Benefits of aloe Vera are enormous. Aloe Vera is a well-known medicinal plant, which people have used for thousands of years. Its gel is very effective in treating many skin and hair problems.
WHAT IS ALOE VERA?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant – plants that store water in their stems and leaves – species. Aloe Vera is a stemless plant, which is 24 to 39 inches tall. Its leaves are thick, fleshy or juicy and green colored, with serrated edges. Flowers are produced on the spike up to 35 inch tall, with yellow petals. Aloe Vera belongs to genus Aloe. The species Vera means “true”. Other common names of Aloe Vera are “True Aloe”, “Chinese Aloe”, “First Aid Plant”, “Burn Aloe”, “Indian Aloe”, and “Barbados Aloe”. Carl Linnaeus, in 1753, first described the species of Aloe Vera as Aloe perfoliata var. vera. Aloe Vera has been widely cultivated all around the world. Its species was introduced to China and other parts of southern Europe in 17th century. It is also grown as an ornamental plant.
Its succulence or juicy stems allow it to survive the areas of low rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries. Aloe Vera is intolerant of heavy snow and frost. In the snowy areas, it is best to keep the plants indoor or in heated glasshouses. It has gained the “Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit”. Aloe Vera also grows successfully at homes as a potted plant. In pots, it requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions, but these plants can also burn under too much sunlight. During winters, aloe becomes dormant, during which a little moisture is required. There is large scale agricultural production of Aloe Vera in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India, Mexico, Australia, China, USA, Spain, South Africa, Kenya, Jamaica and Tanzania, to supply cosmetics industry.
ACTIVE COMPONENTS OF ALOE VERA
Aloe plants’ leaves contain three layers, which are:
- Gel, which is 99% water and rest is made of [amino acids,]
- Latex, which is bitter yellow sap that consists of glycosides and anthraquinones.
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Rind, an outer thick layer of 15 to 20 cells that synthesizes proteins and carbohydrates, and it functions as a protective layer.
Aloe Vera plant contain 75 potentially active components. These are mentioned below:
ENZYMES
Aloe Vera contains eight enzymes, which are:
- Aliiase
- Lipase
- Bradykinase
- Cellulase
- Amylase
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Catalase
- Peroxidase.
VITAMINS
It contains antioxidants such as vitamin D, vitamin C and vitamin A (beta-carotene). Aloe also consists of vitamin B12, choline and folic acid.
SUGARS
Aloe Vera plants comprise of sugars like monosaccharides, which are fructose and glucose, and polysaccharides, which are glucomannans. The well-known monosaccharide of this plant is mannose-6-phosphate, while the most prominent polysaccharide is beta-(1, 4)-acetylated mannan. Acemannan, a glucomannan, C-glucosyl chromone and alprogen are also found in aloe.
MINERALS
Aloe Vera plants provide important minerals like:
These are important for the functioning of various enzymes.
HORMONES
Aloe Vera gel contains two important hormones, auxins and gibberellins. Auxin helps in healing the wounds and has anti-inflammatory properties, while gibberellin in aloe Vera stimulates the growth of new cells.
FATTY ACIDS
Aloe Vera plants provide four important steroids.
- Lupeol
- Cholesterol
- β-sisosterol
- Campesterol
All these have anti-inflammatory properties and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
ANTHRAQUINONES
Aloe Vera comprises of 12 anthraquinones. These are phenolic compounds known as laxatives. Emodin and Aloin act as antibacterials, analgesics, and antivirals.
OTHERS
Aloe Vera plants provide 20 amino acids and of the 8 essential amino acids. Saponins, soapy substance, form about 3% of the aloe gel. Lignin and salicylic acid are also present.
HOW TO MAKE ALOE VERA GEL
Aloe Vera gel is highly moisturizing and has great benefits. This gel is easily available form stores or markets but they may contain harmful additives. Home-made aloe Vera gel is more useful than store’s. So here is the recipe of making aloe Vera gel yourself using fresh aloe Vera leaves.
To make aloe gel, you will need:
- One or two leaves of aloe Vera
- A knife
- A blender
- A spoon
- An air-tight container
- Powdered vitamin C and vitamin E (optional)
Once you have gathered all the above mentioned materials, it only takes few minutes to make you fresh aloe Vera gel. Here are the steps to follow:
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Cut off one or two leaves from the base of the plant.
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Wash it with water, remove all the dirt and then stand it upright in a bowl for few minutes. This allows the yellow resin (latex) to drain out of the leaf, which can irritate your skin so, this step is important.
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When resin is completely drained, peel off its skin using a knife.
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Once the leaf has been peeled, use a small spoon and put the gel into blender, blend the gel until it is frothy and liquefied.
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Your aloe Vera gel is ready, it will only last about one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can add preservatives in it.
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Vitamin C and vitamin E are excellent preservatives that increase the shelf life of aloe Vera gel.
