CategoriesPlants and Active Ingredients Guide

Aloe Vera : Benefits, origin, uses and food supplements

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aloe vera

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant renowned for its many properties:

  • Moisturizer Maintains moisture levels in the skin and scalp.
  • Soothing Relieves irritation, redness and sunburn.
  • Healing Promotes tissue repair and accelerates healing.
  • Antioxidant Protects against premature ageing of the body.
  • Mild laxative Stimulates intestinal transit in the event of occasional constipation.

Origin and history

Aloe Vera is native to South Africa and grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It has been used for over 5,000 years oldThis is particularly true of traditional Egyptian, Greek and Chinese medicine.

The Egyptians called it "the plant of immortalityHippocrates, regarded as the father of medicine, recommended it for treating various skin and digestive disorders. Today, it is used in phytotherapy, cosmetics and the food industry.

Use of Aloe Vera

1. External use (skin, hair)

Aloe Vera gel is applied directly to the skin to :

  • Deeply moisturise.
  • Soothes irritation, redness and itching.
  • Soothes minor burns and sunburn.
  • Reduces acne and improves wound healing.
  • Strengthens hair and soothes itchy scalp.

Available formats Pure gel, creams, lotions, hair masks.

2. Internal use (food supplement)

Aloe Vera juice and capsules are used for :

  • Improves digestion and combats gastric acidity.
  • Stimulate intestinal transit.
  • Provide antioxidants and boost immunity.
  • Detoxify the body and encourage the elimination of toxins.

Available formats juice, ampoules, capsules, tablets.

Aloe Vera as a food supplement

Aloe Vera is available in several forms in phytotherapy:

  • Aloe Vera juice Rich in nutrients, it aids digestion and boosts energy.
  • Capsules and tablets Concentrated plant active ingredients for everyday use.
  • Bulbs Liquid form for rapid absorption of benefits.

Recommended dosage

  • Aloe Vera juice 20 to 50 ml diluted in water, once or twice a day.
  • Capsules 200 to 300 mg per day, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Precautions and contraindications

Aloe Vera is generally well tolerated, but certain precautions should be taken:

Do not use in case of :

  • Allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family (onions, garlic, asparagus).
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (risk of uterine contractions).
  • Severe digestive disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, colopathy).

Possible side effects :

  • Diarrhoea in the event of abuse of Aloe Vera juice.
  • Dehydration and loss of potassium if used as a laxative for prolonged periods.

Suggested combinations with Aloe Vera

  • Skin beauty Marine collagen, hyaluronic acid.
  • Transit and digestion Psyllium, vegetable charcoal.
  • Detox and energy Spirulina, chlorella.

Conclusion

Aloe Vera is a plant with exceptional virtues, used both in cosmetics and phytotherapy. Its gel moisturises and protects the skin, while its juice aids digestion and protects the skin. boosts the immune system. To be consumed and applied in moderation to enjoy its benefits without risk.

Sources and references

  1. Atherton P. The essential Aloe vera: The actions and the evidence, 2nd ed. 1997.
  2. Eshun K., He Q. Aloe vera: A valuable ingredient for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2004.
  3. Hamman JH. Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel, Molecules, 2008.
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) : Studies on Aloe Vera
  5. World Health Organization (WHO) : Monograph on Aloe Vera
  6. European Medicines Agency (EMA) : Aloe Vera Scientific Review