens dark spots on the face. So, you need not to use products that are full in chemicals harmful to the skin. Aloe vera is a natural product guaranteed to aid tired looking skin, giving the entire body a radiant glow.
The benefits from the use of Aloe Vera may:
1. Help sooth skin injured by burns, irritations, cuts and insect bites.
2. Help moisturize and soften the skin.
3. Help speed the healing of skin wounds, burns and other injuries.
4. Help (when taken internally) with constipation, diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
5. Speed and improve general healing when taken internally.
6. Relieve itching and swelling of irritated skin.
7. Help kill fungus and bacteria.
8. Improve the effectiveness of sun screen products.