35 Uses and Benefits of Aloe Vera

Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice

By Ankita  http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/35-benefits-of-aloe-vera-juice/

You must be familiar with the cactus like plant known as “Aloe Vera”. Many of us surely have the Aloe Vera plant in our kitchen garden and must have used various facial creams and shampoos enriched with Aloe juice. Aloe Vera plant was considered as the plant of “immortality” by the Egyptians.
But do you know why this short and cacti plant is known as the “miracle plant”??? In this article, I would discuss about the various benefits of Aloe Vera juice.

Aloe Vera is the species of the succulent plant and has thick fleshy stems with spiny leaves. The fleshy stem contains the Aloe Vera juice which is used for various purposes since the beginning of the first century as an excellent home remedy. The juice and the gel are used in every medicinal, cosmetic, heath treatment and also in your regular diet.
How to extract the juice of Aloe Vera:

1. Cut and open a few stems of the plant from the middle part. Choose the outer stems as they are the most mature of all and has the highest concentration of antioxidants.
2. The liquid which oozes out is the fresh aloe gel.
3. Squeeze out the entire gel from the stem and store in a bowl
4. Put the gel in a blender and add around 1 cup of water.
5. Blend them to get pure Aloe Vera juice. Use the prepared juice within 3-4 days, otherwise the juice will lose antioxidants.

Both the aloe Vera juice and the gel are powerhouses of antioxidants, antibiotics, work as stimulator of cell growth and and have scar and pain inhibitor properties. They are rich in the following vitamins and minerals

1. Calcium
2. Sodium
3. Iron
4. Potassium
5. Manganese
6. Zinc
7. Folic acid
8. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E
9. Amino acids

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:

Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice:

1. Aloe Vera is very useful for curing the bowel problems due to its high anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Having Aloe Vera juice for two weeks can help reduce inflammation in the body like rheumatism, inflammation of ears and eyes and arthritis.
3. Applying the gel externally can ease muscle and joint pains.  But do not forget to use freshly prepared gel.
4. Having severe digestive problems? Drink Aloe Vera juice as it reduces symptoms of heart reflux and stabilizes the alkaline levels of the body. Due to its laxative properties, it is also good for constipation.
5. Aloe is great for maintaining the cholesterol level by reducing triglycerides. Include fresh aloe juice in your daily diet to maintain your cholesterol level and increase the level of good cholesterol.
6. Want to lose weight naturally? By aiding the stabilization of metabolic rate, reducing lipid levels and helping burn fat, Aloe vera juice is useful for weight loss.
7. Studies have shown that regular consumption of Aloe juice improves oral health and hygiene. It reduces gingivitis and plague formation. It provides a laxative relief for cold sores and mouth ulcers.
8. Aloe Vera is good for diabetes patients because it helps to regulate the blood sugar levels when consumed regularly. However consult your doctor before you start consuming the aloe juice.
9. Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh aloe Vera juice with 1 glass of water and consume regularly early in the mornings. This will help to detoxify and cleanse your system. This helps in treating ulcers and detoxifies the digestive system of our body.
10. Applying fresh aloe gel directly to the gums reduces the pain and the inflammation.
11. Create your own natural eye wash with aloe Vera gel. Mix 2 teaspoons of the aloe gel with a cup of water. You can also add a teaspoon of boric acid and mix well. Use this eye wash to reduce the reddening and the irritation in the eyes.
12. Suffering from constant sinus problems? Now ditch your medicines and try the natural option. Aloe Vera is rich in magnesium lactate that works as an antihistamine which help in reducing the problem of sinus and chest inflammation due to various allergies.
13. Fight away cancer with the regular intake of the aloe juice. It contains high levels of the anti-carcinogenic properties that hinder the growth of tumours.
14. Drinking aloe juice regularly replenishes the amino acids deficiency in your body. The high vitamin content in it boosts up your body’s immune system and self defence mechanism.
15. Those who suffer regularly from cold, coughs, flu, stuffy nose, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders, aloe Vera juice is your best natural solution.

Skin Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:

Aloe Vera is suitable for all skin types including very sensitive skin. You must have seen and used various skin care products which contain the aloe gel. It is the most common remedy for all skin problems.
16. The anti ageing property of aloe keeps the skin supple and rejuvenated and also lightens blemishes.
17. It moisturises the skin, gets rid of dead cells along with wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps in getting rid of stretch marks.
18. Men can use aloe Vera gel as an after shave. It reduces the irritation and inflammation of the skin and heals the cuts due to shaving.
19. Suffering from acne for a long time? Then make aloe Vera your friend as it is the best natural remedy for curing acne and pimples and also its scars. It has antimicrobial properties that help kill the bacteria causing acne and reduces the acne marks by lightening the skin.
20. All of us apply numerous sun blocks and creams to prevent harmful sun rays from damaging our skin. But the rays sometimes penetrate through them. Aloe Vera gel is highly beneficial for treating sun burns. It is an excellent cooling agent. Apply fresh gel on your skin everyday to get immediate results. It reduces the pain and the redness of the skin and forms a protective layer which reduces further damage.
21. It heals cuts and wounds, dermatitis and also insect bites when applied externally.
22. Aloe gel is very hydrating and moistures the skin well. So it can be used in all weathers, summers or winters to prevent dry and patchy skin.