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For every 1/4 cup (60 ml) of this gel, add 500 mg of powdered vitamin C or 400 International Units (IU) of powdered vitamin E or you can add both.
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Add powdered vitamin C and/ or vitamin E directly to the blender and mix it for one more minute. Both of these vitamins not only extend the shelf life of aloe Vera gel, but also boost the skin protecting power of the gel.
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Now, this preserved gel lasts up to 2 months in the refrigerator.
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You can also freeze this gel in ace cube tray, this frozen gel can be stored in the freezer for about 6 months.
BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA FOR SKIN
Aloe Vera has a variety of different skin benefits. We now know in depth all the benefits of this beauty supplement. Pay attention!
Calming effect: If you are tired of waxing and looking like a tomato, have an aloe Vera-based product on hand because it will be your greatest ally. Most beauty salons apply aloe Vera gel to you after an intense waxing session. An advice! For a greater calming effect, use aloe Vera cream twice a day. For better results, keep it in the refrigerator and you will see how inflammation is reduced in just a few minutes.
The properties of aloe Vera plant make it an ideal ingredient for skincare. One of the great benefits of aloe Vera is to use to control the level of oil in the skin. One of the options for using aloe Vera is to cut an aloe leaf, then extract its glassy liquid. Now use it to a clean face.
Aloe Vera is also known for its large amounts of antioxidants including vitamin E, and vitamin C. The use of these vitamins usually helps to prevent the excessive formation of free radicals inside the body. Therefore, by using aloe Vera you can prevent deep wrinkles, frown lines or expression lines. We know these free radicals play a fundamental role in the aging process. Wash your face with lukewarm water, and let it dry. Apply the best aloe Vera products available in the market. We suggest you to use infinite by forever advance skin care set. These advanced formulas enhance the effects of aloe for anti-aging you can see and feel.
The aloe Vera is not only a natural product ideal for the skincare but also an indispensable element in our emergency kit. It relieves burns, scratches, acne, mosquito bites, and irritation after waxing, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Vera avoids the production of pimples, its exfoliating and antibacterial properties help to remove ■■■■ cells and ■■■■■■■■■ deep into pores, and remove dirt.
The antioxidants present in aloe Vera gel are also capable of neutralizing the damage caused by the sunrays, although it is essential to combine their use with the application of a cream, which contains a high sun protection element.
Aloe Vera is suitable for all skin types. Just combine them with other ingredients, which suit on your face. According to the dermatologist, a person with sensitive skin can use aloe Vera products daily, which contains purified aloe Vera extract. Due to its magical properties, its gel gives relief from the burning and inflammation of sensitive skin.
OTHER BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
Apart from skin problems, aloe Vera plant is considered an effective medicine for many other health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to have a beauty product that contains aloe in our toiletry bag. So, do not stay out and check the benefits of this miraculous plant!
To remain hydrated is very important for overall health. Drinking aloe Vera juice is an ideal way to treat dehydration. Staying hydrated helps your body to remove toxicity by providing a way for you to flush out impurities. Aloe Vera juice also packs a good punch of nutrients that optimize body’s ■■■■■ output. It is a great alternative to sugary drinks, which can negatively affect your health. This juice is low in calories and can be consumed directly or mixed with other juices and smoothies; this makes it flavorful.
Constipation is considered as “mother of all diseases”. It has adverse effects on intestinal and digestive health. Aloe Vera gel can be used as a natural laxative and help move bulk along the digestive tract. The latex contains anthraquinones, which is responsible for the laxative effect. Start taking aloe Vera to treat constipation, be sure to start with a small amount, around 200 ml juice, in order to allow your system to get used to the laxative effects.
Plaque buildup cavities and other dental problems like gingivitis and abscessed teeth. Candidas albicans and Streptococcus mutans are the main reason of plaque in the mouth. The antibacterial compounds in aloe Vera gel target these two strains of bacteria and yeast. According to the researchers, aloe Vera extract is considered a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes. Vitamin C in aloe Vera can block plaque and provide relief if you have bleeding or swollen gums.
These are the sore on the lining of stomach. Aloe Vera is considered as one of the best treatment of peptic ulcers. It has been proven that its gel, if consumed on daily basis, helps to heal the lining of the stomach and to reduce stomach ulcers. The gel may also help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); it reduces the pain and discomfort.
According to a study, ingesting two full tablespoons of aloe Vera gel each day can cause blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes. It also improves the condition like prediabetes. It is considered that aloe Vera may have a future in diabetes treatment.
Aloe Vera promotes heart health in such way that drinking its juice can internally help to improve blood circulation in the body. It decreases total fat levels in patients with high cholesterol, which further helps in reducing fatty deposits and blood clots in the arteries of the heart.
Aloe Vera helps to boost metabolism, which enables the body to burn fats. It is done due to the presence of vitamin B, which converts the fat stored in the body into energy and aids weight loss. Make aloe Vera juice, add some lemon in it and drink it as a first thing in the morning. It can also make you feel fuller for a long time and thus, you can manage your hunger easily.
