Aloe vera is one of nature’s miracles. It is the first thing you grab when you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun. You thank it for soothing your skin, but do you know what else this succulent plant can do? Aloe vera has been called “plant of immortality” and rightfully so. Aloe vera contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that can do wonders for the body both internally and externally. Beyond treating sunburns, aloe vera can provide relief and boost your health in ways you never expected.
To properly use Aloe Vera, make sure to avoid the latex, as this is an irritant.
Juice
All the wonderful vitamins and minerals inside aloe vera can be bottled into juice. Consuming aloe juice can detox the body, restoring it to good health. The enzymes in aloe juice also aid in digestion by breaking down food and allowing it to pass through the body. By reducing the production of acid, it eases inflammation. The antioxidants give the immune system a boost and are thought to act as an elixir in protecting the skin. Aloe juice, anyone?
Medicine
Aloe vera has played a prominent role in medicine for thousands of years. The leaves, which are 99% water, are made up of two substances, a gel and latex. These are the two medical substances derived from the plant.
There are six antiseptic agents found in aloe vera that combat bacteria, reducing infection, and aiding in healing wounds and burns. The gel is most common in treating skin problems, while the latex is a natural laxative that has been found to relieve constipation. Heartburn, blood pressure, acid reflux, and skin conditions have all been remedied thanks to our aloe friend.
Cosmetics
If that sunburn has taught you anything, it's that aloe vera is good for the skin. It can be used as a skin cleansing face wash or to remove makeup. It also hydrates the skin as a natural moisturizer. The amino acids found in aloe vera act as a skin-softening agent. Along with the antioxidants it contains, it is believed to keep the skin looking young and healthy. It is also an ingredient in hair conditioners that strengthens hair and provides relief to a dry scalp. Take a look at the ingredients in some of your cosmetics. Odds are, aloe vera is one of them.
