properties of aloe

Benefits of Aloe  and its different presentations in cosmetics and naturopathic medicine

Also known as "sábila", it originated in Africa and at the present time it is cultivated in many countries of the world, given that has become the product naturist plant of greater demand in the whole market of cosmetics and herbal medicine. There are varieties of Aloe Vera, but is the variety Barbadiense, the most used for purposes of health and cosmetics.



The Egyptians used it to give beauty to their body. With the development of biotechnology and its application in medicine, has been able to explain the power regenerative, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant.

There are numerous species of Aloe, but only some have medicinal properties. The most outstanding are: Aloe barbadensis (large leaf and flower yellow) and Aloe arborescens (with smaller sheet and the flowers of yellow color, red or orange), grows in the form of a shrub and can reach up to 4 meters of height. According to some studies, the species arborescens possesses the greatest concentration of active principles.

Rich in amino acids, trace elements, phytosterols, mucilage, and unsaturated fatty acids, so its antioxidant, cicatricial and repairing capacity of tissues, is widely demonstrated.

The sheet of Aloe Vera has an outer cover and a mass in the form of glass, slightly sticky to the touch. Between the gel and the crust of the foil are some filaments that contain a substance yellowish, of bitter taste and unpleasant smell, this substance is known as acibar (aloína).


It is recommended to use the processed aloe and free of this substance, because it can be toxic in high doses. Pharmacologically It is used as a laxative, but it is already processed and with the appropriate aloin content to avoid poisoning from high consumption.

Once processed the gel (the weight of the sheet), its use can be from: Freeze-dried powder, capsules, drops (tincture to dilute in water), creams, lotions, soaps, ointments, for purposes ranging from an application for sunburn, until post epilation or simply to moisturize or treat an insect bite.

From the general point of view, it has inflammatory character and antiseptic, therefore the use in ulcers and gastritis processes with great acceptance, due to the action of mucilage on the gastric mucosa, which prevents the proliferation of abacterium very frequent in upper gastrointestinal tract: Helicobacter Pylori.

Its effect cicatricial and repairer of the tissues, make this vegetable, product number one in herbalists, pharmacies, and naturist stores, where the range of presentation includes: lotions, creams and gels for sensitive skins.

Highly recommended to treat sunburn, acting as an astringent, emollient and moisturizing topical, even used in combination with antibiotics to potentiate the effects of the latter, and repair affected tissues with cicatricial delay in diabetics , and patients with affected microcirculation (decubitus ulcers, varicose ulcers, traumatic ulcers).

Recommended to regularize the states of hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, due to its content in fatty acids between them the lauric acid.

The great acceptance of Aloe Vera Barbadiense, is greater after its industrial process, ensuring a high content of pure, between 95% and 98%, optimizing their effects.

There is a tendency to homemade artisanal consumption, and therefore it is recommended to be careful with the substance that gives the bitter taste (the Acibar), irritant and toxic substances for the human organism.

We must emphasize that there are states invalidating for use by their effect potencializador diuretic and anticoagulant. So, those persons subject to these treatments, must not consume Aloe Vera or by mouth, or topically, given that, to be absorbed by the mantle dermatological, passes through the bloodstream and generating the same effect.

The current cosmetics industry combines it in facial masks, with essential oils for body massages, for stimulating irrigation, and antioxidant, in addition to its great astringent power throughout the dermatological stratum (evacuating follicle content ), leaving a hydrated skin and well restored the defensive barrier. Both in acne and in psoriasis, its antiinflammatory and regenerative action is evident,  in addition to nourishing and hydrating, accelerates the process cicatricial and regenerates the collagen.

A peculiar presentation is the use of aloe in creams and protective lotions or solar filters, acting with double focus, which leads to a great demand in the current market, with superb acceptance and global marketing.