Aloe vera is called the plant of immortality. The benefits of aloe vera are used in alternative medicine to solve many problems. For example; Used to treat sunburns. Fighting dental plaque and lowering blood sugar are the most well-known benefits of the plant.
Benefits of aloe vera
A member of the Liliaceae family, aloe vera has more than 400 varieties. The plant is rich in nutrients with more than 75 potential active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids and polysaccharides.
What is Aloe Vera?
Another name for aloe vera is aloe vera. It is a succulent plant. Its thick and fleshy leaves retain water. The leaves produce two substances: aloe vera gel mixed with a small amount of water, and the sap, known as aloe latex.
The medicinal use of the plant, which dates back to ancient Egypt, has a long history. The plant is native to North Africa, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands. Today it is grown in tropical climates around the world.
Every day, researchers add to the benefits of aloe vera, which range from relieving heartburn to slowing the spread of breast cancer. Let's talk about the benefits of aloe vera based on the results of the research done so far.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
This immortality herb helps to lower cholesterol. It also balances blood sugar. Therefore, it is a natural remedy for diabetics.
Reduces inflammation
Drinking aloe vera juice reduces inflammation in the body. For this, you can use aloe vera as follows;
Cut 1 aloe vera leaf. Peel off the outer layer. Remove the aloe latex, which is the yellow stem that lies under the outer leaf.
Take the gel out and wash it carefully to avoid any residue.
Put the gel in the blender. Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix together.
One of the causes of inflammation is oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body that damage cells. Because aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, it binds with free radicals and reduces inflammation.
Relieves stomach burning
Aloe vera juice is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes heartburn, chest pain, and problems with swallowing, and aloe juice is an effective treatment for these problems. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the stomach and esophagus. It also helps fight pathogens that cause gastrointestinal problems.
Protects oral health
Aloe vera gel protects the gums. Therefore, it is beneficial for oral health. You can make your own aloe vera toothpaste. Here is the recipe:
Materials
3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (freshly squeezed)
5 tablespoons of baking soda
5 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin
Freshly chopped mint
Eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil
Glass jar
How is it done?
Extract the aloe vera gel from the plant.
Work the clear gel into a paste with the back of the spoon or the flat side of the knife.
Chop the mint.
Now add baking soda, glycerin, peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to the glass jar and mix well.
Store the mixture in the glass jar.
Aloe vera toothpaste is ready to use.
Due to its anti-bacterial properties, aloe vera gel fights bacteria that cause tooth cavities. It prevents inflammation of the teeth.
Creates immunity
The use of aloe vera strengthens the immune system. It directs cells to produce nitric oxide and cytokines and facilitates the work of the immune system.
Protects from cancer
Aloe vera strengthens the immune system, which helps the body fight tumors. It also reduces tumor size and increases the survival rate of cancer patients.
Beneficial for hemorrhoids
Natural treatment for hemorrhoids Aloe vera is very popular to use. Its beneficial properties allow to cure this painful condition. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation inside and out. Relieves intestinal irregularities and intestinal problems. You can use aloe vera gel for hemorrhoids as follows;
Apply the gel you extract from the leaf directly to the affected area.
The gel can also be applied with the help of a syringe to heal internal hemorrhoids. It helps to reduce pain and bleeding.
It is more suitable to apply aloe vera gel for hemorrhoids after a bath, after a bowel movement or before going to bed.
As you get older, wrinkles and fine lines are bound to appear. However, there are some external factors that accelerate this process and cause wrinkles to appear long before. Aloe vera helps prevent these early signs of aging.
A moisturizing mask prepared with olive oil and oatmeal softens the skin and helps to remove wrinkles. For this, try the formula below.
Mix 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, half a teaspoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of oatmeal in a bowl until it forms a paste.
Apply it on your face and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Wash with cold water.
Aloe vera moisturizes the skin and helps remove dead cells. Studies have determined that it increases the elasticity of the skin and makes it softer.
Moisturizes skin
Aloe vera gel shows miraculous effects on those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Extract the aloe vera gel from the leaf and put it in a container.
Gently massage your face with the gel. Store in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life of the rest.
