Aloe Vera is a wonder herb and has been used for centuries by countries like Greece, Egypt, India, China, Japan, and Mexico for its medicinal properties. In this article, I will list down the amazing health benefits of Aloe Vera. So let’s begin.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a frequent title of Aloe Barbadensis. It is an ancient Indian herb that has a long history as a medicinal plant.
The long leaves of the Aloe Vera plant preserve water in the form of a soft transparent gel. This gel is famous for its hydrating properties and multiple other health benefits.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
1. Improves skin and prevents wrinkles – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is fondly used in skin-care products across the world. Because of its anti-aging and moisturizing properties, it has found its use in multiple beauty products such as moisturizers, face masks, face wash, etc.
Aloe Vera has been known to heal and lessen the appearance of acne when applied to pimples or general areas of redness and discomfort.
It moisturizes the skin and makes it soft and elastic. Regular usage of aloe vera is also proven effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Accelerates the healing of wounds – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is soothing and its anti-inflammatory properties make it immensely helpful in healing wounds. When applied to the exterior of the skin, aloe vera gel can improve blood circulation to the infected area. Ayurveda refers to aloe vera as a wonder herb for skin treatments as it helps to heal cuts, dryness, and even burns.
3. Helps in Reducing Dental Plaque – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Tooth decay and gum problems are quite common these days. You can avoid most of these by preventing the formation of plaque on the teeth.
A mouth rinse study was carried out to check the effectiveness of aloe vera in the reduction of plaque. In the experiment carried on 300 healthy people, half of them were given aloe vera juice and the remaining half were given the standard mouthwash for rinsing mouth. After 4 days of use, it was found aloe vera juice was as effective in reducing dental plaque as was mouthwash.
So it proved that Aloe Vera juice is very effective in killing plaque-producing bacteria and healing mouth ulcers.
4. Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has multiple benefits for hair and scalp. Even today, aloe vera as a natural hair conditioner is used in many households.
- It contains proteolytic enzymes which are helpful in repairing the scalp. This reduces dandruff and itching of scalp.
- It conditions the hair, makes them more elastic and provides them strength.
- Since it improves blood circulation to the scalp , it facilitates the growth of new hair.
- The important minerals and vitamins present in aloe vera are resourceful in preventing hair fall.
5. Detoxifies your body – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera naturally detoxifies your body by removing the toxins and cleansing the digestive system. For best results take aloe vera juice empty stomach every morning.
6. Aloe Vera helps in weight loss – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera boosts your metabolism and helps in burning fat which is why it is considered ideal for weight loss.
7. Relieves Heartburns – Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
The compounds which are found in aloe vera are suitable for controlling the acid formation in the stomach and it is known to provide relief from heartburns. It is also beneficial in treating gastric ulcers and preventing them from getting larger.
How to extract Aloe Vera gel from plant leaves to enjoy Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel and products are easily available online and in stores. However, if you want, you can cultivate your own aloe vera plant and extract the transparent gel all by yourself. Below are the steps to extract aloe vera gel from aloe vera plant leaves.
Step 1 – Cut a leaf of aloe vera plant.
Step 2 – Now from the leaf, gently peel the outer skin and the edges with a knife.
Step 3 – Once done, you are left with the skin with ripe gel on it.
Step 4 – Use a spoon to slide over the skin so as to slip the gel off the skin.
Step 5 – Finally you are left with aloe vera gel.
Step 6 – Collect and store it in a container.
How to Make Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera’s natural flavor is so salty that you wouldn’t want to eat it raw.
So to make an Aloe Vera juice, first extract the gel by following the steps mentioned above. After extracting the gel, you can use the below steps to make fresh aloe vera juice.
Step 1 – Rice the aloe vera gel nicely as its natural taste is extremely bitter.
Step 2 – Cut the gel into small pieces and add it to the blender.
Step 3 – Add up to 3/4th glass of water and blend it well for about 2 to 3 minutes. This should make the forthy juice without any lumps.
Step 4 – Although the juice is ready however if you want you can also add other things to make it taste even better. If you want to enhance the taste try adding a few drops of honey to it and drink it. You can also experiment by squeezing a lemon over it.
Step 5 – Serve it in a glass and consume it the same day.
Aloe Vera Juice – Nutrition Card – based on 2000 calories diet
Nutrition | Value | RDI – Required Daily Intake | % of Daily Requirement |
Calories | 21 | 2000 | 1% |
Sodium | 12mg | 2400mg | 1% |
Potassium | 4mg | 3500mg | 0% |
Carbohydrates | 6g | 290g | 2% |
Protein | 1g | 50g | 2% |
Iron | 1mg | 18mg | 6% |
Calcium | 8mg | 1000mg | 1% |
Vitamin C | 1mg | 85mg | 1% |
A few words from CityMom
Growing Aloe Vera plant in your own kitchen garden or balcony is the perfect way to enjoy it without the worry of added chemicals. It takes little effort to care for an Aloe Vera plant, but the rewards are numerous.
You can use Aloe Vera externally by applying it on the skin as well as internally by making health drinks.
Now that you know the wonderful health benefits of Aloe Vera, just add a bit of it to your daily life and let the magic begin.
References
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov | medlineplus.gov and many others