ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is a short-stemmed succulent plant which originates from the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical climates around the world and is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. The plants have long, thick, erect leaves and form a dense rosette. The leaves contain a translucent gel that is known for its magical properties. This translucent gel is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and Vitamin A, B, C and E. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline.
Aloe Vera has gained worldwide fame for its numerous and varied benefits and is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns.
Today, Aloe Vera is a household name and is often called the wonder plant.
Aloe vera gel and skin are edible and can be eaten. It is important to wash the skin thoroughly to remove all traces of latex, which has an unpleasant bitter taste and may cause harmful side effects. It is safer to consume the gel rather than the skin.
BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
- Prevents Premature Ageing- Apply aloe vera gel on the face directly. Aloe vera leaf is enriched with a host of antioxidants like beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. All these ingredients improve your skin’s texture and help keep the natural firmness intact.
- This plant has the potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. Aloe vera gel acts as a protective layer for the skin to replenish the moisture.
- Aloe Vera is a great hair conditioner and also helps in curing dandruff.
- It maintains the Ph balance of the scalp and helps battle problems like flaky, itchy scalp,
- The plant leaves contain numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and natural sugars which are important for the body.
- Reduces inflammation and aids in the digestion.
- It acts as extremely powerful laxative.
- Aloe vera is known to boost immunity as it causes cells to produce nitric oxide and cytokines which give that much-needed boost to your immune system.
- Aloe vera contains powerful antioxidant compounds that can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
- When used as a mouth rinse, pure Aloe vera juice is as effective at reducing dental plaque buildup as regular mouthwash.
MAKING ALOE VERA GEL AT HOME
From an Aloe Vera plant, cut the desired number of leaves with a sharp knife.Do not cut many leaves at the same time. Cut the leaves close to the stem as most beneficial nutrients are found close to the base. Wash and dry the leaves. Place the leaves in a glass to allow the resin to drain. The resin contains latex, which might irritate the skin. After ten minutes or so, peel the leaves with a knife, vegetable peeler, or your fingers. Then, scoop out the gel with a spoon into a bowl, and the aloe vera gel is ready to be used. It is recommended to not store the gel for a very long period of time.
Daily consumption of aloe vera juice is believed to fight and cure a range of digestive disorders including poor digestion, constipation, acidity and gas. It is also beneficial in boosting appetite and keeping a check on weight gain. Aloe vera juice consumption flushes out toxins from the body.
MAKING ALOE VERA JUICE AT HOME
Remove all green peel from the leaf of Aloe Vera plant. Cut into one-inch cubes. Place 6-8, one-inch cubes in the blender with about 6 cups of filtered water. Blend until the aloe crystal has been fully incorporated. If you’d like, you can flavor with a squeeze for fresh lemon or lime.
MORE ABOUT ALOE VERA
- Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine.
- Also using aloe vera juice in limited quantity can be beneficial for your health. Start your day with an aloe vera gel drink.
- Consuming aloe vera juice might cause your blood sugar level to drop.
- Pregnant women should avoid consuming Aloe vera internally. However, external application can be done.
- Aloe vera is popular in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.