Hair Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:

Excessive exposure to dust, sun and pollution makes your hair extremely dry, brittle and damaged. It strips your hair of all its natural oils and moisture causing split ends and dandruff. Aloe Vera is useful for all hair types and especially for dry and damaged hair. Regular use of aloe Vera in your hair packs; make your tresses smooth, soft and damage-free.
Following are some of the benefits of aloe for your hair.
23. Promotes hair growth: Aloe Vera is rich in proteolitic enzymes which help to remove the dead skin which clogs the pores of the scalp, which hinders the growth of the new hair follicles. Accumulation of excessive sebum on the scalp can lead to hair problems like partial baldness. So the aloe gel removes the sebum making the scalp squeaky clean and promotes hair growth.
24. Maintain the Ph balance: Aloe Vera has alkaline properties which help to maintain the pH level of the scalp and hair. This keeps the hair moisturised and helps the hair to retain water. This leads to further hair growth.
25. Reduces dandruff: Aloe Vera is widely used for curing dandruff since the ancient ages. Due to its property of enzymatic breakdown of skin cells and anti fungal properties, it helps to reduce dandruff form the scalp. It also heals scalp diseases like Psoriasis & Seborrhoea.
26. Hair Conditioning: You can add 2 teaspoons of fresh aloe gel into your favourite conditioner and use it normally. This would enhance the moisturising properties of your conditioner as it also hydrates the hair giving you soft and smooth hair. You can also make these following hair packs for hair conditioning at home.

Face Packs using Ale Vera Juice/Gel:

27. Aloe clay pack:

• In the paste of multani mitti or Bentonite clay add ½ teaspoon of aloe gel.
• Then add a few drops of rose water and honey and mix well to get a smooth paste.
• Apply on the face and keep for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

28. Aloe Fruit pack:

• Blend a few pieces of your favourite fruits like papaya, banana, apple, orange etc.
• Into this add a teaspoon of the aloe gel and mix well.
• You can also add a teaspoon of almond oil or wheat germ oil if you have dry skin.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water.

29. For dry skin and sensitive skin:

• In 2 teaspoons of aloe gel, add a teaspoon of rose water and almond oil.
• Then add fresh cucumber paste and mix well to form a smooth consistency.
• Apply and keep for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.

This face mask also acts as an excellent scrub too. It hydrates and smoothes oily skin, removing the dead cells, oil and excess sebum.

• In a mixing bowl, add 2 teaspoons of oatmeal and cucumber paste.
• Into this, add 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and mix well to from a smooth paste.
• Gently scrub the face in circular motions.
• Now lie down for 15-20 minutes and rinse after with warm water.

31. Green tea mask:
This face mask is especially for women with pre mature ageing. Green tea and aloe is rich in antioxidants and it helps to fight the free radicals on the skin, and reduce the various signs of ageing.

• Mash ¼th avocado pulp and cucumber puree in a bowl.
• Into this add a teaspoon of the aloe gel and green tea water.
• Mix well to form the paste and apply on the skin. Keep for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

32. Moisturising mask:
Shea butter has excellent hydrating and moisturising properties. It is an essential ingredient in various creams and lip balms.

• In one teaspoon of aloe gel, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and Shea butter.
• Mix and mash all the ingredients, for a nice smooth paste.
• Apply and Leave the mask for 20 minutes and wash with cool water.
• This face pack is ideal for dry and sensitive skin people.

Hair Packs using Ale Vera Juice/Gel:

33. Cleansing pack:

• In 2 teaspoons of chickpea flour, add curd and one teaspoon of aloe Vera gel.
• Mix well to from a smooth hair pack and apply on hair.
• Rinse off after 30 minutes with a mild shampoo.

• In 2 teaspoons of chickpea flour, add curd and one teaspoon of aloe Vera gel.
• Mix well to from a smooth hair pack and apply on hair.
• Rinse off after 30 minutes with a mild shampoo.

34. For Soft hair:

• In 3 teaspoon of aloe gel, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and coconut oil.
• Massage onto the scalp and keep for 20 minutes.
• Wash off your hair with a shampoo.

35. Hibiscus pack:

• In a blender, add the aloe gel and a handful of hibiscus leaves. You can also add the flowers for better results.
• You will get a smooth green paste. Apply this on the root and hair strands and rest it for 30 minutes.
• Wash with shampoo, you may also have to shampoo your hair twice to remove this hair pack.

You can also apply fresh aloe gel directly on the scalp and wash off after 20 minutes with a mild shampoo. It works wonders for your hair giving you soft, smooth and healthy hair.
Now after reading this article, I am sure that you know the reasons why aloe Vera is known as the “miracle plant