*Benefits of having Aloe vera juice first thing in the morning
*Benefits of applying Aloe vera gel/pack on hair and skin
Aloe vera is a miraculous plant used by many pharmaceutical and beauty companies. The succulent plant has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, dating back to ancient India and Egypt. Grown in tropical climates it is native to India, North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
The green-cactus looking plant that has amazing health benefits isn’t just meant to be grown in your garden but it is the base of a million dollar industry that extends from beauty creams, healthy juices and diet supplements. This stems from a good reason as the plant has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and it can help treat constipation to diabetes.
So over time, Aloe Vera has seamlessly integrated itself into everything we use. It can be used in various forms like Gels, juice and tablets. It is found in all health food and grocery stores.
Aloe vera farming
Since many pharma, beauty and health food companies want to use Aloe Vera in their products, Aloe vera cultivation is in great demand. Many farmers are making good money with it and there is more demand for it. In India, Patanjali, Dabur and Vaidyanath are the famous companies that buy Aloe Vera.
One simple and cost effective way to use Aloe vera is to grow it in your garden and use the gel directly. You can also make a pack using Aloe vera along with some other special ingredients from your kitchen.
Side effects of Aloe Vera
Even though Aloe vera is considered safe enough for consumption, it’s not 100% safe for these reasons:
- Long term consumption of the latex of Aloe vera has been known to cause effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, kidney issues, muscle weakness and arrhythmia.
- Consuming Aloe vera gel containing latex while pregnant or digestive disorders should exercise caution when consuming Aloe vera gel with latex as it could worsen the condition.
- The Aloe vera gel itself may not be safe for those taking certain prescription medication and may cause interactions.
- Do not eat Aloe vera topical gel as it contains other substances that can be toxic.
- In general, Aloe vera gel, without latex is safe to eat. If you are unsure whether or not you can consume Aloe vera gel, consult your doctor.
Benefits of Aloe vera
It aids Digestion
Aloe vera is considered a natural laxative and it aids digestion. The juice has small Aloe vera gel pieces leave extract. Drinking this juice early in the morning on an empty stomach is recommended to improve digestion, boost metabolism and soothe any kind of stomach trouble
Aloe Vera for supple skin
The skin needs nutrition of its own, Aloe Vera, can treat, exfoliate, restore, and provide impressive nutrition to the human skin. Move past the slimey texture of natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin, you’ll notice how soothing and cooling it is. It can treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns too.
It can be used in all seasons by people of all skin types. It treats the cells on the epithelial level of the skin and can remove remove tan, treat sunburn and stretch marks.
Vitamins in Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing qualities. It can moisturise the skin without making it greasy, which makes it a great buy for those with oily skin.”
This along with drinking Aloe vera juice, will give you a glowing and radiant skin.
Aloe vera for weight loss
According to Britt Brandon, the author of `The Everything Guide to Aloe vera for Health’, “Aloe vera can improve the effectiveness of your diet and maximise your weight loss potential. With ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to weight-loss, as well as amino acids, enzymes Aloe vera ensures your diet is not only supportive of weight loss, but also improves the body’s absorption and utilisation, improving overall health as well as weight loss success.”
Used in health products, diet supplements and juices, Aloe vera is rich in anti-oxidants. It helps cut out free radicals in the body and boost your immunity. It’s also a good source of protein so it helps muscle development and gives you copious amounts of energy. But it should be consumed regularly for it to really work.
How to drink Aloe vera juice ?
You can have about 50ml to 100 ml juice early mornings, followed by a glass of warn water. You can also use the leaves of Aloe vera, blend them, strain and drink. If you find it too bitter then mix it up with honey and drink. You can also add some lemon to this mix.
Aloe vera for your hair
Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes which repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair.
Diane Gage, author of Aloe vera: Nature’s Soothing Healer says, “Keratin, the primary protein of hair, consists of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur. Aloe vera has a chemical make up similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage.”
Homemade remedies using Aloe vera
For dry hair: Take some Aloe vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Blend this mix till you get a paste. Apply it and leave in for about 20 minutes or so.
Aloe vera scrub – Grab half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the Aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. Stir the three ingredients together and use it to scrub both face and body.
For better skin: Take some Aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour like consistency and honey. Aloe vera’s healing properties coupled with the anti-oxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.
For sensitive skin: Aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yogurt and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.