Alessandra Ambrosio loves aloe and so should you

Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted leaving a health food store in Los Angeles this week carrying an aloe plant. The Brazilian beauty had just returned home from a trip to Brazil where she spent some time enjoying the soccer games leading up to the 2014 World Cup.

While gossip reports speculate Ambrosio picked up the medicinal plant as a means to treat sunburns during this upcoming summer, there are a number of other reasons the model might want fresh aloe on hand.

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Why Alessandra Ambrosio might keep aloe on hand

According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), ale vera’s medicinal use can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian society. Since that time, the plant–which now is only cultivated and does not grow naturally–has been used for soothing skin conditions, healing wounds and relieving constipation. It is also a popular folk remedy for diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.

The NCCAM indicates that, despite its popularity, there are few studies supporting the use of aloe for all of its common uses. As of this moment, research supports its use as a skin healing aid, though some studies suggest it is contraindicated for deep wounds.

Aloe was once approved by the FDA as a laxative, but in 2002 all over-the-counter aloe laxative products were pulled from stores shelves because the agency didn’t feel the companies manufacturing them had provided enough safety data on the labels.

As for negative side-effects, research indicates there are very few associated with the use of aloe topically. Most side-effects occur as a result of taking aloe orally and are related to gastrointestinal upset.

SEE ALSO: Aloe vera: Friend or foe?

So what could supermodel Alexandra Ambrosio want with an aloe vera plant? Without speaking with her it’s impossible to know for sure, but chances are the Latina beauty keeps the plant on hand to help keep her skin looking its best. Aloe is a common skin remedy used throughout Brazil, and Prevention indicates the plant can be used for everything from acne to psoriasis.

Some women keep aloe as a beauty aid; it can be used to help remove heavy eye makeup; used as a substitute for shaving cream; mixed with almond milk and lemon as a face wash; used as a base for a homemade facial scrub; and used in place of hair gel (even on the eyebrows for a “finished” look).