Aloe vera introduction
Aloe vera is known as a “wonder plant” because of its numerous medical and scientific verified benefits. The leaves of the plant are succulent and the gel produced by it is of many therapeutic uses and properties. Besides using aloe vera in skin, hair, and face; it is also known for weight loss. It’s a million-dollar plant because of its uses in cosmetic, food, and beverage industries. Aloe vera’s amazing benefits make it unique in the category of the medicinal herbal world.
Uses of Aloe vera
- Food
- Cosmetics
- Beauty products
- Food products
- Herbal remedies
- Agriculture
- Medicinal
- Decorative
- Beverages
- Skin lotion
- Ointments
Scientific classification of aloe vera
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperm
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Sub-family: Asphodeloideae
- Genus: Aloe
- Species: A.vera
Description of aloe vera
- Aloe vera is a stemless herb with a height of 60–100 cm.
- The leaves are succulent
- The margin of the leaves is serrated with small white teeth.
- The flowers come in summer.
Bio-chemicals of aloe vera
Many phytochemicals are found in aloe vera.
- Acetylated mannans
- Polymannans
- Anthraquinone
- C-glycosides
- Anthrones
- Emodin
- Lectins
What is the benefit of aloe vera?
- Teeth health: Aloe vera is quite effective for the health of teeth and gums. It has unique properties to prevent teeth cavities.
- Constipation treatment: The dosages of 50 milligrams of aloe vera gel may be taken once a day for 10 days for the treatment of constipation.
- Antioxidant: A research has been conducted in Spain wherein it has been shown that extract of leaf skin and flower of the plant contain methanol, which acts against mycoplasma bacteria. The extract is also an effective oxidant.
- Aging effect: The lotion gets from baby aloe vera plant of one-month duration protects the skin from ultraviolet rays and aging effect as per the study conducted at Kyung Hee University Global Campus, South Korea.
- Laxative: The dried gel can be powdered, which may be used as a laxative. However, its authenticity has still to be examined.
- Toxin purifier: One of the important biochemical substances found in aloe vera is acemannan, a complex carbohydrate. It helps the body cells to enrich with nutrients and also relieve them from toxins.
- Dry skin: Aloe vera helps to make the dry skin radiant. Method: Take aloe vera gel, turmeric, honey, and milk, and few drops of rose water. Now, make a paste of it and leave on the face for 15 minutes followed by washing it with water.
- Scrubbing: Rubbing the paste of aloe vera along with sugar and lemon juice helps to remove dead skin, ensures cleansing of the skin, and also fades out scars and tan.
- Hair fall: Aloe vera contains a biochemical substance called proteolytic enzymes, which repairs the dead skin cells of the scalp. The use of aloe vera gel also helps to condition and shining hair. The chemical composition of aloe vera is almost similar to keratin, thus good for the health of hair.
- Facial glow: The application of the paste of aloe vera, walnut, flour, and honey on the face helps to make it smooth and glow. It also removes acne and blemishes.
Potential benefits of drinking aloe vera juice
- It helps in weight loss.
- Fights digestive disorders
- Removes toxins from the body
- It is good for anemia patients.
- It is loaded with nutrients.
- It helps to balance hormonal issues.
- Excellent gel for the health of skin and hair.
- It also boosts immunity.
- It reduces blood sugar level
- It can fight breast cancer.
What are the medicinal uses of aloe vera?
- It is used as antiviral
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-cancerous
- Can be used as a mouthwash
- Natural laxative
- Flushes toxins
What about aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel can be obtained from its leaves. The translucent gels are bitter and known for healing and curative properties. It contains about 96 % water along with organic and inorganic compounds. It is also rich in amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Can Aloe Vera be eaten raw?
As per the Ayurveda system of medicine, Chinese, and British herbal medicines, aloe vera can be consumed orally.
Is aloe vera poisonous?
No, aloe vera is not poisonous. Drinking aloe vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach helps to improve digestion and treats many digestive related problems.
Does aloe vera dry out the skin?
Aloe vera smooths the digestion process. It makes you healthy from the inside, which will notice in your outer skin. It contains vitamin C, E, and beta carotene and has an anti-aging effect.
Does Aloe Cure Pimples?
Since it works upon the epithelium cells and tissues, accordingly the skin specialists recommend it in removing tan, sunburn, pimples, blemishes, stretch marks, etc.
Is it good to put aloe vera on your face every day?
The excess of any things is bad. It shouldn’t be used daily as the facial skin is quite sensitive. It can be used twice or thrice a week.
Is Aloe Vera good for the eyes?
It is full of phytochemical substances. So, one shouldn’t use it on the eyes.
Does aloe vera cause cancer?
Recently, a study has conducted, which shows that it has the potential the fight breast cancer.
Can we apply aloe vera on hair daily?
Aloe vera is good to strengthen the hair follicles and scalp. It is also used to prevent hair fall, conditioning, shining, prevention of itching, controlling of dandruff, etc. However, it is advisable to use it twice or thrice a week.
