Aloe vera derivatives in your lotion. How much of it is false advertising?

There are many advertisers who claim their products contain beneficial aloe vera derivatives. They include them in lotions, soaps, etc. Most of these claims are nothing more than false advertising.

To put a drop of it in a bucket of goo does not do much good, does it? Yet for some this gives them the “right” to claim their products contain “pure aloe vera”!

This plant is originally from North Africa. References to it date to 3500 BC. It is believed that Queen Nefertiti bathed in a mixture of goat’s milk and aloe derivatives, and that Aristotle once persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socotra (where an abundance of this cactus grew) and use its sap to heal soldiers’ wounds. Fact or fiction, I cannot say.

This rather common plant is one of roughly 250 species of aloe, and all of them are members of the Lily family.

Claims abound as to its beneficial medical properties, but facts are another matter. Yes, it is true that it can be used as an effective laxative, but caution should be exercised, as it can easily upset the electrolytes balance, and the results can be quite serious.

It is also said that its extracts will cure conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, but no proof is available. Same for hair loss.

However, it has shown promising results in the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and peptic ulcers. And we’re all familiar with its healing effects on wounds.

In addition, it was found to reduce blood sugar and triglycerides levels, but provided no significant changes in blood pressure readings.

If you have heard or read that it will cure arthritis and even AIDS, beware! There simply is no proof.

Also, do not ingest aloe derivatives if you’re on certain medications such as diuretics (Lasix, for example), steroids, digoxin, medications for irregular heart rhythms, or medications to lower blood glucose levels!!

If you live in the USA and want to be reasonably sure the product you’re considering contains significant amounts of aloe vera to make a difference, look for the IASC (International Aloe Science Council, a Texas-based company that was started in the early 1980s) seal. I have put a pic of the seal below.

Aloe vera & Skin care products