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.

Soap

Origin of soap and its importance for the 

care of our skin

 Nature could be considered (in commercial terms), the best product factory, with millions of years of experience and trial that provide us with results that man (another product of nature) will never be able to match.

 Soap is essentially the result of the chemical reaction between an alkali, usually sodium hydroxide (popularly called caustic soda) or potassium and some fatty acid (sebum or oil).

 There is no definitive answers about the origin of soap. According to historians, in the north of Europe the first soaps were made using animal fats and plant ashes.

 On the other hand, the Phoenicians realized it with olive oil and ashes of plants that grow in the salinas, like the salicornia. 

 But the chemical process of elaboration was basically the same: the oils and fats coming from several sources were put to boil with an alkaline caustic solution to obtain raw soap. This reaction is called saponification.

The oldest known is Aleppo soap. This soap, dating back more than 2,000 years, is still manufactured in the traditional way in the city that gives it its name, Aleppo located in the north of Syria.

 The first large European soap factory, which at that time was known as a "almona" (soap factory, soap factory or shop where soap is sold), was built by the Arabs at the end of the tenth century in Al Andalus, Seville. In the valley of the Guadalquivir, where there were large olive groves and marshes, the raw materials were obtained to make a soap that four centuries later would be known as Castilla soap.

 Also in America a soap factory or factory was built in the year 1575 and it was in Mexico City, made from a mineral rich in soda, called tequesquite and with various plants.

The best soaps are those that are made with glycerin and vegetable oils such as: olive oil, castor oil or coconut oil, in addition to alcohol and caustic soda. Are highly recommended for the care of the skin, due to its ability to easily absorb moisture from the air, managing to maintain hydration of the skin, Being this property  the one that makes it act eliminating the itching, flaking and dryness. This makes it the ideal soap for people who have skin allergies.

Some of these soaps, tend to be combined with essential oils, which provide their characteristic properties, thus, an optimal result for each one of our skin types.

Next we present to them the characteristics most emphasized from some of them:

Rosemary and Eucalyptus soap

The Rosemary is very well known in the natural medicine as it serves as a basis for the manufacture of cosmetic products and its essential oil is in common use in aromatherapy.

Of the rosemary the leaves are used and sometimes the flowers. It is a plant very rich in active ingredients such as carnosic acid a natural antibiotic and potent antioxidant that protects the cells of the skin against the UVA radiation. It also possesses several phenolic acids among which stand out the rosmadial and the Rosmanol.

This grants it properties such as: antiseptic, stimulant, cicatrizant and astringent, so it is especially suitable for skins with a fat tendency and acne.

Its antioxidant properties help to combat aging of the skin and to regenerate it, so it is also suitable for treating skin conditions dermatitis and eczemas.

Its ability to stimulate circulation will significantly improve the appearance of the skin.

It strengthens the scalp avoiding the alopecia.

Its natural emollient properties will make you notice the skin smoother and firmer, without impurities and with an improved appearance.

The rosemary has an infinite amount of nutrients, minerals such as iron or calcium, which will help you to recover the main  functions that make to see the healthy skin, as are the elasticity and firmness.

The eucalyptus is traditionally known as a natural medicine. Its antimicrobial action and antiseptic is highly recommended for infectious states of the skin, Acting of local tranquilizer when the itching states exist and eritemaor physical burns such as prolonged solar exposure,  in addition to acting on the solar and senile spots as well as residual pigmentations.

Among its main active principles is the cineole, of which the eucalyptus oil is obtained.

Lavender soap

Lavender is a pillar in naturist cosmetics, there are several types of lavender, but it is the variety "Lavandula angustifolia", which possesses great qualities, among them are its essential oils, which give it its pharmacological activity. In the case of the skin, it acts as revitalising, accelerating the process of cellular regeneration, maintenance the firm tissue.

The contribution emollient and invigorating the lavender to soaps, makes them highly demanded in cosmetics, its relaxing action on our skin, and its fragrance transmit state of lax, and well-being to the body. Irrefutably is always used in the centers of beauty and Spa for massages and invigorating the skin, accompanied by aromatoterapia.

Since ancient times, it has been used by Romans and Egyptians in the bath, not only for their medicinal properties, but also for its relaxing effect.

It should be noted that the smell of in its use, arrives to stimulate the terminations sensitive scattered throughout the sensory organ more broad of our body, the skin; in addition to give that soft aspect and clean, tones and relaxs our mind.

Soaps with Algae

The soaps with marine components are the star of natural cosmetics. In the sea there are all the basic principles for life, and its waters are the only ones that can match our plasma medium, rich in trace elements, high antimicrobial capacity and cicatrizant, nutritious and widely antioxidants, algae have in the current medicine the first place for their cosmetic application.

