Aloe vera is widely used as a powerful natural remedy for many ailments, including insect bites.
What is Aloe vera?
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a succulent plant used in alternative medicine. With a total of 420 different plant species of Aloe vera, it is popular in Indian medicine for the treatment of many ailments. For centuries, the plant has gained immense popularity for its beauty, health, skin care and medicinal properties.
The name aloe vera is derived from the Arabic word “Alloeh”, which means “bitter and bright substance”, and vera comes from the Latin word “vera”, which means “true”. For years, aloe vera has been widely used in several cultures: Egypt, Greece, Mexico, India, China and Japan. The plant belongs to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family which thrives in dry regions of Asia, Europe, America and Africa.
Aloe vera field. Image credit: Anyaiivanova/Shutterstock
What is inside Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera contains many vitamins, minerals and other active ingredients that give it many health benefits. Each aloe vera leaf has three main layers. There is an internal gel containing 99% water and the rest made up of amino acids, glucomannans, sterols, lipids and vitamins. The middle layer is made up of latex, a yellow sap containing glycosides and anthraquinones. Finally, the outer layer is made up of 15 to 20 cells called the crust. It acts by protecting the internal part of the leaf and at the same time synthesizes proteins and carbohydrates.
Sliced aloe vera leaf. Image credit: Crystalfoto/Shutterstock
There are around 160 important ingredients identified in aloe vera leaves. Some experts claim that the leaf contains 300 to 400 vital components.
Vitamins
Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants that fight and neutralize free radicals. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and is essential for the growth of teeth, bones and blood. Apart from this, it is a powerful antioxidant that can protect body cells from premature aging. Vitamin E speeds up the healing process.
Aloe vera also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 which contribute to the detoxification process. Specifically, vitamin B12 is vital for nucleic acid synthesis.
Monosaccharides and polysaccharides
Monosaccharides and polysaccharides such as aldopentose, cellulose, galactose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, glucose, mannose and xylose, among others, have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimycotic and immunostimulants.
Enzymes
Aloe vera contains enzymes namely amylase, bradykinase, aliase, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase, catalase, cellulose, lipase and carboxypeptidase. These enzymes work by reducing inflammation when applied topically to the skin.
Hormones
Aloe vera also contains hormones, such as gibberellins and auxins, which contribute to faster wound healing. These also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Secondary plant compounds
Although present in small amounts, secondary plant compounds can help determine the color, odor and taste of the plant. Additionally, they can be effective if used pharmacologically. For example, aloe vera contains essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Other anti-inflammatory ingredients include salicylic acid and tannic acid.
Aloe Vera and insect bites
People apply aloe vera on the skin for various skin conditions such as acneburning mouth, insect bites, skin lesions, diaper rash, wound healing and itchy skin, among others.
Due to its aloe vera content, it has been widely used to soothe insect bites. Aloe vera is known for its skin healing properties. Known as vulnerary, helping to speed up wound healing, it is excellent when applied topically to insect or insect bites, abrasions, psoriasis and even burns.
Apart from that, it is a popular antipruritic, which is a substance that reduces or prevents itching. Additionally, it is an emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin. Therefore, aloe vera is effective in soothing insect bites.
The powerful ingredients present in aloe vera make it a powerful antiseptic against mosquito bites. The vitamins and minerals found in aloe vera can help reduce inflammation, pain, and itching. For example, the vitamin E found in aloe vera can help soothe the skin and reduce redness. In addition to this, it helps speed up the healing of the bite.
Aloe Vera is a powerful leaf that can be used in many ways. Its history as a natural remedy dates back centuries and until today it is widely used due to its healing properties.
