Aloe Barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis, which you may know as aloe vera leaf juice, is a viscous liquid made from the aloe vera plant leaf. For those that don’t know, aloe vera is a type of succulent plant native to arid climates, such as those in Africa and India. When you think of aloe vera, you probably immediately think of the tube of green gel your parents gave you when you got a sunburn as a child. While aloe vera does have powerful skin healing benefits, there is much more to the plant-based super juice than meets the eye. In fact, aloe barbadensis has plenty of benefits for your
body. Keep reading to discover more about aloe vera leaf juice.
Overview
As mentioned above, aloe vera leaf juice is derived from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. It is produced by crushing the plant leaf to release the juices, and then filtering or purifying the liquid.
The liquid is then packaged and sold commercially as juice in health food stores, or becomes an ingredient in various personal care products. In the beauty realm, aloe barbadensis is most commonly found in hand soaps, facial cleansers, moisturizers, and body lotions.
Benefits
Aloe barbadensis has a whole host of benefits, some of which relate specifically to your skin, and others which are more general to your overall health and well-being. When it comes to your skin, aloe has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which allow it to brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin against harmful bacteria and pollution. Further, some studies have revealed that aloe can slow signs of aging, thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity. Finally, aloe barbadensis is an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help calm the skin and reduce redness for those who suffer from skin conditions like rosacea.
Beyond your skin, the benefits of aloe include their ability to heal burns (especially sunburns) and curb dental plaque (aloe vera juice is said to be just as effective in fighting plaque as chlorhexidine, a common ingredient found in mouthwash). Next, aloe barbadensis can help heal canker sores and mouth ulcers quicker, as well as reduce the pain caused by them. Finally, studies have shown that this plant-based ingredient can help lower one’s blood sugar levels,
which is why it has historically been used to treat diabetes.
Safety
When applied topically as medicine or as a skincare product, aloe barbadensis is safe to use. Many studies have tested the impacts of aloe and found it to be an effective remedy for wounds and infections in both humans and animals. However, research is inconclusive about ingesting aloe barbadensis orally. In low doses, it can have health benefits, but some studies have found that with continued use over time, it can be toxic. The consumption of aloe vera leaf juice has also been associated with liver problems in the past, though this is unlikely.
