by Emele Maisey

Created on: May 14, 2010

Aloe Barbadensis Miller is more commonly known as Aloe vera, and well known and loved for it's soothing, moisturising, healing and medicinal qualities.

There are hundreds of different species of Aloe in existence today, but only four of these succulent plants of the Lily family (not cacti as many people mistake them for) which originated in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean region are of nutritional benefit to humans and indeed animals. Aloe Vera sometimes known as “true aloe” is the most potent and nutritious plant of the four.

Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins, minerals and enzymes making it a natural analgesic, meaning it is used to relieve pain. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial and energy tonic properties. It helps act against viruses such as flu, chickenpox and herpes whilst it is also thought to help kill bacteria.

Commonly used for treating burns, minor wounds and skin irritations such as poison ivy. Aloe vera is also used as an immune-system tonic for soothing Irritable bowel syndrome, Colitis and ulcers. It is sometimes taken as a laxative, although with the side effect of stomach cramps, it's not widely recommended for this use.

Aloe vera has reported benefits in treating and soothing Eczema, Psoriarsis and Shingles and is used successfully by dermatologists to speed up healing after facial dermabrasion (improving the look of the skin after scarring or to smooth out face wrinkles).

Research shows that Aloe vera acts to rejuvenate, hydrate and moisturize the skin by naturally being able to penetrate through to take its goodness deep within. It enhances the Proteolytic enzyme action in skin tissue and it helps the natural process of cell division (mitosis) and exfoliation, effectively rejuvinating the skin by rebuilding new healthy tissue at a faster rate. When absorbed into the skin Aloe vera stimulates the fibrolast cells (those that produce collagen and elastin) to make them regenerate faster creating smoother and younger looking skin. It also increases the availability of oxygen to the skin thereby aiding synthesis and strengthening the skin tissues.

Aloe Vera contains over 20 minerals, all of which are essential to the human body. These include: vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Aloe vera being one of the few known natural sources of vitamin B12. Plus it includes all eight essential Amino acids that the human body needs but cannot create on its own. Aloe vera also contains eleven of the fourteen secondary amino acids required for a healthy body.

With all of these health,beauty and well-being benefits you can see why Aloe vera is used as an affective ingredient in skin-care products from cosmetics to moisturizers and sun cream, even tissues and razors! It is also found in nutritional supplements and in health drinks to keep the body happy and healthy.

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