The positive effects of aloe vera are known throughout the world. The aloe vera juice (which is the gum resin of the plant’s leaves) has numerous health benefits. Proponents use it as a topical application for first and second-degree burns to treating irritable bowel disease. It’s essential that it is grown without any pesticides.
When used in baby care products, aloe is typically used to hydrate. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties for skin irritations like diaper rash.
Table Of Contents
What Is Aloe Vera • Origins • Health Benefits
Is Aloe Vera Safe For Baby • Aloe Vera In Baby Products
What Does Aloe Vera Look Like • Aloe Vera Babies
Origins Of Aloe Vera
Aloe or organic aloe barbadensis belongs to the family of the genus “Aloe.” This genus has about 400 species. Aloe vera is a succulent plant. Aside from being used for indoor decoration, it is widely cultivated for agriculture and medicine.
Origin
The origins of Aloe vera are debated–some point to Sudan while others note the Arabian Peninsula. But for 6,000 years, aloe vera has survived the test of time. It is recognized all over the world for its wonderful therapeutic properties. From the early Greek and Egyptian times to Japanese and Indian culture, it has been a part of our world’s culture for a long time.
As early as 2100 BC, aloe’s healing properties were noted in a tablet in Mesopotamia. In 1550 BC, a detailed description describing how to use aloe vera internally and externally was seen in Egyptian text documents. The Greeks were also reported to use the plant to heal wounds and various skin diseases.
The plant was introduced to the rest of Asia and Europe by the 17th century. In 1753, Carl Linnaeus referred to Aloe as Aloe perfoliata[2]. In 1768, Nicolaas Laurens Burman described aloe vera in Flora indica. Ten days later, it was referred to as aloe barbadensis miller in the Gardener’s Dictionary by Philip Miller[3].
A Plant By Known By Many Names
The aloe vera plant is known to be called by many names throughout the world. Some of these are:
- Organic Aloe Barbadensis
- Aloe Perfoliata
- Aloe Indica Royle
- Aloe Vulgaris
- Indian Aloe
- Barbados Aloe
- Chinese Aloe
- True Aloe
- First Aid Plant
- Burn Aloe
- Lily of the Desert
What the plant looks like
This evergreen perennial is stemless. Its leaves are thick, spotted, and vary in colors of green to gray. Aloe vera has orange-red flowers that bloom every summer. The plant can grow up to 35 inches tall with a tubular corolla of 0.8 to 1.2 inches long.
Aloe vera can scorch with too much sun exposure and whither if given too much water. Since it is classified as a cactus, an excellent quality cacti mix should be used to allow proper growth.
When grown in pots, aloe vera requires excellent water drainage, well-fertilized soil, and sunny weather. Sometimes, farmers find the plant difficult to grow because its multiple fleshy stems can crowd the pot. If this happens, the “pup” should be cut and separated from the “mother plant.” This provides more room for growth and avoid pest infestations. Terracotta pots are popular choices for growing aloe vera.
Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is favorite among consumer products. It’s found in a wide array of products, from beverages and food to cosmetics and medicinal ointments, Here are some ways aloe vera can be used.
Aloe Vera Gel Is Good For The Skin
Aloe vera gel is popular as a natural remedy for healing skin abrasions and to combat aging. You can tear the aloe leaf and apply the raw gel on your skin or face. It’s not surprising that aloe vera extract ais found in many skin care products from toiletries to makeup.
Treats Radiotherapy Side Effects
Cancer treatments can be exhausting to the patient and hard on the skin. Radiation dermatitis can make the skin become red and take on a sunburn appearance. It may itch, burn, or peel[4]. Applying aloe vera gel to the area of the surface where radiation has touched may soothe and accelerate healing as aloe vera can act as a mild anesthetic.
Some people also drink aloe vera juice. However, patients should check with their MD before using aloe vera in this manner. Aloe vera juice can cause diarrhea and bloat in larger amounts.
Care For Hair
The aloe plant boosts natural hair growth as it helps the hair retain volume and health. Its anti-inflammatory effects may treat stress-related skin diseases such as androgenetic alopecia and baldness.
Treats Wounds
Over time, aloe vera has proved to heal skin wounds and burns naturally. It is often used as a first-aid medicine in dressing wounds and severe skin burns in the emergency room. The gel helps close the wound while decreasing the healing time.
Aloe vera has been used successfully to treat third-degree burns, tissue injuries, gunshot wounds, and restore the skin to its previous health[5].
