Aloe Vera: The Prickly Plant that Heals

The aloe Vera plant is one of the most unassuming plants. Sure, the little plant has the aesthetics to carry itself as a decorative plant. However, its prickly nature is what belies the greatest contribution of the aloe Vera plant that it has healing properties and its use for beauty and cosmetic products. 

 

 

This evergreen perennial plant originates from the Arabian Peninsula but is widely distributed around the globe. So much, in fact, that regions consider the little plant as an invasive species. It mainly grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates across the world. This hardiness of the plant may be a contributing factor in its ubiquity as an ingredient for most beauty and hygiene products. In fact, it is one of the contributing ingredients to achieving smooth skin with MGC natural products, along with papaya, cucumber, lemon, and many others.

 

 

Aloe Vera has been used as medicine for a long time now. Some of the earliest records can be dated from the fourth millennium BCE, where drawings of aloe can be found in the wall carvings of Egyptian temples. It even has a nickname as the “Plant of Immortality” and was given a traditional funerary gift for the pharaohs. It also appears in the Juliana Anicia Codex of 512 CE.

 

 

Aloe Vera in the Skin

 

 Since it is well known for its healing properties, aloe Vera is considered one fantastic skin moisturizer. When applied on the face regularly, it can help treat various skin conditions, including sunburn, eczema, and acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant can lessen pain, swelling, and soreness of wounds and injuries. Another effect it has is the release of collagen, which is a substance that can help keep skin elastic. 

 

The application of aloe Vera can also help speed up the healing of wounds and reduce scarring. It is even effective on first-degree and second-degree burns. Aloe Vera also has an antioxidant effect. This effect helps the skin repair damage from direct sunlight and slow down the aging process of the skin.

 

Aloe Vera also protects the skin from the damaging effects of radiation therapy. 98% of aloe Vera contains water. This makes the plant an excellent moisturizer. Applying aloe Vera to the skin can hydrate and soothe it. Even on rashes and sunburns, aloe Vera can have a cooling effect.

 

Due to these properties, aloe Vera is often used to treat various skin disorders and injuries that include acne, sunburn, cuts, or skin wounds. Aloe Vera also works well against eczema (atopic dermatitis), rosacea (a chronic inflammatory skin condition usually in the face), and bug bites caused by mosquitos, fleas, mites, etc.

 

 

Risks and Side-Effects of Aloe Vera

 

 Despite the numerous beneficial effects of aloe Vera, there are still some risks that are involved with it. Although topical use of aloe Vera is relatively safe, it is still essential to be careful when applying it. Some people may feel a stinging or burning feeling initially with aloe Vera use. Allergy to aloe Vera can also be possible. A good adviced is to do a patch test first to check for skin sensitivity to combat this.

 

Ingesting aloe Vera in extensive amounts carries its own risks. There is a possibility of aloe Vera lowering blood sugar levels, thus causing hypoglycemia. Stomach pain and cramps are also common side effects. Long-term use at high dosage of the plant can also cause diarrhea, kidney problems, and blood in the urine. 

 

 

Aloe Vera juice also has a chance to lower potassium levels in the body. This can cause irregular heartbeat, weakness, and fatigue. For this reason, older people are usually asked not to take the juices of the plant. Another group of people that must avoid drinking aloe vera juice are pregnant women and lactating mothers due to its irritant qualities. 

 

 

Lastly, Aloe Vera also has laxative effects. If not ingested properly, this can cause dehydration.

 

  

Conclusion

  Aloe Vera is a potent plant that has lots of benefits. Chief use of aloe Vera can be seen in its application as a topical medicine where it can be used as a way to cure multiple illnesses. However, Aloe Vera still carries with it inherent risks, especially when it is ingested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Millaglow.com carries products that contain aloe Vera. These are tried and tested and proven effective. The Milla glow Acne Face wash and Cucumber aloe Millaglow are products that help take care of your skin. You can find out more about them by visiting the main website.