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Nature has a way of providing us with bounties that we can use in so many different ways. We just need to know how to do that. Amongst the wide variety of plants that we see around us, there is one innocuous-looking which we all tend to ignore because it is so readily available. Aloe Vera grows in abundance all around us and is packed with an unbelievable amount of goodness and benefits. So we need to make use of it in the best possible way.
Aloe Vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves. It is a medicinal plant that people have used for thousands of years.
It has several benefits, and it is a good idea to have an Aloe Vera plant at home. Though one can buy aloe vera gel from a store, it is always better to use the naturally available option, which will be without any preservatives or chemicals.
The plant can be used topically as a gel, or it can be had as a juice.
How to Make Aloe Vera Gel at Home?
Aloe vera gel can be made very easily at home. All you need is an Aloe vera plant, a knife, a spoon, a blender and an airtight container.
Follow the steps listed below, and you can have the Aloe vera gel all ready for use.
Step 1:
Cut off one of the outer leaves from the base of the aloe vera plant.
Step 2:
Wash it well to remove all traces of any dirt or dust.
Step 3:
Keep it upright in a cup or a glass for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the brownish sap to drain out of the leaf. The sap needs to be removed as it contains latex which can irritate the skin.
Step 4:
After the sap has been completely drained out, wash the leaf to remove all traces of the liquid.
Step 5:
Peel the thick skin with the knife to get the aloe vera gel. Using a spoon, scoop the gel into a blender, and blend it till it is all frothy and liquefied.
Also Read: Caring For Your Hair and Skin – The Natural Way
Now the organic aloe vera gel is ready for use.
This gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. But make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
There’s nothing not to love about Aloe because of all it offers. There are several benefits of Aloe Vera that cannot be ignored.
Aloe Vera Benefits
The gel and the juice from the plant have several benefits. The only difference is that the gel is to be applied, whereas the juice is to be ingested.
Aloe Vera Juice Benefits
To get the health benefits from the plant, you need to drink the juice. To get the juice, mix 1-2 teaspoons of the gel in water and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
Aloe Vera Contains
- Twenty of the twenty-two amino acids required for humans,
- Vitamins A, C, E and B12,
- Eight enzymes that bring down inflammation,
- Saponins which act as antiseptic agents,
- Salicylic acid, which helps reduce breakouts
- Copper, Selenium and Zinc are well-known skin-friendly minerals.
- The presence of all of these ensures that the plant can effectively deal with many of our health, skin, and hair problems.
Also Read: Benefits of Hair Oiling
Benefits of Aloe Vera on Health
These are some health-related issues that Aloe Vera can help cure-
• Constipation– Aloe Vera helps relieve constipation. Its high water content helps ease bowel movement, thereby making it regular.
• Liver function: It helps keep the liver hydrated and naturally helps flush out toxins; as a result, the liver can function at its optimum level.
• Immunity: The juice from the plant helps improve overall well-being and boost immunity levels.
• Oral Health: Aloe Vera can be used as a mouth wash to prevent plaque (bacteria biofilms) on teeth, a great natural alternative to synthetic chemical agents.
• Diabetes– It is also used as a remedy to cure diabetes; Aloe Vera juice mixed with the juice extracted from the bitter gourd vegetable is a fantastic way to deal with diabetes.
• Cardiac Health: Aloe juice is known to lower cholesterol levels.
Also Read: Healthy Habits for Women Under 30
Benefits of Aloe Vera on Hair
Aloe Vera gel has several uses for our crowning glory as well. You need to apply the gel directly to the scalp. Massage it and keep it on for about an hour to get the following benefits-
Moisturizes the Scalp
Since the water content in aloe vera is very high, it helps keep the scalp and the hair hydrated. It locks in the moisture, thus fighting dryness. This also helps to reduce the itchiness of the scalp.
Reduces Hair Fall and Enables Hair Growth
Aloe vera helps in improving blood circulation and provides vital nutrients for hair growth. Vitamins A, C and E present in the plant contribute to hair growth. Vitamin B12 and folic acid in it help to reduce hair fall. The combined effect is that you have healthy, long and thick hair.
Reduces Dandruff
A dry scalp causes dandruff. But if you moisturize it, that can take care of the problem, and aloe vera is an excellent way to do that. Aloe vera combined with tea tree oil is a fantastic way to deal with dandruff.
Benefits of Aloe Vera on the Skin
Anti-Ageing
Aloe vera Has miraculous anti-ageing properties, known to improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
It increases collagen synthesis and enhances tissue regeneration when applied or eaten.
Cuts and Bruises
When applied to minor cuts and bruises, Aloe vera can heal them effectively.
Acne
The soothing effect of the pant can help deal with acne.
Other Skin-Related Issues
Alo Vera is known to provide relief from conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.
Burns: Known for its miraculous regenerative properties, it provides instant relief from burns, including sunburn, and heals burnt skin.
Dark Circles and Under-Eye Dryness
Aloe Vera is an excellent moisturizer. It can take care of the dark circles and remove the dryness under the eyes, preventing the formation of fine lines. You need to apply directly onto the skin and leave for at least 30 minutes, if not more Once it dries completely, it will leave you with a soft matt finish making it possible to apply makeup directly.
Sun Protection
Aloe Vera is an excellent sunscreen and can be used in place of the store-bought alternative.
Aloe Vera Benefits for Men
Apart from all the other benefits, aloe vera is of great use to men. They can use the gel as an aftershave to help heal razor cuts or burns.
When to Apply Aloe Vera?
Benefits of Aloe on Face Overnight
Our skin tends to lose more moisture at night than during the day. Skin cells also tend to repair themselves at night. Moreover, new cells are generated at night. Therefore, the Aloe Vera gel should be applied at night.
Aloe vera has properties that penetrate deep into the skin, replenish the lost moisture, and rejuvenate the skin, giving it a healthy glow. So therefore, applying it at night will help it to work on your skin and revive it.
Apart from every other benefit, the aloe vera plant imparts a valuable life lesson. It tells that just because something is inexpensive and readily available doesn’t mean that it is not valuable. Not every time do we need to give an arm or a leg to get some benefit. Therefore we must learn to value small things in life.
Therefore get an aloe vera plant and get all the benefits sitting at home!
What do you think?