We are fortunate that we live in a part of the world that is ideal for growing healthy aloe-vera plants. They are incredibly easy to grow and take care of, and they have so many incredible benefits for our bodies. They really are a magical plant.
You might be most familiar with Aloe Vera in a bottle for treating sunburn after a day at the beach. However, you can use fresh aloe vera straight from the garden and use it for a lot more than sunburn.
Now for the benefits:
– Aloe vera contains lots of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that can help to reduce infection and bacteria.
– The gel in aloe vera help to speed up the healing time for burns. It can be used for any first or second-degree burns.
– Aloe vera juice helps to reduce plaque on your teeth, which then reduces tooth decay. Using the juice as a mouth wash and rinse is just as effective as store-bought products – however, it’s completely natural and chemical-free.
– Covering a mouth ulcer with a thin slice of aloe vera flesh will speed up healing and reduce infection of the mouth ulcer
– Is it perfect for hydrating the skin and reducing skin redness
– Aloe vera juice is said to help lower blood sugar levels
– The gel can be used to replace toothpaste and is proven to be just as effective in fighting cavities
– Aloe vera juice can help to maintain a healthy gut and intestines when drunk regularly
– Aloe vera can be used as a multivitamin; it contains niacin, folic acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and zinc.
– It’s a natural and effective makeup remover, simply put some gel onto a cotton swab and rub your face to effectively remove makeup and hydrate your skin.
How can you get the magic properties from the plant itself?
The gel:
To access the goodness in aloe vera, cut the base of the leaf (down the bottom), and then slice the leaf in half (across the width) so you have two thick pieces – this is where the magical gel is. Make sure the gel is the clear middle of the leaf (not the yellow sap – it smells and doesn’t have many benefits).
The juice:
Cut the leaf on the diagonal, then peel down one side of the leaf using a knife (removing the tough outer skin), let the yellow liquid drain off (you don’t want to use that bit), you will then see the clear aloe vera tissue, with a spoon scrape the clear part out and pop it in a blender with some water. Pop it in a sealed bottle in the fridge – it will last a couple of weeks.
If you don’t have access to fresh aloe vera, look out for fresh leaves at the supermarket or pre-prepared juice and gel.
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