Seven Uses of Aloe Vera

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The Aloe Vera succulent is one of the most famous and common succulents to keep at home. It brings with it a lot of benefits and that is probably why a lot of people are drawn to keeping this particular succulent.

The benefits are not hearsay benefits. Rather, the benefits have scientific evidence to support them. Aloe Vera has been a subject for numerous scientific studies for the last decade. In fact, the gel found in the Aloe Vera is being cultivated worldwide for its claimed therapeutic properties.

On a more historical note, in Ancient Egypt, the Aloe Vera was called, “the plant of immortality.” That is because it has been used for centuries in places like Egypt, Mexico, China, India, Greece, and Japan for therapeutic purposes.

Now in the modern world, the Aloe Vera is still famous. We often see tubs of Aloe Vera gel being sold in commercial shops, usually as a soothing gel for the skin or a relief for sunburn. However, it actually has other benefits and since you have your own Aloe Vera at home, you no longer have to buy commercialized Aloe Vera.

For the Skin

Bill C. Coats, R.Ph., C.C.N., wrote in his book, “The Silent Healer,” that Aloe Vera can treat, exfoliate, restore, reveal and provide constant, impressive nutrition to the human skin. The Aloe Vera has anti-aging and nourishing qualities because it is rich in Vitamin C, E, and beta carotene.

No wonder Aloe Vera is a widely known soothing and cooling gel. Just try it for yourself. Get a finger-load of it and gently spread it on any part of your skin, and you will feel instant relief and coolness.

● Dry Skin

For dry skin, it is best to mix Aloe Vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk, then add a few drops of rose water. Mix this well until this turns into a paste substance. Apply it on your dry skin for 30 minutes to get rid of your dry skin. Voilà!

● Acne
Acne is a severe skin problem, and Aloe Vera can be of help to that. Take your harvested Aloe Vera, add flour-like walnuts, then honey. This substance will give you smooth and clear skin over time. No need for expensive ointments!

● Sensitive Skin
We can’t deny it. Some people have sensitive skin. That has become a problem because these people with sensitive skin have to be critical of the products they use.

No need to worry with Aloe Vera because it is definitely something you can use for your sensitive skin. You may add Aloe Vera with cucumber juice, yogurt, and rose oil until they turn into a paste. Then, leave the paste on your skin for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Thus, if you have Aloe Vera at home, treat them well so they can treat your skin well too!

Reduce Hair Fall

Change the soil if you know it is not suited for your succulent. Remember that you can’t just use the regular potting soil. Your soil should be as special as your succulent. For your soil to be right for your succulent, you need a special mix.

Your potting soil needs to be mixed with inorganic elements, such as granite, because we want your soil to be as porous as possible. Our dear succulents do not like too much moisture. Thus, a porous soil will help drain the water easily.

Constipation

In Germany, the use of Aloe latex has now been approved to serve as a treatment for constipation for dosages of 50-200 milligrams. However, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States ruled that there is not enough data that would support the Aloe as an effective treatment for constipation.

Alternative to Mouthwash

Researchers found that Aloe Vera extract can actually be a safe and good alternative to mouthwash. The Aloe Vera extract contains a healthy dose of vitamin C, which can block plaque. The other ingredients it contains can also provide relief if you have bleeding or swollen gums. Aloe Vera saves the day!

Lowering Your Blood Sugar

According to a study in Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacy, it shows that if you ingest even just two tablespoons of Aloe Vera per day, this can cause your blood sugar to fall in people with type 2 diabetes.

Keeping Produce Fresh

Studies have shown that coating produce with Aloe Vera gel can block the growth of many types of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli, both in fruits and vegetables.

So, if you went home after a day of grocery shopping, be sure to coat your fruits and vegetables with your Aloe Vera extract to extend their shelf life. You will no longer have to worry about getting diseases such as meningitis from the bacteria from rotten produce.

Weight Loss

Try using the Aloe Vera as a juice and incorporate these into your daily diet. Studies show that Aloe Vera can maximize your weight loss potential and the effectiveness of your diet. Not only that, but consuming Aloe Vera can also improve your overall health condition. No wonder Aloe Vera is being used all over the world in various forms, such as cream, gel, or juice.

Harvesting My Aloe Vera Plant

The source of all these benefits is the gel of Aloe Vera, which can be found in their leaves. It is easy to harvest the gel of your Aloe Vera. Just follow these simple steps:

Pick Out A Juicy Leaf
With Clippers, Slice Your Leaf Across
Split the Leaf in Half
Extract the Gel

For visuals, go ahead and watch this video and check how Debra Lee Baldwin harvests her Aloe Vera gel here.

If you do not have an Aloe Vera plant at your home, we are guessing that you are probably on the way to the farmer’s market to get one. Who would not? The benefits are incredible, and they go beyond beauty benefits but reach medicinal benefits as well. Do you have any additional benefits of Aloe Vera you’d like to share? Leave us a comment below, and feel free to take a look at the rest of the succulent-rich information hub on our website!