Aloe Vera Products

Aloe vera products contain extracts of the aloe plant and is used in food, drinks and also for medicinal purposes in alternative remedies.

Aloe vera is often used to treat skin conditions including sunburns, acne and dry skin, especially in areas that are sensitive such as the face. The sap derived from Aloe vera is also known to reduce inflammation which promotes wound healing and is therefore useful in treating burns, wounds and recently it has been found to have a positive effect on Athlete's foot. There are also Aloe Vera drinks available which can help to treat ulcers of the stomach with many yogurt and drinks manufacturers adding it to their products. Many countries have used Aloe Vera products in their food for generations due to its high nutrient content.

The active ingredient in Aloe Vera products are their amono acids and mucopolysaccharide protein cores which are an important part of connective tissue such as body joints, tendons and cartilage.

The sap from the plant can be obtained by cutting open the lower part of the leaf and the gel can then be directly applied to the skin. However, care needs to be taken to avoid contaminating the aloe vera sap with aloe vera latex which is yellow in colour and irritating to the skin. The sap used should be clear, odorless and tasteless and if not then it is not suitable for application to the skin or for ingestion.

There are few side effects of taking aloe vera products internally, although overconsumption has been reported to cause intestinal cramps.