Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.
Aloe vera is a species of aloe that is grown primarily in North Africa. Arab doctors began using the plant more than a thousand years ago and it is still used in some countries as a complementary hospital treatment in burn units. It is used in products to treat various types of skin conditions, as well as in beauty products. Aloe vera is also taken as a health supplement.
A face cream that contains aloe vera.
In the beginning, aloe vera was mainly used to treat burns and infections. As the leaves of the plant are mainly made up of water combined with essential oils, enzymes, and amino acids, Aloe Vera is extremely useful for treating skin conditions such as eczema, allergies, and cuts and burns. In fact, many of the natural products contained in the plant are intended for the health market. This includes gels and creams to treat minor burns, bath oils to reduce skin inflammation, and sprays to reduce sunburn and stings. An injectable treatment with this plant was recently approved to treat fibrosarcoma cancer in dogs.
Aloe vera plant leaves.
Extracts from this plant are also used in beauty products, particularly moisturizers, soaps, and lotions for people with dry skin. Some face creams now use it to treat dry skin conditions, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes. Current research shows that extracts can reduce skin pigmentation, stimulate collagen production, and help with acute cases of acne. This makes aloe vera a popular ingredient in face creams and other personal products.
Some lip balms contain aloe vera.
Aloe vera is also popular as a food supplement. The juice is widely used around the world to soothe digestive tract irritations, aid digestion, and cleanse the small intestine and colon. It can also be used as a purgative, although it can cause cramps, and to treat serious conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Food supplements come in the form of juices, drinks, capsules and gels. Experts doubt the effectiveness of the capsules for treating internal problems, and the juices may be too diluted to have any effect on the body. Most recommend that people take extracts of the plant, as they can be added to teas or taken with a spoon.