Aloe vera has many benefits and is considered by many health experts to be a wonder plant.
The green cactus-like plant has been used for centuries for a wide range of purposes – from being a key ingredient in many beauty products to be used to cure health problems and protect against various illnesses.
Below are some of the main benefits you can expect when introducing the miracle that is aloe vera into your life.
1. Improved skin
Packed full of antibacterial and antiviral properties, aloe vera is often recommended as a treatment for acne.
The hormones auxin and gibberellins are naturally present in the plant and are effective at preventing breakouts and reducing skin inflammation.
Aloe vera is applied to the skin in a gel form and can be used as a long-term treatment for acne and other skin problems when used as part of a holistic skincare regime.
Our skin needs nutrition, and Aloe vera can exfoliate, restore and treat minor skin conditions, such as the build-up of dry skin, spots, and rashes.
When you apply it to the skin, its slimy texture quickly turns into a soothing, relaxing mask that helps to restore the natural beauty and radiance of the skin.
2. Healthy gut
When taken orally, aloe vera is often used as a treatment for indigestion and constipation.
The latex found under the skin on the leaf is proven to be a natural laxative. And, when taken orally in the form of a liquid juice or gel, it improves the effectiveness of the digestive system overall.
This process is also aided by a nutrient called aloin, which is also present in aloe vera and is an active ingredient in many laxative products you will find on the market today.
3. Cold sores and ulcers
No one likes the discomforting feeling of an ulcer or cold sore brewing.
Did you know that aloe vera can help ease the pain of mouth sores as well as mitigate their severity?
When applied to the affected area, the miracle plant not only soothes but speeds up the healing process, thanks to the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it contains.
4. Weight loss
There are so many diets out there, weight loss can be confusing.
However, aloe vera has been found to help in the slimming process when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regime.
The plant extract can help to aid weight loss by improving the effectiveness of a diet plan, thanks to its natural supply of the minerals and vitamins that contribute to successful weight loss.
These include sterols, enzymes, and amino acids – all of which are natural properties of aloe vera.
The miracle plant can even improve your body’s absorption – which contributes to weight loss and overall health.
5. Better dental health
Did you know that aloe vera can be good for your teeth? Studies have found that, when taken orally, the plant extract prevents the build-up of plaque on the teeth.
This helps to fight common issues like gum disease, gingivitis, and cavities. It’s been proven that, after just four days of use, aloe vera is as effective as chlorhexidine in treating plaque and preventing build-up.
Furthermore, it can also help to fight bacteria in the mouth – so it’s an essential addition to any oral hygiene regime!
6. Helps prevent illness and strengthens the immune system
Afraid of catching that winter cold? Or coming down with the flu? Aloe vera can help with that too!
Taken regularly, aloe vera can help reduce and prevent inflammation that leads to many common conditions such as colds, flu, heartburn, asthma, arthritis, and bowel disease.
It also contains a range of healthy nutrients – such as E, B1, B2, A, C, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid, as well as magnesium, potassium, selenium, calcium, zinc, and iron – which help the body to stay strong and healthy.
7. Aids the healing process for burns and cuts
Aloe vera is most commonly used as a gel that is applied to the skin.
One of its many uses is as a soothing agent for burns and other minor injuries. When applied to the skin, it has a natural cooling effect, which helps to relieve pain and discomfort.
However, aloe vera goes a step further than this; it can also help speed up the recovery of those with burns.
Its antibacterial properties have been found in studies to reduce the healing time of burns up to nine days faster than other regular over-the-counter medications.
It is also great for sunburn, or as a natural after-sun care product; just apply it to the skin after exposure to the sun to soothe the skin and minimize the impact of sunburn.
8. Hair growth
Aloe vera is also thought to aid hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. Furthermore, the plant extract – which is often a key ingredient in many shampoo and conditioner products – contains proteolytic enzymes.
These repair dead skin cells that sit on the scalp, rejuvenating your hair. The gel also improves elasticity and prevents breakages and split ends – leading to happy, healthy hair with natural bounce and shine!
9. Make-up removal
We have all been there – when washing our makeup off at the end of the day, we are often left with stubborn residue from mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow around the eye area.
Scrubbing this sensitive area can be harmful to the eyes and skin, so removing these products can be hard work.
Aloe vera is a much gentler alternative to many chemical removers and is effective at easily removing even the most persistent of mascaras.
10. Anti-ageing
There is a plethora of anti-aging products out there on the market – each one of them claiming to knock years off your appearance.
However, aloe vera is a simple and natural ingredient that has anti-aging properties capable of lightening blemishes such as age spots and smoothing skin.
It is rich in vital vitamins, such as C and E, which are essential to healthy, young-looking skin.
Did you know about aloe vera’s amazing benefits? How do you use it?
Thanks to Freepik for the background image.
