Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant. Discover the properties and uses of this miracle herb right here.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a well-known traditional medicine used years ago by several cultures, such as Greece, Egypt, Mexico, India, Japan, and China. It has many healing properties that Egyptians named the herb as ‘the plant of immortality.’
Aloe vera has thick fleshy leaves with serrated edges. It contains gel with a 99% concentration of water. The rest of aloe vera is made of glucomannans, amino acids, sterols, lipids, and vitamins. It is commonly used as a quick remedy for wounds. However, over the years many skincare brands use the herb as a primary ingredient. Today, you can find a myriad of top-rated aloe vera gels for skin and other cosmetics with aloe.
This miracle herb contains various active biological components. Here is a list of the properties of aloe vera and their uses.
#1 Vitamins
Aloe gel is rich in vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and E. These vitamins are called antioxidants. These are substances that support natural body detoxification. It helps in neutralizing toxic substances called free radicals in the body that might cause serious health concerns. Moreover, antioxidants help combat premature aging. It promotes skin health and fights the signs of aging.
Aside from antioxidants, Aloe vera also contains Vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline.
#2 Minerals
Studies show that aloe gel has a high concentration of minerals. It contains calcium, copper, chromium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc. These minerals are essential for specific body functions. Likewise, some of these minerals are antioxidants, which help in keeping healthy skin.
#3 Enzymes
The enzymes found on aloe gel are aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, bradykinase, amylase, catalese, cellulose, carboxypeptidase, peroxidase, and lipase.
Bradykinase is an active anti-inflammatory enzyme. It is one of the substances in aloe gel that supports fast healing from wounds, cuts, burns, and injuries. It also helps fight common skin concerns caused by bacterial infections like acne.
#4 Anthraquinones
Aloe gel contains 12 anthraquinones. All of these substances are traditionally known as laxatives, except for aloin and emodin.
Aloin and emodin are analgesics, antibacterial, and antiviral substances. They fight bacterial infection and prevent inflammation.
#5 Fatty Acids
Aloe gel contains fatty acids such as cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sitosterol, and lupeol. These substances also act as anti-inflammatory agents. Likewise, lupeol has high antiseptic and analgesic properties which help in fast recovery and healing from injuries.
#6 Amino Acids
The herb has 20 amino acids and 7 essential amino acids. Among these amino acids is the salicylic; known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Additionally, Lignin enhances the penetrative effect of aloe gel. It is the reason why aloe vera penetrates the epidermis quickly than water. Also, the herb has a high absorption rate – a reason why aloe gel does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin after application.
Take note that aloe vera contains 99% water. It is an effective moisturizer and solution to dry skin. It keeps the skin hydrated despite staying outdoors for long hours. Added with the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the herb, aloe proves to be an effective solution to skin problems, including dryness, acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
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