Today we will talk about the extraterrestrial-looking plant, aloe vera. I am sure you might have seen it and use it before. But today, I will highlight some amazing benefits of aloe vera and discuss a few of its interesting uses.
Aloe vera is very common for skin products, shampoo, and medicine, but there are some excellent uses that you might be missing about this amazing plant.
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Benefits of aloe vera
It’s called a magical plant and today we will see if that is just some claim or if there’s any truth behind it.
For Digestive Health
Aloe vera is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in treating inflammation. It further gives soothing relief. Aloe is also found effective in treating acidity and popularly used to treat the same since ancient times.
1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach in the morning is considered effective for constipation. Regular consumption of aloe vera is suggested for digestive disorders.
In fact, I also sometimes take aloe vera juice in the morning when I feel my stomach is upset. However, I am more of a fan of amla juice in the morning. You can even take aloe vera juice and amla juice with some water and honey. It will support your gut health and give you many required nutrients.
Speaking of nutrients, aloe is rich in vitamins A, C & E, which act as antioxidants, also neutralize free radicals. It also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and other minerals.
Out of 9 essential amino acids, aloe has 7. That makes it a versatile plant for various purposes.
It helps in boosting the immune system and increases white blood cells.
Some studies claim that Aloe is also used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, however much larger studies are needed for any logical conclusion.
Similarly, some sources claim that aloe vera is used in hepatitis, depression, congenital heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, but there are limited scientific investigations to support such claims.
For skin treatment
I think aloe is more popularly known for skin treatment. I mean, you can see it everywhere in face wash, soap, face cream, sunscreen, and whatnot.
Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties. It has anti-bacterial properties and is a good option for treating wounds, cuts, and burns. It is found to have much faster action than other similar gels.
You can apply aloe vera gel directly from the leaf. It’s simple and convenient. You just need to cut a fresh leaf and extract all the gel from it. It’s safe to use (for humans).
That gel can be effectively used as a moisturizer. You can refrigerate that gel and keep it for extended days; pure aloe vera gels remain fresh.
Diaper rashes are common in babies, but aloe vera gel provides a simple solution to that. If mixed with sesame oil, it gives great relief.
Similarly, aloe vera gel is also trusted for the treatment of pimples, dark spots, blackheads, dry and oily skin. However, it is suggested to use fresh aloe vera gel for it and not the chemical-laced products claiming to have aloe vera.
Aloe vera provides a cheap solution as a makeup remover as well. For that, mix aloe gel with coconut oil and apply on the face.
For darker underarms, elbows, and knees, aloe vera gel is useful. It lightens the skin and removes the dead skin.
Similarly, aloe vera uses also includes as a shaving gel and as after shave gel. As it has anti-bacterial properties, it heals the skin perfectly. After shave, people experience itching and irritation, but aloe gel is an excellent solution for that.
For hair
There are many benefits of aloe vera for hair as well. If you have an itchy scalp and have a dandruff problem, then aloe gel comes to the rescue. You can apply it on the scalp, keep it for 15 mins, and then wash it.
It can be also used as a styling gel for hair. It promotes healthy hair, as it has vitamins and promotes stronger hair. Further, it can cleanse the chemicals from the hair and make them healthy.
Using aloe vera gel/juice twice a week on hair supports hair growth and prevent from hair fall.
Other aloe vera benefits
There are more benefits of aloe vera, like if you have a problem with dental plaque, then you can use aloe gel. If not gel directly, then a homemade mouthwash can be very helpful. You can add aloe vera juice and a few drops of peppermint oil and make your own aloe mouthwash. It helps in bad breath, dental plaque, and bleeding gums.
For bleeding and swollen gums, aloe vera gel is a great option as the soothing properties of aloe vera gel will not give a burning sensation.
It is also used for mouth ulcers. Rubbing its gel is effective in treating toothache.
The aloe vera plant itself is useful. You can keep it inside your home, it requires minimum sunlight and grows very easily. It gives oxygen at night and purifies the air. It even helps other saplings and seeds to grow.
You can even cook aloe vera gel, make sure to clean it first. I know some people who eat it. We tried it as well. It was an okay experience.
Important things to remember about aloe vera
Although Aloe vera gel and juice are considered safe but it could give some itching in the beginning. Those who have allergies related to plants should avoid it.
People with diarrhea should also refrain from consuming it. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid use and consumption.
Aloe vera benefits for hair are already discussed, but for some, it could lead to itchiness and irritation. Pure aloe vera gel or natural gel without added chemicals is suggested. Talk to a dermatologist before starting anything new.
Doing a patch test before using aloe vera on the whole face or body is also advisable. You also need to have patience with it. There’s no guarantee that you will see results immediately.
The key takeaway
Aloe vera is indeed a magic plant, this is why I called it extraterrestrial, because aloe vera benefits are countless. I have discussed how flexible aloe vera uses are. The plant may or may not be available where you live, but you can easily find natural products in the market.
In the comments, tell me if you use aloe vera as I do. Are there any trustworthy companies that are making aloe vera products where you live?
Remember to smile.
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