Aloe vera increases the water content in your skin, which means it moisturizes.
Reduces acne and lightens blemishes
Aloe vera plant works wonders on the skin by reducing acne, clearing blemishes and scars.
Mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of lemon juice and apply it to your skin.
Adding lemon juice helps to lighten skin blemishes.
Aloe vera is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of gibberellins and auxins. It clears acne. It also contains polysaccharides that stimulate the growth of new cells. This speeds up the healing process of acne and prevents scarring.
Protects from sunburn
It is a soothing herb and is widely used as an after-sun treatment because it reduces inflammation.
You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the sunburned area.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this herb reduces redness and soothes the skin when exposed to UV rays. In addition, since it contains many antioxidant and nourishing properties, it keeps the skin moist. This quickly heals sunburn.
Cures insect bites
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera make it effective against wounds and insect bites. Aloe vera gel can be used as a topical treatment for minor cuts, bruises, and insect bites. It can also be used as an aftershave lotion to soothe irritated skin.
Relieves tension
With age, the skin expands. During pregnancy or with rapid weight gain, the elasticity of the skin is damaged and causes ugly stretch marks. These scars heal with regular use of aloe vera soap.
Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair
We talked about the benefits of this miracle plant for the skin. Aloe vera also has many benefits for hair health. Here are the benefits of aloe vera for hair…
Provides hair growth
It helps in hair growth when used with castor oil.
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of castor oilmix.
Gently massage the scalp with the mixture.
Leave it overnight and wash it off with a shampoo.
Reduces dandruff
There are various causes of dandruff in the hair. It could be an oily scalp, a buildup of dead cells, or even an infection. Aloe vera provides a solution to all of these problems. It removes dead cells from the scalp. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight infections and soothe the scalp.
Maintains the pH balance of the scalp
When the pH balance of the hair is disturbed, hair problems begin. Aloe vera helps maintain the pH balance of the hair.
Strengthens hair and adds shine
Due to its moisturizing properties, aloe vera strengthens the hair and adds shine.
You can use aloe vera gel as a conditioner right after shampooing.
This miracle plant removes dead cellsproteolytic enzymes includes. It helps the cell regeneration that provides the hair to be repaired. It also adds moisture to your hair, making it smooth and shiny.
Is Aloe Vera Eaten?
The leaves of the aloe vera plant are made up of three parts: skin, gel, and latex. The gel is the part of the plant that provides health benefits. It is safe when properly prepared and applied to the skin. The gel has a refreshing taste and can be added to a variety of drinks such as smoothies.
To extract the gel from the plant, cut the top barbed edges from the side of the leaf. Next, slice the skin on the flat side, remove the gel and cut it into small cubes. Thoroughly wash the gel cubes to remove dirt and debris.
Latex residue gives the gel an unpleasant bitter taste. Latex is the thin yellow liquid layer between leaf and leaf gel. Strong like Aloinlaxative Contains compounds with properties. Eating too much latex can cause serious and potentially fatal side effects. The fleshy part of the aloe vera inside the leaves is eaten, but attention should be paid to the latex.
Do not eat the skin care gel
Do not eat aloe vera skin care gels and products. They are produced to help soothe sunburns, reduce inflammation, moisturize, relieve itching, and treat a variety of other skin conditions. Commercially produced gels add preservatives to extend shelf life, as well as other additives to improve fragrance, texture, and color. Many of these ingredients should not be swallowed.
Benefits of Eating Aloe Vera
There are some benefits to eating the gel from the leaf of the plant. The benefits of eating aloe vera can be listed as follows:
Lowers blood sugar.
TNFα suppresses inflammatory signals such as IL-1 and IL-6.
It reduces dental plaque.
Boosts memory.
It is rich in antioxidants that prevent damage caused by free radicals.
Harms of Eating Aloe Vera
There are potential risks of eating aloe latex, a yellow substance found in the leaf.
Eating small doses of latex helps treat constipation by promoting contractions. Long-term use of latex has been associated with side effects such as stomach cramps, kidney problems, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness.
Long-term use at high doses above 1 gram per day can even be fatal.
