Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. It is cultivated
in subtropical regions around the world, including the southern border areas
and is commonly known as a topical gel used to treat sunburn. Promisingly,
it may also provide other health benefits, largely due to its antioxidant
properties.
Aloe Vera – the humble white, goopy gel might seem like any other plant extract but it really is a wonder ingredient that comes packed to the brim with beauty benefits. An elixir for various skin and hair problems, aloe vera is the best natural remedy. It’s a great natural moisturiser for the skin and soothes irritated skin. An excellent defense for fighting acne and acne marks, aloe vera also lightens scars and blemishes. If you have puffy eyes or dark circles, it will help you solve those problems as well. Aloe vera has healing properties, hence can be used widely for healing wounds. It also eliminates dead skin cells, treats sunburn and fights signs of ageing.
Leaves
The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth.
Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as lignans, phytosterols, polyphenols, acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, and other anthraquinones, such as emodin and various lectins.
Flowers
The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (3⁄4–11⁄4 in) long.[24][27] Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.
Cultivation
Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a topical medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low water-use gardens. The species is hardy in zones 8–11, and is intolerant of heavy frost and snow. The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil, and bright, sunny conditions. Aloe plants can turn red from sunburn under too much direct sun, though gradual acclimation may help. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage. Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry before rewatering. When potted, aloes can become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant". Plants that have become crowded can be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth, or the pups can be left with the mother plant. During winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses. Houseplants requiring similar care include haworthia and agave.
There is large-scale agricultural production of Aloe vera in Australia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Spain, and the United States, with much of the output going toward the cosmetics industry.
Interactions with prescribed drugs
Ingested aloe products may have adverse interactions with prescription drugs, such as those used to treat blood clots, diabetes, heart disease and potassium-lowering agents (such as Digoxin), and diuretics, among others.
Aloe Vera is a plant of the cactus family, and is very popular for its
cosmetic as well as medicinal properties. The transparent gel-like liquid,
found in the inner part of the leaf is what gives this plant the amazing
benefits. Since the aloe gel is made up of over 96% water, it is no wonder that
the extracts of this plant have amazing moisturising and skin-healing
properties. Additionally, the aloe vera plant is also a rich source of antioxidants
and vitamins A, B, C and E. A lot of healing properties of this plant is
also thanks to the presence of seven essential amino acids that
strive hard to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Aloe vera is known to be a natural moisturizer. It has hydrating
properties and absorbs into the skin like magic. Even for oily and
acne-prone skin, aloe vera has proved to be an excellent moisturizer because of
its light texture.
Also, its antifungal properties help in handling inflammation skin
issues such as heat boils and cysts in summers. No wonder, aloe vera is a
must-have summer skincare ingredient.
As your skin ages, skin loses its elasticity and smile lines, crow’s feet
and saggy neck are some of the aging signs that become more noticeable on the
face. Aloe vera gel can help you deal with that. It helps your skin in
retaining its moisture and gives back its radiance. Not only it reduces the
visible wrinkles and fine lines on the face, but it also prevents premature
aging of the skin by improving the elasticity of the skin and repairing skin
cells.
Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera
can help keep acne at bay. How?
It prevents bacteria build-up that is the main cause of pimples and
acne, and it also speeds up the healing process. Applying a small amount of
aloe vera gel on the zit would help you get rid of it in no time. Not only
that, but it also helps remove pesky acne scars and blemishes that acne leaves
behind.
The most annoying and unsightly dark circles that you thought you really
can’t do much about. Good news—you can trust aloe vera for getting rid of. It
is packed with antioxidant and vitamin E which help lighten discolouration
around the eyes and the cooling effect helps with the puffiness, killing two
birds with one stone. Applying
aloe vera gel around the eyes at night would depuff eyes and fades dark circles
away.
Polyphenols, a group of
antioxidant-rich plant compounds, is proposed for anti-inflammatory activities.
A great way to treat sunburnt skin is to apply fresh aloe vera gel to
the affected area. The
various vitamins and nutrients, coupled with the ultra calming properties of
this gel help relieve and soothe sunburn in just a couple of days. But since
sunburns are quite painful, it is better to protect your skin than treat it.
Always wear SPF 30 or above to prevent the harmful rays of the sun from
damaging your skin.
One of the best benefits of aloe vera for skin is it's moisturizing and
hydrating properties. This is what helps to moisturise dry skin, relieve
itchiness, which is a very common symptom of eczema. Additionally, applying
aloe vera gel every day helps to relieve the inflammation that comes with
psoriasis and reduces itchiness.
