Aloe vera is one of the oldest recorded medicinal plants. According to the Aloe Vera Medical Group International, "The earliest documentation of Aloe was discovered on the clay boards from Nippur which date back as long ago as 2,200 BC. The people of this era were already aware of the cleansing effect of aloe on the intestines, in this period of history illnesses were always regarded as demonic possession of the body and only a divine plant such as aloe had the natural power to exorcise the demons."
Aloe vera use spread across the ancient world, to Egypt, China, and across Europe. As trade routes and exploration grew, aloe vera made its way into the Americas. The plant grew in importance worldwide. Today, it is a common ingredient in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries with an estimated global market value of $13 billion.
Aloe vera's popularity can be easily linked to its diversity: it is regularly used in first aid, dental care, cosmetics, hygiene, and skin care.
Nutrient: contains many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and is often included in health supplements.
Salve for wounds, burns, and sores: many antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties helps aloe vera heal wounds quickly and efficiently. In addition to protecting wound sites from infection, aloe vera also prevents redness and discomfort.
Mouthwash: studies out of Oral Health Dental Management and the Ethiopian Health Science Journal suggested that aloe vera can act as an effective mouthwash in reducing dental plaque. The antibacterial properties of aloe vera combat the formation of plaque while the vitamins and minerals in aloe vera provide relief for swelling and bleeding gums.
Skincare: aloe vera's quick skin absorption makes it a key ingredient in many moisturizers and cosmetics.
Given the huge range of applications, you are very to find aloe vera in your personal care products. However, many of those products also include animal-derived ingredients...here are a few of our favorite, animal-free, aloe vera products!
Lily of the Valley Aloe Vera Gelly
Looking for aloe without any added ingredients? This aloe vera moisturizer contains 99% aloe vera, designed to be easily absorbed to combat dry and itchy skin. This formula is designed to penetrate at least three epidermal layers.
Hawaiian Moon Aloe Cream
Hawaiian Moon's moisturizers are a mixture of aloe, various vitamins, and other plant extracts to provide optimal effectiveness. It penetrates your skin 7 layers deep, hydrating from the very basal layer of your skin. Because it’s a great moisturizer, it can improve skin conditions ranging from chapped skin, cracked hands, itchy skin, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and more.
JASON Healthy Mouth Mouthwash
Tea Tree Oil, known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic strengths, helps fight acid-forming bacteria that may lead to oral cavity and potential periodontal disease. An infusion of Grapefruit Seeds and Perilla Seed Extracts helps reduce tartar build-up while Aloe Vera Gel soothes gum irritation.
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