More specifically, it is found in North Africa, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean region, Australia and parts of the United States. Historical data shows that aloe vera has long been an important component in herbal medicine.
Other civilizations including the Arabs, Greeks, and Spaniards used aloe vera to reduce sweating and eliminate body odor. Spanish missionaries often took aloe vera with them to treat the sick.
Aloe oil is not really a pure oil. It is a herbal blend of aloe vera and fatty oil. This vegetable oil essentially has the properties of aloe, from which it is extracted. However, being associated with a fat, its nutritional properties can be improved or reduced.
Most of the therapeutic benefits of aloe vera come from its fleshy, water-retaining leaves and especially the nutrient-rich gel that is extracted from them. The oil is usually made from the leaves or the gel.
Some uses of aloe vera oil
Aloe vera is commonly used in the cosmetics and food industry. It is widely used in body care products, such as lip balms, lotions and other skin care products.
Aloe vera itself is of course a very popular skincare product. Some use it as a gel to relieve itching, speed healing of wounds, and as a moisturizing agent. Here are other possible uses of aloe vera oil:
Massage oil, due to its ability to relieve pain and inflammation.
Aromatherapy oil. Aromatherapists often mix aloe vera oil with other carrier oils to benefit from its soothing and regenerating action.
Hair care. It can be used as a conditioner to treat dry scalp and dandruff.
Treatment of insect bites. This vegetable oil can also be used to treat swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites, especially bee and wasp stings.
Dental care product. The nutrients found in aloe vera have been shown to aid in the treatment of periodontal disease. Used in massage on the gums and teeth, this oil can reduce the risk of cavities and dental plaque, as well as gingivitis.
Composition of aloe oil
Most of the beneficial compounds in aloe vera gel are transferred to the oil during its manufacture. Here are the nutrients that the gel and the oil give you:
Vitamins C, A (beta-carotene), E (alpha-tocopherol), B1, B2 and B6 (choline and folic acid)
Minerals. Aloe vera is known to absorb nutrients from the soil. It provides iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, manganese, sodium and potassium
Amino acids. Aloe oil contains 20 amino acids as well as 7 or 8 essential amino acids
Anthraquinones, including aloe emodin, aloin and cinnamic acid.
Lipid-like compounds, including arachidonic acid, gamma-linoleic acid, and other phytosterols
Polysaccharides, which are carbohydrate molecules with beneficial properties.
The benefits of aloe oil for the skin
Aloe oil possessing the therapeutic virtues of the aloe vera plant, it has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and astringent action.
Just like aloe vera gel, aloe oil is known for its beneficial effects on the skin. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps the skin to heal quickly from sunburn. Aloe vera can also be used to heal minor cuts and wounds.
Aloe oil is a good alternative to chemical moisturizers. The long list of antioxidants present in the plant, including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, make the skin supple and firm. They can help prevent the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks.
Aloe vera is recognized for its action against acne due to its ability to reduce skin inflammation, blistering and itching.
Aloe vera is used today to treat common skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and redness. Its soothing nature makes it effective in treating and relieving pain caused by herpes and shingles.
Aloe vera is also an effective hair care. In addition to treating dandruff and dry scalp, the plant can also promote hair growth and strengthen it. Mixed with tea tree oil, aloe oil can be effective against fungal infections of the scalp.
People with osteoarthritis can also get relief from aloe vera. Applied topically to painful joints, it can help reduce inflammation.
Some Possible Side Effects of Aloe Oil
Always be careful with aloe oil as it can cause allergic reactions in some people. To find out whether or not you are allergic to aloe vera, do a skin test, or apply a drop of oil to a small area of your skin. Compounds in aloe vera can react to certain medications, such as laxatives, diabetes medications, and diuretics.
Diarrhea caused by the herb can lower your potassium levels, which can affect the potency of some medications. As with any herbal oil, consult an experienced aromatherapist or doctor before using aloe vera oil, especially if you are under medical treatment, pregnant or breastfeeding.