Mixing
a bit of aloe vera gel to your usual scrub is an excellent way to eliminate
dead skin cells. Aloe vera gel prevents the stripping of the skin of it's natural oils
and replenishes lost moisture. This will help your skin look really soft,
supple and glowing.
Another study similarly found that consuming aloe vera improved collagen production and reduced the appearance of wrinkles in a group of women over age 40.
Consuming Aloe juice improved both blood sugar and blood fatty acid levels in those with pre-diabetes.
Aloe vera juice
contains anthraquinone glycosides.
These are plant
compounds with laxative(a medicine, food or
drink that somebody can take to make his/her get rid of solid waste from
his/her body more easily), effects that could help relieve constipation.
Aloe vera
syrup could help treat
and reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Further, a study in
64 people with cancer found that using an aloe vera mouthwash solution 3 times
daily for 14 days helped reduce
the occurrence and associated pain of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis, which is
an infection in the mouth
It’s also
speculated that aloe vera mouthwash could help reduce dental plaque and manage pain and
swelling following oral surgery
Although more
long-term data is needed,
Plus, a study in 74
people with oral submucous fibrosis — a chronic condition that causes pain and
inflammation in the mouth — showed that taking 1 ounce (30 mL) of aloe vera
juice twice daily for 3 months was as effective as traditional treatments like
hydrocortisone injections
Here is a quick list for every skin problem;
For dull skin – Aloe
Vera + Turmeric + Honey facemask
Turmeric has healing
properties and contains antioxidants that work to brighten up your complexion
and even out your skin tone. Aloe Vera, when teamed with honey, uses its
anti-inflammatory compounds to calm your skin down and prevents breakouts.
To remove sun tan –
Aloe Vera + Lemon facemask
For this one, all you
need to do is mix equal quantities of aloe vera gel and lemon juice. Gently
apply this concoction on the tanned portion of your skin, allow it to dry for
10 to 15 minutes, and wash off. This one is perfect for regular summer use as
it will strip your skin of that tan and leave it hydrated.
For oily, greasy skin
– Aloe Vera + Cucumber
Tan, sunburn, oily T
zone and pimples are all the favours that summer will do to your skin. Luckily
for you, this aloe vera-based face pack will help you cleanse your skin and
restore the moisture balance thus resolving your summer skin woes. Apply a
paste of both the ingredients onto your skin for 15 minutes once every week, to
rid your skin of the oil, dirt and impurities.
For clogged pores –
Aloe Vera + Masoor Dal (Red lentil) + Tomato paste
Masoor dal is the
best exfoliating agent that nature has to offer. And when it is teamed with the
very versatile Aloe, it gives you a face pack perfect for summer skin. While
the lentil helps scrub off the dead skin cells, unclogged pores, black and
whiteheads; aloe makes sure it retains the moisture in your skin and doesn’t
make it too dry. Tomatoes again are packed with antioxidants that work to
remove tan.
For skin dryness –
Aloe Vera + Banana + Honey
Banana is rich in
fats, which helps hydrate your skin and keeps it moisturised. Honey on the
other hand has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties which help cure patchy,
dry skin thus leaving your skin deeply nourished. These ingredients along with
aloe also tighten your pores and improve its elasticity.
For pimples and
breakouts – Aloe Vera + Neem
When neem leaves with
its anti-microbial properties are employed on your skin it works to cure skin
acne. Neem also has anti-bacterial properties which helps clean pores and thus
prevent breakouts and pimples.
Go ahead, grind
neem leaves in rose water and then add aloe vera gel to it. Apply this paste
onto your skin and let it dry for 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water for best
results.
To exfoliate skin –
Aloe Vera + Apple Cider Vinegar
Aloe vera is a
soothing agent for the skin, and thanks to the BHAs present in it, it is also a
natural exfoliator. Apple cider vinegar is another naturally exfoliating
ingredient, and when paired with aloe, it works wonders on the skin.
For this
exfoliating face mask, mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with ½ teaspoon of
apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water. Apply this face mask all over
the face and let it dry. It will roughly dry in 20 minutes, so wash it off with
warm water when it dries completely. You can use this face mask 1-2 times a
week for exfoliation.
For smooth skin –
Aloe Vera + Vitamin E
When combined with
Vitamin E, Aloe vera gives you double the benefits for skin, as both are highly
beneficial for skin care. This face mask rich in antioxidants will remove any
spots or blemishes on your face, thus giving you smooth, glowing skin.
To prepare this mask,
you’ll simply need one Vitamin E capsule and some freshly extracted aloe vera
gel. Blend aloe vera gel with the oil from the capsule and apply the mixture to
your face. Once dry, remove the face mask by washing your face with cold water.