Aloe Vera is rich in painkilling anti-inflammatories such as acemannan, salicylic acid, and glucomannan. These help relax sore and tight muscles. It is considered that aloe Vera juice can boost your pain relief by as much as 50%.
It is a condition when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. Its symptoms may include bloating, burning sensation in the chest, nausea and cough. Aloe Vera juice provides calming effect to those with acid reflux symptoms. Moreover, the bacteria in the gut such as H. pylori, candida and SIBO can produce gas, which can cause bloating and discomfort in the abdomen. Therefore, the antibacterial properties of aloe Vera kills these bacteria associated with acid reflux and improves digestion.
Aloe Vera is rich in anti-oxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Tannins, Flavonoids, and Carotenoids. All these helps to reduce the stiffness and soreness around the affected painful joints and making mobility of the patients easier.
Aloe Vera is full of important nutrients. Its nutrients-rich gel make sure you do not become deficient. It contains important vitamins A, D, C and E. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid and small content of calcium, sodium, selenium, copper, magnesium, chromium, manganese, potassium and zinc.
BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA FOR HAIR
Raw gel of aloe Vera is also beneficial for hair. Take aloe Vera gel in a bowl and rub it on your scalp and hair, and let it sit for about an hour. It will ■■■■■■■■■ hair follicles, improving dry scalp. Rinse the gel off with shampoo. It contains a plentiful supply of minerals, vitamins and other components linked to hair growth. Some of the aloe Vera benefits for your hair are:
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Aloe Vera gel is also good for oily hair. It cleanses hair shaft efficiently.
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Itchy scalp can be treated with aloe Vera. A study of 1998 clarified that aloe Vera can treat the problem of scalp inflammation, which causes dandruff.
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Using aloe Vera stops or slows down hair breakage or hair loss.
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Aloe Vera causes hair to grow much faster. Vitamin A, C and E in aloe Vera promotes healthy cell growth, shiny hair and strengthen hair.
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Aloe Vera is packed with minerals like copper and zinc, which make hair strong and healthy.
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Aloe Vera, containing antifungal and antiviral properties, helps to treat dandruff and flaking.
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The gel forms a protective layer around hair strands that keeps hair consistently hydrated and safe them from the damaging effects of pollution, sun, and other environmental elements.
ALOE VERA HOME REMEDIES FOR HEALTHY HAIR
Aloe Vera can also be used with other household ingredients to enhance its benefits. Some recipes of aloe Vera home remedies are:
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Mix two tablespoons of aloe Vera and honey, apply the mask from hair roots to tips, message gently for few minutes, let sit for 45 minutes and rinse it off. This hair mask will make your hair thicker and shinier.
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Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind it to a fine paste next morning. Add two tablespoons of aloe Vera gel and mix it. Apply the mixture to your scalp. Rinse it after 30 to 40 minutes. Fenugreek strengthen hair, make it soft and treats hair loss and dandruff.
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For hair growth, use aloe Vera with castor oil. Apply evenly to roots and hair strands, cover your head with a shower cap and rinse it after one to two hours.
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Aloe Vera and apple cider vinegar remedy is useful to get rid of dandruff. Take a cup of aloe gel and add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply it and let sit for 40 minutes. Rinse it with shampoo.
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Take equal parts of aloe Vera gel and onion juice. Apply the mixture on to your scalp, let it sit for 45 minutes and rinse it. This remedy clears out clogged hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
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Aloe Vera gel with coconut oil replenish hair and reduce frizz, this remedy improves the texture of hair strands. Take two tablespoons of aloe Vera gel and one tablespoon of coconut oil, mix them and apply from roots to tips. Wash with shampoo after 40-50 minutes.
For oily skin & Sensitive skin – Check out Sonya Daily Skincare system aloe Vera skin care products. The Sonya™ daily skincare system delivers aloe, moisture, and botanicals deep into your skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. How do I use aloe Vera for arthritis?
Blend the fresh aloe Vera gel and oil in a small bowl and massage the mixture into sore muscles. This will provide relieve to bones.
2. Does aloe Vera kill bacteria?
Aloe Vera has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Its juice helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
3. Can we eat raw aloe Vera gel?
Aloe Vera gel and its skin can be eaten raw, but make sure to wash them with water to remove all the traces of latex, which can cause harmful side effects.
4. Which type of aloe Vera is poisonous?
Three types of its species are harmful. These are:
- Aloe ballyi
- Aloe elata
- Aloe ruspoliana
CONCLUSION
Aloe Vera is a great home plant. It has been proven in use in skincare treatment. Thanks to its many benefits and properties. If you have never used aloe Vera-related skincare products or you are still having trouble finding the right product for your skin then you can consider using aloe Vera related products. Aloe Vera has bountiful health benefits. You will definitely love aloe Vera once you try it.
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Approved by Ayesha Noor.