Aloe Vera is an incredible plant, and its benefits are not only physical. Aloe is also useful as a natural hair conditioner. The gel, mixed with essential oils, helps to retain moisture in the hair and protect it from external toxins. It contains antifungal properties that eliminate dandruff. And in some cases, aloe can lower blood sugar levels. Hence, it is widely used as a natural remedy for diabetes.
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Health benefits of aloe vera
A recent study on the health benefits of aloe vera found that it can help reduce symptoms of constipation. The compound anthraquinone glycosides, found in aloe vera, can also help with pain in irritable bowel syndrome. The benefits of aloe vera are many, but there are also some side effects to consider. The FDA does not regulate aloe as an over-the-counter drug.
Among the health benefits of aloe vera is its ability to lower blood pressure. In a study, aloe vera juice reduced blood pressure in diabetic rats. It also lowered cholesterol levels in rat livers. Similarly, it enhanced arterial walls in rats. Although aloe vera is not a cure for high blood pressure, it may still help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a natural remedy for skin care. It may help reduce the pain and irritation caused by sunburn and wounds. It can also repair dead skin cells and reduce dandruff. In recent years, aloe vera has also gained popularity for its health benefits inside the body. Its ability to fight oxidative stress may also help protect against certain diseases.
Ingredients in aloe vera gel
There are many amazing uses for aloe vera gel. The gel is extracted from the plant’s leaf and is a great way to soothe and repair damaged skin. It can be used for a variety of topically applied treatments. Besides soothing the skin, aloe vera gel can also soothe burns. After applying aloe gel to your skin, you may also try its juice.
Aloe gel can also be made with the help of vegetable gelatin, which gives it a jelly-like consistency. It is extracted from the plant using the same procedure as the gel. It can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. If you’re concerned about a possible allergic reaction, you should avoid the internal use of aloe vera gel.
Ways to use aloe vera gel
You may have heard of the many benefits of aloe vera. While it can be used for the skin, you might not know that you can use it for your hair. You can apply the gel directly on your hair or mix it with a little lemon juice for a great leave-in conditioner. If you are having a tough time finding a conditioner that is suitable for your hair type, you can try mixing aloe vera gel with water and using it as a leave-in conditioner.
While aloe is an excellent skin moisturizer, you should be cautious not to apply too much of it to your skin. Overusing aloe can cause your skin to produce excess oil, which can clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts. Therefore, you should apply it only to blemished areas or those where acne is most noticeable. It is also a great exfoliant and can brighten your complexion.
Ways to store aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a natural cooling agent, so storing it in the correct way is important for its long-term health benefits. If you buy store-bought gel, the gel will not go bad as long as it is properly stored. Erin James, a certified sports nutritionist and the founder of SQUAY Wellness recommends keeping it in a cool, dry place in an air-tight container. This helps keep moisture out and will preserve the gel’s quality for at least two to three years. However, if you live in an area with very hot summers, you may want to consider keeping the gel in the fridge to prolong its shelf life.
To harvest aloe gel, first, you should carefully remove the outer leaf from the plant. Cut the leaf along the length and use a knife to separate it from the rest of the plant. Be careful not to cut the leaf too close to the ground, as this will cause some of the gel to exude yellow. Next, put the leaf in a container and tilt it slightly to allow the dark resin sap to drain.