Aloe Vera Oil

Aloe Vera Oil

What Is Aloe Oil?

By itself, aloe oil is not a true, pure oil. It is prepared by mixing the aloe Vera plant with a fatty oil.¹ This plant oil basically contains the properties of aloe, from which it is extracted. However, since it is combined with a carrier oil, its nutritional properties may be enhanced or reduced.
Most of the health benefits provided by aloe Vera come from its water-retaining, fleshy leaves² — specifically the nutrient-rich gel extracted from them. It is usually the leaves or gel that is used to create the oil.
Aloe Vera is a perennial plant and thrives in hot, arid environments. More specifically, it is commonly found in North Africa, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean region, Australia, and some areas in the United States.³ Historical records show that aloe Vera was an important component in herbal medicine. For instance, the Ebers Papyrus from Ancient Egypt and "De Materia Medica" by Dioscorides mention the use of aloe Vera.
The Ancient Egyptians valued the plant as a treatment for infections, rashes, and burns, and referred to it as the "plant of immortality." Other civilizations, such as the Arabs, Greeks, and Spaniards, used aloe Vera to help reduce perspiration and eliminate body odour. Spanish missionaries often carried aloe Vera with them to help treat the sick

Uses of Aloe Vera Oil

Aloe vera is commonly used by the cosmetic, food, and beverage industry. It is widely used in personal care products, such as lip balms, lotions, and other skincare treatments. Of course, the aloe vera plant by itself is also a popular skincare agent. Some people use its gel to relieve itching, accelerate the healing of wounds, and as a moisturizing agent. Other uses of aloe Vera oil include:⁵

• Massage oil — due to its ability to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Aromatherapy oil — Aroma therapists often mix aloe Vera oil with other carrier oils in order to make use of its healing and rejuvenating activities.
• Hair care product — It can be used as a conditioner to help treat dry scalp and dandruff.
• Treatment for insect bites — This plant oil can also be used to help treat swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites from bees and wasps.
• Dental care product — Nutrients in aloe Vera have been found to aid in the treatment of periodontal disease. Used as a massage oil for the gums and teeth, this oil can help reduce the risk of caries, plaque, and even gingivitis.

Composition of Aloe Oil

Many of the beneficial compounds of aloe vera gel are transferred to the oil during its production stage. Nutrients you can obtain from the gel and oil include:⁶

• Vitamins C, A (beta-carotene), E (alpha-tocopherol), B1, B2, and B6 (choline and folic acid)
• Minerals — The aloe vera plant is known to absorb nutrients from the soil. It can provide iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, manganese, sodium, and potassium
• Amino acids — There are 20 amino acids in aloe oil, as well as 7 out of 8 essential amino acids
• Anthraquinones — such as aloe emodin, aloin, and cinnamic acid ester. These have been shown to have antiviral effects
• Lipid compounds — such as arachidonic acid, gamma-linoleic acid, and other phytosterols
• Polysaccharides — which are carbohydrate molecules with beneficial properties. They have been associated with the potential treatment of tumours and cancer, diabetes, and immune function

Benefits of Aloe Oil

Because aloe oil contains the health properties of the original aloe vera plant, it possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antifungal, antioxidant, and astringent activity. Like aloe Vera gel, aloe oil is also known for its ability to promote skin health.⁷
Aloe Vera is known to fight acne because of its ability to reduce skin inflammations, blistering, and itching. It helps the skin heal from sunburn quickly due to its antioxidant properties. Using aloe Vera to aid in treating small cuts and wounds is also recommended.
Aloe oil can assist in keeping your skin supple and firm. It may help prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Today, aloe Vera is used to address common skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and rashes.⁸ Its soothing nature makes it suitable to help treat and relieve pain caused by herpes and shingles.
Aloe Vera is also an effective haircare agent. Aside from helping treat dandruff and dry scalp, the plant can also promote hair growth and help keep your locks strong. When added to tea tree oil, aloe oil can be useful against fungal scalp infections.
People with arthritis may also enjoy pain relief with aloe Vera. Applying it topically on painful joints can help reduce inflammation. Ingesting aloe Vera juice can also provide this benefit, as well as lower blood sugar and cholesterol. This can be particularly helpful for diabetics.
There is also a growing a number of studies linking aloe Vera to skin cancer treatment and prevention.⁹ In one animal research, it was shown that the application of aloe Vera gel onto the skin significantly slowed the progression of skin cancer. Additional findings also showed that aloe vera helped trigger the production of melanin's and other protective substances that could help protect the skin from radiation and the growth of tumour cells.