Pregnant women should avoid eating latex, as it can induce contractions in pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.
Additionally, people with digestive system disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or Crohn's disease should avoid consuming aloe vera latex because it can worsen their condition.
Consuming aloe gel is not recommended for people taking diabetes, heart, or kidney medication, other than latex, because it worsens the potential side effects of medications.
How to Make Aloe Vera Gel?
The aloe vera plant is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves in the form of a gel. This gel is extremely moisturizing and is great for sunburn, insect bites, minor cuts or wounds, and other skin problems. However, many purchased aloe vera products contain potentially harmful additives such as dyes. Therefore, how about making aloe vera gel at home?
How to Make Aloe Vera Gel at Home?
Aloe vera gel can be made using the leaves of an aloe plant at home or the leaves you have purchased.
Materials
An aloe vera leaf
A knife or vegetable peeler
a small spoon
a blender
An airtight container for storage
Powdered vitamin C or vitamin E (optional)
It's best to use just one or two sheets at a time, as the gel will only last about 1 week without preservatives. If you want it to last longer, you'll need to freeze it or add a preservative in the form of powdered vitamin C or E.
How is it done?
After preparing all the ingredients you need, it takes about 30 minutes to make the aloe vera gel.
To use a fresh aloe leaf from a plant, first cut off one of the outer leaves at the base of the plant.
Wash off the dirt thoroughly, and then let sit in a bowl for 10 or 15 minutes. This allows the yellow colored resin to flow out of the leaf.
The resin contains latex which can irritate the skin, so it is important to complete this step.
Once the resin is completely drained, wash off any residue on the leaf and peel off the thick skin using a small knife or vegetable peeler.
After the leaf is peeled off, you will see natural aloe vera gel. Throw it into the blender using a small spoon. Be careful not to add any part of the aloe vera leaf.
Stir the gel until it is foamy and liquefied, which only takes a few seconds. At this point, the gel is ready for use. But if you plan to keep it for more than 1 week, you need to add preservatives.
Vitamins C and E are excellent preservatives that can greatly extend the shelf life of aloe vera gel. You can add one or both of these vitamins to extend the shelf life of the gel. Also, both are antioxidants and have anti-aging properties. For every 1/4 cup (60 ml) of aloe vera gel you make, add 500 mg of powdered vitamin C or 400 IU of powdered vitamin E, or both. Add the powdered vitamins directly to the blender and blend the gel once more until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
How to Store Aloe Vera Gel?
Aloe vera gel prepared without added vitamin C or E can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. But adding a vitamin or two extends its shelf life up to 2 months in the refrigerator. Frozen aloe vera gel can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Use Aloe Vera Gel?
Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the skin to meet urgent skin care needs such as sunburn, minor cuts and skin irritation.
It is an excellent moisturizer for face and hands and provides a protective antibacterial barrier for minor wounds.
It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. For this reason, it is commonly used to provide sunburn relief.
The gel is rich in various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and E, that can aid wound healing and skin health.
Is Aloe Vera Weakening?
Aloe vera It is a powerful, natural substance for slimming. The gel in its leaves contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera juice from the gel helps maintain normal body weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. How does aloe vera slim down?
Lowers blood sugar.
Accelerates metabolism.
It is a natural laxative.
It clears waste from the body.
Keeps it full for a long time.
How to Prepare Aloe Vera Juice for Weight Loss?
Aloe vera juice is made from fresh leaves:
Cut the aloe vera leaves into 4-5 parts and wash them well.
Remove the cuticle of the leaves to reveal the gel. Use a mixer to shred.
Drain and cool.
It is recommended to drink aloe vera juice 15 minutes before a meal every day. Although it is healthy, it is necessary to consult a doctor before consuming the juice.
Things to consider when using aloe vera while losing weight
Aloe vera juice is often referred to as a miracle drink. However, it also has some side effects:
Drinking aloe vera juice in excess can cause stomach cramps, dehydration, and diarrhea.
People with low blood pressure should avoid consuming water as it can further lower blood pressure.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should also avoid drinking aloe vera juice.
Rashes, allergic reactions, and itching are other common side effects of this juice.