The soaps has the ability emollient and moisturising properties on our skin, but if joined their power with seaweed, gives high medicinal power and curative, regenerator antioxidant, with relief of states of irritation, dryness and itching, caused by inflammatory states and infectious of the skin.

The skin is one of the track so that the power of the marine elements, such as salts and algae (by be highly rich in minerals and trace elements), to penetrate all the torrent lymphatic and hematic, leaving the first benefits in herself, with moisturising and emollient effect, because you are dragging the impurities and leaves the clean environment for the proper absorption of of phyto nutrients.

Honey and Cinnamon Soap

We know that honey has the ability to give softness and firm texture to the skin, because of its high antioxidant and moisturizing content that facilitates lymphatic drainage by nature, but if we add the properties of cinnamon, then this type of soap , will give your skin the desired effect, with the exquisiteness of its aroma and natural fragrance they possess both, leaving a bright aspect and soft that permeates of vitality  in all our body.

The effects on the skin of a honey and cinnamon soap is very pleasant, but also transmits feeling of general wellbeing and relax, being one of the most used soaps in traditional cosmetics, free of chemical residues, and irritants, gives our skin a special and unique touch.

Collagen hydrolysed

Collagen is the dominant protein in the body composition of all mammals, is the 95% of the structure and support of cartilages, bones, ligaments and joints in its anatomical and functional composition. It is by nature the element that maintains the cohesion of the cellular structure and maintenance throughout the system of skin, muscle, bone and cartilage.

Until the 25-30 years is produced from the natural synthesis and absorption of nutrients containing after decreases and the tendency is to lose elasticity, thickness and connectivity, becoming weaker until they lose all power of regeneration and synthesis in the senile stage.

polypeptide chains

It is an element made up of amino acids that are arranged in polypeptide chains, this being the cause of that isn't absorbed in a natural, way and also this drift, that the hydrolysed  form is better for absorption, since, in the hydrolysis process these chains are fragmented and it can pass more feasible way from the digestive mucosa to the bloodstream, which reaches up to 85% of the hydrolysate, which shall be deposited in joints and cartilage, as well as in bones to begin the repair process and stimulation of its biosynthesis, what has been shown after  having carried out studies in this regard.

The daily requirement that our organism requires is 2000 mg, for that the process described above is carried to effect, therefore, ingesting supplements with higher amounts, is completely contradictory because it will be degraded and isn't assimilated.

Collagen-rich foods are: gelatin, broth made with beef and fish bone cartilage, as well as yogurt and creams whose thickener use collagen to form cream.

The man in past times, used in their diet these foods without knowing why, but knew that their "substance" was very nutritious, hence the tradition of diet of collagen-rich broths: handyman of beef, pork and fish, although it is poorly absorbed in the diet, less than 1%.

It is of great utility, its incorporation as a supplement in the form hydrolyzed, knowing that contribution begins again or stimulates the synthesis at the cellular level, restores skin and nails, being able to strengthen joints with wear from pathologies like osteoarthritis and arthritis, providing quality of life at man after started its physiological aging.

The revitalization of the skin and skeletal muscle system, does of its use in medicine, a current pillar. Should only be present the dose  appropriate and make rest cycles to give to the body a margin of tolerance and assimilation with the consequent break that should have our metabolic system, liver and kidney, in order not to affect its absorption, nor that of other nutrients.

There are several presentations of hydrolyzed collagen on the market, in capsules and creams, any form is absorbed and their fate will be to go to repair sensitive structures, that is why, if we stop making use of it, and don't keep it, it will reappear the affectation, because there is no definitive restructuring after a contribution little or limited, which is why it is oriented to do continuous cycles, with periods of rest intermediate.

In cosmetics it has been appreciated great acceptance both topically and orally, given that helps recover the firm skin and removing wrinkles and flabby tissue texture, giving a smooth and youthful look to our skin.

Helps to improve our barrier of defense, at the level of the epidermal stratum, and improves fiber elastic, so that the skin will look more revitalized.

In general, it has been said that the basis for a healthy life and maintain a complete well-being, it is a healthy diet. Arrival an age, in which by physiological rule, the body structures are lost and weaken other, we need supplements, including this, the collagen, which in its form we hydrolyzed helps restore cartilage, bone, ligaments, improves pain box joint, and enhances both aesthetic and functional appearance of our skin and the joint system.

Add rationally collagen hydrolyzed to your diet, if provides that there is no contraindication by the medical part, will be a way to recover vitality, health and youth.