Repeat this every week for smoother skin.
To moisturise skin –
Aloe Vera + Coconut oil
If you have dry skin,
what better than combining aloe vera and coconut oil? After all, both are
natural moisturisers, and both are super hydrating ingredients for the skin.
This mask is a hydrating powerhouse for dry skin and can be prepared in a few
minutes.
Simply mix 2
teaspoons of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and apply the mask
evenly on your face. Wash it off in 15-20 minutes and repeat at least once a
week for keeping your skin well hydrated.
For younger-looking
skin – Aloe Vera + Carrots
While carrots are
known for improving eyesight, did you know they could also help you achieve
younger-looking skin? That’s right. They are a rich source of beta-carotene, a
skin-friendly form of vitamin A that supports healthier, younger-looking skin.
When you combine it with aloe vera, it also reduces sunburn and works doubly
well for fighting signs of ageing.
To prepare this mask,
you’ll need 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon finely shredded carrot and 1
egg white. Combine all three and beat the mixture till it turns frothy. Apply
it on the face using a brush and let it dry before rinsing with warm water.
Aloe Vera juice is available : Bu Now
Summary:
Aloe is a succulent plant widely used in alternative medicine.
It’s a great natural moisturiser for the skin and soothes irritated skin. An excellent defense for fighting acne and acne marks, aloe vera also lightens scars and blemishes.
It has laxative compound(a medicine, food or drink that somebody can take to make his/her get rid of solid waste from his/her body more easily), effects that could help relieve constipation.
Potential
Dangers of Eating Aloe Vera
Eating
aloe vera latex, a yellow substance that is found inside the leaf, has
potential risks.
In
small doses, eating the latex may help treat constipation by promoting
contractions. However, in 2002 the US FDA banned the sale of over-the-counter
products containing aloe vera latex due to safety concerns.
Long-term consumption of aloe vera latex has been linked to side
effects, including stomach cramps, kidney problems, irregular heartbeat and
muscle weakness.
In
high doses above 1 gram per day, prolonged use may even be fatal .
Pregnant
women should avoid eating the latex, as it may stimulate uterine contractions,
which could cause a miscarriage.
In
addition, people with digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD) or Crohn’s disease, should avoid consuming aloe vera latex as it may
worsen their conditions.
Aside
from the latex, consuming aloe vera gel is not advised for people taking
diabetes, heart or kidney medications, as it may worsen potential side effects
from the drugs .
Avoid
eating aloe vera skin care gels, as they do not offer the same benefits as the
gel inside the leaf. Skin care gels may also contain ingredients that are not
meant to be eaten.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Can I sleep with aloe vera on my face?
Ans - Yes, you can definitely sleep with aloe
vera on your face. In fact, letting it sit on your face overnight will give you
the maximum benefits of this natural elixir. It will exfoliate dead skin cells,
lighten your skin and moisturise it well.
Q. Does aloe vera good for face?
Ans - Using
aloe vera on the face can help moisturize skin.
Regularly applying a small amount of aloe vera to the face can help treat
various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and sunburn. A person can use
the gel directly from an aloe vera plant or buy a bottled variety from a health
store.
Q. Is aloe vera good for wrinkles?
Ans - Yes, aloe vera gel fights signs of
ageing, so it can definitely help reduce wrinkles on your face. It does this so
by promoting the production of collagen on your skin. However, be patient,
because it will take a few months for the results to be visible.
Q. How long does fresh aloe vera gel last?
Ans - As it is with any freshly extracted
product, the earlier you use it, the better it is. However, you can store fresh
aloe vera gel for 7-10 days. Store it in an airtight container in a cool place
and use it within 10 days of extracting it. You can even freeze the gel into
ice cubes for longer shelf life, but we recommend using it up within 1-2 weeks.
Q. What are the side effects of aloe vera?
Ans - Aloe vera is that one product that can
soothe the skin and work beautifully on it. However, in very rare cases, the
only side effect of using it topically is that it might irritate your skin.
This is especially true if you have burns or cuts on the skin already. So, a
patch test on the forearm before using aloe vera on your face might be helpful.
Q. What is aloe vera good for?
Ans - Aloe is used topically (applied to the skin) and
orally. Topical use of aloe is promoted for acne, lichen planus (a very
itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth), oral submucous fibrosis, burning mouth
syndrome, burns, and radiation-induced skin toxicity.
Q. Can I put aloe vera in my hair?
Ans - You can directly
apply the raw aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp.
Work it in with your hands into your scalp, hair, and ends. To help seal in the
moisture, apply a few drops of castor oil and massage in.
