Contrary to the much popular belief, aloe vera is not a new discovery. In fact, it has been used as a healing plant for centuries. The aloe vera plant is also known by names such as Burn plant, Lily of the Desert and Elephant's Gall.
The plant is said to have originated in Sudan and have been recognized by many for its great properties. The plants needs warm and dry environment to grow. It is most commonly found in India and Africa. The plant most often doesn't have a stem and is a short stemmed plant. It normally grows to the height of 60-100 cm (24-39 in), while it can spread out wide. Take a closer look and you will see that the margin of the leaves have some tooth. It can grow both indoors as well as outdoors.
Not only is the thick and slimy pulp of this plant beneficial for skin, it has brilliant medicinal properties to aid digestion and even heal burns and cuts. Every leaf of the plant has gel, which includes vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
We all know that aloe vera juice has endless benefits, and that is precisely the reason why you will find it in every grocery store. Moreover, getting an aloe vera plant will only prove to be useful - its pulp and latex, both have umpteen benefits. Many people even prepare their own aloe vera juice and keep the pulp refrigerated for external application.
Heals burn
The gel of aloe vera is widely used to treat minor burns. It has topical application and is rubbed on affected areas. Its ointment can be used safely for first degree and second degree burns. It is expected to speed up the healing of burn injuries, however, the same cannot be said about wounds.
Good for dental health
In a recent study conducted on 300 people, aloe vera juice was pitted against chlorhexidine, a regular mouthwash ingredient to find out their efficacy. Aloe vera was found to be equally effective as the other mouth rinse. It helps cut down the build up of dental plaque.
Aids digestion
Having a teaspoon of aloe vera juice on empty stomach is said to aid digestion and help ease bowel movement. Most nutritionists these days recommend having aloe vera juice, as it also helps in weight loss. The compound polysaccharides present in aloe vera can cure many digestive disorders as well as ulcers. The latter is one of the most common result of digestive disorders.
Ease constipation
Aloe vera also helps treat constipation, however, it is not the pulpy gel but the latex that helps. Latex is the sticky residue under the leaf skin. The compound in latex that helps relieve constipation is called aloin. It can safely be used as a laxative.
Improves skin
Every second beauty product that you pick today will have aloe vera as an essential ingredient. Topical application of the aloe vera gel is said to reduce fine lines and hydrate the skin. It is also believed to have anti-ageing properties.
Reduces blood sugar levels
Traditionally, aloe vera was also used to treat diabetes. It is believed to aid blood sugar management and regulate insulin sensitivity in people suffering from diabetes.
Antibacterial
Aloe vera contains antioxidant, polyphenols. These can help prevent certain infections and curtail the growth of certain harmful bacteria.
Cures nausea
Not only to beat inflammation outside as well as inside, aloe vera is also said to cure nausea. This is especially useful for pregnant women, for whom nausea is one of the biggest pregnancy challenges.
However, there are many varieties of aloe vera juice that come readily packed. Make sure you pick only the trusted variety (and brand) and keep a check on its expiry date.
The plant is said to have originated in Sudan and have been recognized by many for its great properties. The plants needs warm and dry environment to grow. It is most commonly found in India and Africa. The plant most often doesn't have a stem and is a short stemmed plant. It normally grows to the height of 60-100 cm (24-39 in), while it can spread out wide. Take a closer look and you will see that the margin of the leaves have some tooth. It can grow both indoors as well as outdoors.
Not only is the thick and slimy pulp of this plant beneficial for skin, it has brilliant medicinal properties to aid digestion and even heal burns and cuts. Every leaf of the plant has gel, which includes vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
We all know that aloe vera juice has endless benefits, and that is precisely the reason why you will find it in every grocery store. Moreover, getting an aloe vera plant will only prove to be useful - its pulp and latex, both have umpteen benefits. Many people even prepare their own aloe vera juice and keep the pulp refrigerated for external application.
Heals burn
The gel of aloe vera is widely used to treat minor burns. It has topical application and is rubbed on affected areas. Its ointment can be used safely for first degree and second degree burns. It is expected to speed up the healing of burn injuries, however, the same cannot be said about wounds.
Good for dental health
In a recent study conducted on 300 people, aloe vera juice was pitted against chlorhexidine, a regular mouthwash ingredient to find out their efficacy. Aloe vera was found to be equally effective as the other mouth rinse. It helps cut down the build up of dental plaque.
Aids digestion
Having a teaspoon of aloe vera juice on empty stomach is said to aid digestion and help ease bowel movement. Most nutritionists these days recommend having aloe vera juice, as it also helps in weight loss. The compound polysaccharides present in aloe vera can cure many digestive disorders as well as ulcers. The latter is one of the most common result of digestive disorders.
Ease constipation
Aloe vera also helps treat constipation, however, it is not the pulpy gel but the latex that helps. Latex is the sticky residue under the leaf skin. The compound in latex that helps relieve constipation is called aloin. It can safely be used as a laxative.
Improves skin
Every second beauty product that you pick today will have aloe vera as an essential ingredient. Topical application of the aloe vera gel is said to reduce fine lines and hydrate the skin. It is also believed to have anti-ageing properties.
Reduces blood sugar levels
Traditionally, aloe vera was also used to treat diabetes. It is believed to aid blood sugar management and regulate insulin sensitivity in people suffering from diabetes.
Antibacterial
Aloe vera contains antioxidant, polyphenols. These can help prevent certain infections and curtail the growth of certain harmful bacteria.
Cures nausea
Not only to beat inflammation outside as well as inside, aloe vera is also said to cure nausea. This is especially useful for pregnant women, for whom nausea is one of the biggest pregnancy challenges.
However, there are many varieties of aloe vera juice that come readily packed. Make sure you pick only the trusted variety (and brand) and keep a check on its expiry date.
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