Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant truly lives up to its reputation as a Miracle plant. Read on for some interesting health benefits about Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera or the ‘Miracle Plant’, as it is commonly known as, definitely lives up to its name in many ways. This plant has a very short stem with very fleshy and lance shaped leaves. It grows to a height of about 80-100 cms. You may have heard about the various benefits of Aloe Vera for skin care and even stomach ailments. This innocent looking green or sometime green-grey plant can taste awfully bitter when taken orally, straight from the fleshy leaf. Although the results are miraculous, it would take a real amount of persuasion for one to use Aloe Vera internally for health benefits! Though bitter to taste, Aloe Vera is also used as a common ingredient in Japan for yogurt and there are specific Aloe Vera based beverages available, as well. The juice of the Aloe Vera is also bottled and has a great demand around the world.

What makes Aloe Vera truly a Miracle Plant?

We all know that Aloe Vera has several health benefits due to its medicinal properties but a word of warning is required here – it is always better to consult your doctor before you try it out. Most companies that sell bottles of Aloe Vera juice may even be dubious at times. The juice of the Aloe Vera, which is made from the gel, can be taken internally for various benefits. This juice contains minerals, calcium, potassium, vitamins etc, which are very beneficial for health. The juice can be used as a detoxifying agent to cleanse the body from within. This juice is very useful for people who are suffering from various stomach ailments and helps in the digestion along with the healing of stomach ulcers as well. It is said, if this juice is taken internally on a daily basis, it would help a person gain more energy and also assist in the growth of blood cells. This juice is also useful for constipation and intestinal problems.

Aloe Vera is very much in demand in the beauty industry. Various cosmetic companies are realizing the benefits of using Aloe Vera for their soaps, shampoos, lotions, creams, sunscreens etc. Products that use Aloe Vera have the highest concentration of healing agents and also help the skin to remain smooth and glowing. The properties of Aloe Vera are such that they serve as excellent skin moisturizers. It is also beneficial for getting rid of the dead cells of the skin. This gel is highly useful for people who have dry skin. If you do not wish to splurge on high-end cosmetics that use Aloe Vera, you can simply slice a portion of the leaf and use the gel on your skin. Use a blunt knife to scrape the gel. This gel, maybe sticky and tiresome to manage; but believe me folks! It’s worth the effort. Use the gel on your hair and watch your tresses gain a new sheen. You must ensure that the skin of the Aloe Vera or the yellow substance that oozes out from the inner side of the skin, is not mixed with the gel. The gel you procure from the leaf should be clear and odorless.

The use of Aloe Vera is further extended to cuts and burns as well. If your skin is suffering from sunburn or other skin reactions, Aloe Vera helps in increasing the pace of the healing process. Blisters and insect bites can also be cured with the help of Aloe Vera.

What about the safety factor?

When used on the skin, there may be cases where Aloe Vera may cause certain skin reactions as per the individual texture of the skin. In such cases, it would be advisable to take professional help. If the burns are severe, it would definitely require proper medical consultation. Your doctor should be able to guide you on the internal use of Aloe Vera as well.

If you wish to reap rich rewards of this medicinal plant, you can get the Aloe Vera plant right into your balcony! These are readily available and easy to maintain and I have personally found having the Aloe Vera amongst my potted plants, a valuable asset for all my family members.