Q. Is it safe to drink aloe vera?
Ans - Aloe gel is
generally considered safe when appropriately applied to the skin. It
might be safe when appropriate doses are taken orally for a short time.
Aloe latex or whole-leaf extract taken orally might be unsafe and is likely
unsafe in high doses.
Q. Can I eat aloe vera daily?
Ans - Long-term
consumption of aloe vera latex has been linked to side effects, including
stomach cramps, kidney problems, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness ( 3
). In high doses above 1 gram per day, prolonged use may even be fatal
Q. Can aloe vera cure ulcer permanently?
Ans - Conclusion: Aloe
Vera gel is a beneficial treatment and cost effective for patients with chronic
ulcers. The use of Aloe Vera gel in chronic ulcer is recommended in
developing countries to lessen the financial burden.
Q. Does aloe vera lighten skin?
Ans - Aloe vera
contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to
lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation
treatment, according to a 2012 study. To use: Apply pure aloe vera gel to
pigmented areas before bedtime. Rinse using warm water the next morning.
Q. Can I sleep with aloe vera on my face?
Ans - Can I leave aloe
vera on my face overnight? A. Yes, aloe vera gel is completely safe to
be kept on your face overnight. You can replace your regular moisturizer
with aloe vera gel and wake up to soft, nourished and glowing skin.
Q. Can I use aloe vera on my face everyday?
Ans - Aloe Vera for
Cleansing
Cleansing with skin care products that contain aloe is one of the best ways to
get your daily fix since cleansing is the first step of a typical skincare routine.
Q. Can I leave aloe on my face all day?
Ans - For best
results, leave the aloe vera gel on your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse
your face with cool water and pat dry. Pure aloe vera gel may have a drying
effect if you leave it on your skin for too long.
Q. Can aloe vera regrow hair?
Ans - When your scalp
has been cleansed and your hair has been conditioned with aloe vera, you might
see that hair breakage and loss slows down. There are plenty of people who
claim that aloe vera actually causes hair to grow much faster. But as of now,
there's little clinical evidence to prove or disprove those claims.
Q. Does aloe vera stop hair fall?
Ans - Adding aloe
helps stimulate hair regrowth and also curbs hair fall. In a bowl, mix both
ingredients until you get a smooth and consistent paste. Apply this mixture to
your scalp and hair.
Q. Is aloe vera a blood thinner?
Ans - Like ginger and
cayenne pepper, aloe contains salicylates that likely cause
blood-thinning effects. One 2020 study in The Professional Medical Journal
found that, when added to blood in a laboratory, aloe vera gel demonstrated an
antiplatelet effect similar to aspirin.
Q. Who should not drink aloe vera?
Ans - Do not take aloe
by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Children: Aloe gel is possibly
safe when applied to the skin appropriately. Aloe latex and aloe whole leaf
extracts are possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Children younger
than 12 years old might have stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
Q. How much aloe can I drink a day?
Ans - Based on
existing studies of aloe vera benefits, 10-20mL per day of
aloe vera syrup seems like the sweet spot. This is the range that appears to
maximize health benefits while minimizing adverse effects. 10-20mL is
equivalent to about 2-4 teaspoons.
Q. What is the best time to eat aloe vera?
Ans - Morning; Health experts say drinking aloe vera
juice on empty stomach is an effective way to lose weight,
improve absorption of nutrients in your body and ease bowel function. Aloe vera
juice can also help to maintain dental health. Khan also explains health
benefits of having this amazing juice every morning.
Q. Can aloe vera remove dark circles?
Ans - Aloe vera is a
tropical plant that is often used as a natural remedy for dark circles.
Although more research on humans is needed, aloe vera may improve skin
moisture, support mature skin, and reduce inflammation, all of which in turn
promote removing dark circles.
Q. Can you use aloe vera straight from the plant?
Ans - Aloe vera is a
medicinal plant that's been used to treat various health conditions for
thousands of years. It's usually safe to use also vera directly from
the plant or you can buy it in gel form
Q. Does aloe vera remove pimple marks?
Ans - Aloe vera can be
used to lighten acne scars
A 2018 review of studies found that a compound in aloe vera called “aloesin”
may help to reduce hyperpigmentation in acne scars. Aloesin helps reduce the
overproduction of melanin, a darker pigment that can make acne scars more
noticeable.
Q. Is aloe vera good for your lips?
Ans - The watery, gel-like substance found in aloe vera
leaves has soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties that make
it ideal for treating skin conditions, including chapped lips. Pure
aloe vera is safe to use on sensitive areas where other skin products shouldn't
go, like your lips and under your eyes.
Disclaimer:
The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional.
Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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