Native to North Africa and also known as the "miracle plant", aloe vera is a plant with beneficial properties for the body, skin and hair. It is used in a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products, as well as food supplements. Let's discover the many benefits of aloe vera together!
Aloe vera, presentation :
Aloe vera comes in the form of a rosette of fleshy, thorny leaves, which can grow up to 80cm long. Inside the leaves are two distinct substances: latex and gel. The latex is a bitter, yellow sap containing anthraquinones, molecules with laxative and purgative effects. The gel is a transparent, viscous mucilage containing water, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, enzymes and phytosterols. Aloe vera latex and gel have different uses and benefits, depending on whether they are applied to the skin or ingested orally.
Soothing, healing and moisturising properties:
Aloe vera gel deeply moisturises the skin. It stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for skin suppleness and regeneration. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties, which reduce redness, irritation, itching and skin infections. It also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, which are responsible for skin ageing. Not only that, it also contains vitamins, notably vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, which nourish, brighten and firm the skin. Several studies have shown that aloe gel, extracted from the leaves, is rich in enzymes and amino acids, and is therefore effective in speeding up the healing of first- and second-degree burns.
To enjoy the benefits of aloe vera on the skin, simply apply the gel undiluted or dilute it in a cream, lotion or soap, directly to the area to be treated. You can also use aloe vera gel as a mask, leaving it on your face for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinsing it off with lukewarm water. It's advisable to choose a quality gel, with no additives or preservatives, and to keep it refrigerated to keep it fresh and effective.
To keep hair looking beautiful:
Aloe gel moisturises the hair, thanks to its high water and polysaccharide content, which retain moisture in the hair fibre. It soothes the scalp, forming a protective film that protects it from external aggression, and reducing inflammation, irritation and itching. It promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp and strengthening the hair fibre thanks to the vitamins A, B6, B9, C and E it contains. Aloe vera gel also regulates sebum production, balancing the pH of the scalp and limiting the proliferation of bacteria responsible for oily hair and dandruff. Thanks to its ingredients, applying aloe vera gel restores softness and shine to the hair, nourishing it with minerals, amino acids, enzymes and phytosterols, and making it easier to detangle and style.
There are several ways to use aloe vera to reap its benefits for the hair. You can apply the gel pure or dilute it in a cream, lotion or soap, directly to the hair or scalp. You can also use the gel or aloe vera juice as a mask, leaving it on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinsing it out with warm water. You can also take aloe vera gel or juice orally, in the form of a drink, capsule or tablet. It's important to choose a quality gel, with no additives or preservatives, and to keep it refrigerated to keep it fresh and effective. You should also be aware of any allergies or intolerances to aloe vera, and consult a doctor if you have any doubts or experience any undesirable effects.
The benefits of aloe vera on digestion:
Aloe vera latex and gel are also used to improve digestion and relieve gastrointestinal disorders. Aloe vera latex is a powerful laxative, increasing intestinal peristalsis and promoting stool evacuation. It is indicated for occasional constipation, but should not be used for prolonged periods, as it can cause cramps, diarrhoea, potassium loss and dependency. Aloe vera gel, on the other hand, has gentler and more beneficial effects on digestion. It acts on the digestive system in several ways: it protects the gastric and intestinal mucosa, forming a film that covers it and protects it from attack by acids, bacteria and toxins. It reduces inflammation and irritation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, inflammatory mediators. It promotes the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers by stimulating the regeneration of mucosal cells. It balances the intestinal flora by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and limiting the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, in particular Helicobacter pylori, responsible for most stomach ulcers. Lastly, it regulates intestinal transit by increasing the volume and consistency of stools and facilitating their passage.
To enjoy the digestive benefits of aloe vera, simply take aloe vera gel or juice in drink, capsule or tablet form. Aloe vera should be taken before meals or two hours after, at a daily dose of 10-30ml for the gel or juice, and 100-300mg for the latex.
Benefits of aloe vera on the immune system:
Aloe vera is also an excellent immune system stimulant, boosting the body's natural defenses against infection and disease. Aloe vera gel contains polysaccharides, notably acemannan, which have immunomodulatory properties, i.e. they modulate the activity of immune cells. Aloe vera gel acts on the immune system in several ways: it increases the production of interferons and interleukins, which are cytokines involved in the antiviral and anti-inflammatory immune response. It stimulates the production of antibodies, which are proteins capable of neutralizing foreign antigens such as viruses, bacteria or toxins. It activates phagocytosis, the process by which macrophages ingest and destroy pathogens or dead cells.
To take advantage of aloe vera's benefits for the immune system, simply consume aloe vera gel or juice, in drink, capsule or tablet form. Aloe vera products should be taken daily, at a rate of 10 to 30ml per day for the gel or juice. Once again, we remind you that it's advisable to choose a quality aloe vera product, free from aloin and additives, and to keep it refrigerated to keep it fresh and effective.
Conclusion:
Aloe vera is a plant with many virtues, which can be used in different forms: gel, latex, juice, capsule, tablet... It has beneficial effects on skin, hair, digestion and the immune system. At Ecosystem Laboratoire, we believe in the benefits of this plant: that's why it's included in our aromatic complex! This multi-use product from our well-being range is composed of several high-quality essential oils. It can be used as a massage oil, to soothe insect bites, or in an essential oil diffuser to purify the air in your room!
