Aloe Vera Gel: Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory, Skin Enhancing Properties; Widely-Featured In Leading Skincare, Beauty And Cosmetic Brands

Across the centuries people have relied on Aloe Vera for its ability to help with a wide range of ailments, particularly skin problems such as drying, flaking, itching and cracking. Is it any wonder that this marvelous little plant is called "Nature's Pharmacy"?

The Folklore

Aloe has been used for different purposes by mankind for well over 3,500 years. The ancient Chinese and Egyptians used Aloe to help with burns, wounds, and to reduce fevers.  American Indians, who called Aloe "The Wand of Heaven" believed that anyone touched by the inner sap (what we call the gel) would be relieved of their skin disorders. There are many legends about Aloe. It is said that Alexander the Great, advised by Aristotle, conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean in order to secure a dependable supply of Aloe for his troops.

Another story tells us Cleopatra, the legendary queen of ancient Egypt, used Aloe to keep her skin soft and beautiful. We don't know if the story is true, of course, but recent scientific findings do show that - if she did - it undoubtedly worked for her! Today, Aloe Vera is now used in many modern beauty products because of its proven ability to penetrate, soften and moisturize skin.

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Over 350 Species of Aloe

It is estimated that there are over 350 species of Aloe worldwide, ranging from tiny stemless little one-inch plants to tree-like plants in Southwest Africa growing 30 to 60 feet in height. In addition, there are over 75 different nutritional compounds naturally occurring in Aloe Vera. Although most are indigenous to Africa, Aloe species can now be found all over the world in tropical and subtropical climates.

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The Standout: Aloe Barbadensis Miller

While many species of Aloe have been used with some success in folk remedies, only one particular variant of the species has been scientifically proven to possess the remarkable health benefits that have become so widely known throughout the world --Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Also known as Aloe Vera Linne and Aloe Vulgaris Lamarck, Aloe barbadensis Miller is widely cultivated in the Southwestern United States both commercially and privately. Resembling a cactus, the mature plant possesses dark green leaves 20 to 24 inches in length that are roughly 4 inches across at the base and taper to a point at the end. The plant produces a single, unbranched, flowering stalk that is topped by a cluster of bright yellow flowers.

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Aloe Across The World

Although many still consider Aloe Vera to be a folk remedy, it is important to remember that two-thirds of the world's population is treated with herbs and plant products that are not only effective, but offer benefits considered by some to be equal to or superior to the remedies of the western world! Where would modern medicine be today, if it were not for the large number of dependable drugs all obtained from plant and other natural sources? The list includes penicillin (probably the most widely-used infection fighter), quinine (used in the treatment of malaria), ephedrine (for asthma and bronchial problems), and diazepam (perhaps the most widely-prescribed tranquilizer). Today, Aloe Vera is taking its rightful place among these natural remedies, as many in the medical profession have come to understand and appreciate the powers of this remarkable plant. In the United States, it is common to see a live Aloe Vera plant sitting on kitchen windowsills where it may be used by cutting off a part of a leaf, to spread its cooling, soothing gel on burns, scrapes and bruises. And the wonderful thing is it works!

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The Science Buzz

Until the mid-1900's, most of the data used to substantiate the claims made for the power of Aloe Vera was in fact anecdotal handed down from one generation to the next, not on scientific evidence. But in the mid-1930s, researchers enthusiastically reported that natural Aloe Vera gel was an effective burn treatment of skin burns caused by X-rays and ultraviolet and gamma rays. Today, thanks to the dedication and work of hundreds of scientific researchers throughout the world, and in particular, the studies by Robert T. Davis, Ph.D., of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, and Ivan E. Danhof, Ph.D., M.D., author of "Remarkable Aloe," we now know a great deal more about the chemical make-up of Aloe Vera and its potential to address select human health concerns. Studies have shown that Aloe Vera is a heterogeneous mixture of more than 200 individual constituents, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

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Aloe Vera: Effective Ingredient

We now know that properly processed Aloe Vera gel, sometimes in combination with other ingredients, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It can also improve vascular (blood) flow, inhibit the production of thromboxanes that interfere with recovery, reduce scarring and, when properly applied over time, can lessen the unsightly "age spots" that appear on skin that has been over-exposed to sunlight. Given all this, it is hardly surprising that many in the medical community have suggested the possibility that Aloe Vera gel may well turn out to be the next "wonder drug" of our age! Adding to all the above, we know that properly processed Aloe Vera gel has the same pH reaction as human skin, it is hypoallergenic, has anti-itching properties, is a superior skin penetrant and an effective skin moisturizer.

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