Health benefits from aloe vera plant

Long before skin creams and beauty pills were popular, women used to apply aloe vera gel (also known as aloe vera) on their faces every night. The cool texture of the gel instantly soothes the skin. In recent years, aloe vera massage has become a part of beauty regimens. Egyptian queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti, many celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Nicky Minaj, Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone also favor this cheap, natural skin care product.

According to Dr. Anjali Asok, Sri Sri University of Ayurvedic Sciences and Research, the skin absorbs aloe vera up to 4 times faster than water. Gel is also a natural astringent, helping to tighten pores and moisturize the skin.

"The antiseptic properties help eliminate skin infections, heal wounds and minor burns, and slow down the aging process. It helps remove tan, treat sunburn and stretch marks," says Asok.

Historical records show that Alexander the Great, the ancient king of Macedonia, and Italian explorer Christopher Columbus both used aloe vera gel to treat soldiers' wounds.

The American Pharmacopoeia described aloe vera preparations as a skin protectant as early as 1810. In the 1930s, aloe vera was a treatment for burns caused by X-rays.

Studies have found that aloe vera can reduce the healing time of serious burns to about 9 days - faster than Western medicines, helping to prevent redness, itching and infection.

Aloe vera leaves have three main layers: the outer green peel, the inner gel layer and the yellow latex layer in the middle. Aloe vera gel contains more than 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins. However, this gel contains a natural laxative, called aloin, which can be harmful if used in large quantities.

Gel from aloe vera plant.  Photo: SCMP

Gel from aloe vera plant. Photo: SCMP

According to Cleveland Clinic, USA, aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, while also protecting eye health. It also contains calcium and magnesium, which help athletes recover muscles.

"Aloe vera is called kumari in Sanskrit, which means 'young lady'. In Ayurveda, it is used to address acne and menstrual problems," says Ayurvedic Dr. Ruchi Gulati. know.

According to Gulati, aloe vera gel helps heal pimples, burns, blisters and skin allergies.

Drinking aloe vera juice on an empty stomach can relieve constipation and detoxify the body. In addition to enhancing digestion, the drink helps resolve acidity and bloating, improving appetite, liver, kidney and gallbladder functions. Aloe vera juice is beneficial for type 2 diabetics and women with missed periods.

Aloe vera can be combined with hot herbs such as aloe vera (dried latex secreted from the stems or roots of polyscias fruticosa plants). In addition to applying directly, aloe vera can be used to exfoliate the skin. The recipe is half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel with one cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice.

Besides, aloe vera can nourish hair, promote hair growth, prevent itchy scalp, reduce dandruff and nourish hair.

Source (According to SCMP )