Aloe is a very popular plant that is well known for its medicinal properties, but some people regard it as a symbol of religious and spiritual purposes. The Mahometans tribes of Egypt normally hang it on there door posts believing that it will protect then against enemy attack and also the Arabic meaning for Aloe is patience and its botanical name is Aloe barbedensis.
Based on information from botanical.com, Aloe originates from Africa and can grow to about 60 feet in length complete with a stem that can have a circumference of about 10 feet, but could reach up four feet in other countries. Aloe stems are very succulents and the leave edges are surrounded by sharp spikes, sometimes the leaves can be colored with white sports. Aloe medicinal properties are embedded in the gel and sticky latex that is found in the aloe leaves, its plants may occasionally come out with attractive yellow, purple or red colored flowers.
Moreover, the active ingredients in Aloe Vera is popularly called the aloe, the aloe is the liquid that comes out when the soft stem is cut open. It is a very useful ingredient that is being used in different numbers of popular cosmetics like ointments, lotions, balms, sunscreen and many more. It is also know to be a very strong healing formulation that is applicable internally and externally. Major scientific researches have confirmed the beneficial properties of aloe for its usefulness in speeding of healing of burns, rashes, bites and also indigestion.
According to the research conducted by University of Michigan, the main active ingredient in Aloe is anthraqauinone and it is responsible for its laxative effects, also it contains polysaccharides which are also a pointer to why the plant can heal skin related diseases. It contains large quantities of amino acids, Vitamin E, C and zinc, aloe contain 99% water and it is loaded with fatty acids.
Undiluted Aloe gel, are available for the use of bites from nettle, bee stings, spider bites, blisters, minor cuts, scrapes, lesions, poison ivy and oak. It is very safe and gentle on skin, alcohol free, non oily and mild. Many parents normally keep them for easy treatment of pains resulting from skin problems. Hardly can you find any skin product that is does not have aloe as one of its active ingredients. Products ranging from lip balm, sunscreen, skin and moisturising lotions all contains a generous touch of aloe.