The Aloe Vera plant has become so popular these days due to its many health benefits and ease of growing. These plants are so versatile and can be used topically for burns and wounds. Aloe can also be used internally for digestion.
Aloe has over 400 species; the one generally used for health is Aloe barbadensis. The plants themselves can thrive under many conditions. Easy to plant and easy to harvest. Keep one on your kitchen windowsill.
You can easily use a cut leaf and rub the inside gel on burns while working in the kitchen. Or if gardening or working on the lawn can help squeeze some gel from inside the leaf to cover a wound or cut to help it heal.
Aloe has been used around the world for its nutritional support and topical healing. It has about 75 active substances and benefits include amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
Aloe Vera produces two substances for health, the gel and latex. The gel is used in skin health and for stomach ailments. The latex is used for depression and diabetes.
There have been many research studies on Aloe, proof that this plant does indeed work to heal.
- Skin conditions including rashes and skin irritations. Studies have shown it can help the itching burning of dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.
- Skin cleanser and for washing the face of makeup, or as a shaving cream. Or exfoliating by adding sugar or baking soda to scrub your skin; giving strength to skin cells and increasing oxygen.
- Get rid of bad breath by mixing some aloe gel with apple juice or water which soothes acid indigestion, the cause of bad breath.
- Hand sanitizer and skin softener, just add a dollop to your palm and blend in to face and hands.
- Rejuvenates hair says Diane Gage, author of Natures Soothing Healer. Aloe has the same chemical makeup as keratin, the main protein in your hair. This gives your hair more elasticity so there is less breakage.
- Great for the Eyes, for dark circles and bags under the eye, it reduces inflammation and lightens the skin.
- Prevents dandruff since dry skin or fungus can create dandruff. Aloe is antibacterial and antifungal and moisturizes.
- Aloe gel as a drinkable juice for stomach upset, IBS, or ulcerative colitis. You can find this in the market in digestive health area. You can also add to smoothies.
- Burns and Sunburns can rub into affected areas liberally; it absorbs quickly and helps speed up the healing process.
- Reduces Acne and helps with scarring. Its compounds regenerate new cells and calms redness and inflammation. Also, it reduces pore size and lightens blemishes.
Aloe Vera Skin Recipes
Always scrape gel out of leaves carefully due to needles on edges of leaves. Or you can slice off the outside edge and then scrape out the gel.
You can also buy aloe gel already cold pressed and bottled for use.
For eye makeup mix a little aloe gel with coconut oil and lightly use a tissue to wipe makeup off.
For a cleanser mix aloe with jojoba and a few drops of essential oil of your choice.
For a moisturizer use aloe, jojoba and almond oil, with a few drops of your favorite essential oil like rosemary, lavender or rose.
References:
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/guide-to-growing-your-own-aloe-vera/
https://draxe.com/aloe-vera-benefits/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/aloe-vera-for-face-skin-hair/
Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.