Helps To Fight Aging
Aloe vera is believed to be capable of delaying aging. Aloe vera oil is used as a vital ingredient in many anti-aging products in today’s market. The ingredient promotes youthfulness by fading wrinkles and rejuvenating tired skin. It’s believed that aloe vera scavenges the body for free radicals[6]. Aloe vera moisturizers penetrate the skin quickly which makes it helpful in diminishing lines and making the skin supple and bright.
Cures Gum And Mouth Diseases
Mouth diseases may be helped with the use of oral aloe vera powder when brushing the teeth. Aloe vera may provide relief to gum inflammation and minor wounds inside the mouth. Gargling aloe vera juice regularly may help keep your gums healthy and prevent mouth diseases[7].
How Aloe Vera Works For Babies
Aloe vera benefits have been established for decades, so it’s no wonder that it is valued in baby skin care products. Aloe vera contains 18 amino acids that heal wounds and skin issues. It is rich in minerals that strengthen the immune system, cures dermatitis, and heals wounds. The sap of the aloe vera has natural and safe antimicrobial agents that may soothe even the worst sunburns and skin issues.
The reason Aloe vera can treat diaper rash effectively resides in its ability to balance the pH of the skin. A 2-year study conducted by the National Toxicology Program demonstrated that organic aloe barbadensis is free of carcinogenic elements[8].
Why You Can Find Aloe Vera Benefits In MADE OF Organic Baby Skin Care
The benefits of the aloe vera plant are endless, and that is only one of the many reasons why this ingredient can be found in our baby skin care products.
First and foremost, aloe vera is not dangerous. It is gentle to infants and growing children. Since 2011, all organic aloe vera manufacturing companies were instructed to register with their respective state governments and the federal government to make sure their products are safe to use.
Heals Diaper Rash
When your child has a diaper rash, it’s a struggle. Diaper rash can irritate their skin and deprive both baby and parents of a good night’s sleep. Aloe vera gel heals wounds and burns. So it’s not a surprise that it can also treat diaper rash among babies. In fact, according to a study by the National Institute of Health, organic aloe barbadensis is therapeutic for babies experiencing painful diaper rash.
No Side Effects Were Observed
But if you have an aloe vera plant in your home, you can also directly apply it to your baby’s infected skin for quick comfort. The aloe vera gel alone is made up of 95% water and contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Using ointments that have aloe vera gel along with other healing nutrients is a win-win for your baby.
Relieves Sunburn Among Children
Although many sunscreen products for children contain soothing aloe vera, the best treatment is prevention. Remember, your baby’s skin is very sensitive. So, using a good sunscreen whenever they are exposed to the sun is crucial.
Heals Skin Infections
Organic aloe gel is a great moisturizer that includes anti-inflammatory properties, making the plant a healthy alternative in treating burnt skin and infections. Pure aloe barbadensis improves blood circulation in the affected area of the skin which then decreases the healing time for wounds, burns, or patchy skin[9].
Aloe Vera Is Safe For Your Baby’s Skin
Aloe vera moisturizer derived from pure aloe vera is vital as your child’s skin is far more fragile than that of an adult’s and the younger your children are, the more susceptible they become to skin diseases.
Look for an aloe vera product that is organic, free of additives, and cruelty-free. Applying these products will give your baby extra protection because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Using it on your baby’s regular skin care routine can moisturize and dehydrate their skin while reducing irritation, rashes, or inflammation.
Is Aloe Vera Safe For Baby References
[1] Online Etymology Dictionary; Aloe.
[2] Linnaeus, C. (1753). Species plantarum, exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis.specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas Stockholm.
[3] LE, N. (1979). In defense of the name Aloe vera. In N. LE, The Cactus and Succulent Journal of Great Britain (pp. 21-23).
[4] BreastCancer.org; Managing Skin Side Effects,Last Modified On July 20,2016 at 10:43am.
[5] Annals Of Dermatology; Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in vivo, Ann Dermatol,Published Feb 28, 2009.
[6] Indian Society Of Periodontology; Aloe vera: Nature’s soothing healer to periodontal disease,Sept 15, 2011.
[7] Indian Society Of Periodontology; Aloe vera: Nature’s soothing healer to periodontal disease,Sept 15, 2011.
[8] National Toxicology Program; Aloe Vera, June 2016.
[9] Bond, A. B. (2005). Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle. Rodale Inc.
