Aloe vera, also known as aloe vera, is a very versatile plant, which can be used in different ways, bringing many benefits to health and aesthetics.
Aloe vera, or aloe as it is better known, is a very popular plant, mainly due to its medicinal and aesthetic purposes. So, you’ve probably already come across a hair hydration recipe that uses aloe vera, right?
This is because aloe vera is easily found in Brazil, and has very effective moisturizing properties. These can be used on both skin and hair. In fact, aloe vera extract is present in the formula of several cosmetic products.
However, this plant, originally from Africa, can be used in many other ways besides beauty, also promoting several health benefits. Due to its nourishing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating action, aloe vera is highly recommended for treating various diseases. In addition, it has calming active ingredients that act on the digestive system, helping with the weight loss process, among others.
So, let’s learn a little more about this miraculous plant that is aloe vera. In addition to learning various ways to enjoy all the good things it has to offer.
Use of aloe vera
The medicinal properties of aloe vera have attracted attention for a long time. Thus, the gel extracted from the inner part of the plant’s leaves has been used to care for skin and hair for thousands of years. But in addition, this plant was also widely used to treat burns, even before proof. This came with more recent studies, which proved the plant’s effectiveness in dealing with burns and scars.
Aloe vera juice, extracted from the outer part of the plant, was also widely used to treat gastrointestinal problems, due to its detoxifying action. However, food products that contain aloe vera in their composition cannot be sold.
This is due to the fact that aloin, a natural active ingredient in this plant, can irritate the intestinal mucosa when consumed in excess. Therefore, it can cause changes in the liver and in more serious cases, even result in serious kidney failure.
On the other hand, the benefits of this plant for other purposes are immense.
Aloe vera properties
As previously stated, aloe vera has several properties that can be used for health benefits. So, let’s get to know some of them below:
- Nourishing action: Its natural properties stimulate the formation of cells and tissues, as it contains 18 of the 13 essential amino acids for our body.
- Regenerative action: The active ingredients of this plant contribute to the elimination of old cells and help in the formation of new ones. This way, it has a healing action.
- Moisturizing action: Aloe vera gel has active ingredients that contribute to the restoration of damaged tissues and promote hydration, both in the skin and in the hair.
- Digestive action: Due to the enzymes that facilitate digestion, aloe vera can be used to combat constipation, and even help in the treatment of gastritis.
- Anti-inflammatory action: It has several properties that help in the treatment of infections and inflammations.
Benefits of aloe vera
Combat premature aging
Aloe vera has a huge variety of antioxidant properties, in total there are 18 phenolic components. Therefore, these antioxidants are very effective in combating free radicals, which harm the body’s healthy cells. Therefore, aloe vera can be used to combat premature aging and the appearance of signs of aging.
Contributes to oral health
That’s right, due to its antifungal action, aloe vera can also be used to eliminate the accumulation of bacterial plaque. This helps to reduce inflammation that occurs in the gums. In fact, the plant is also highly recommended for the treatment of oral diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Furthermore, aloe vera helps to alleviate the symptoms of mouth ulcers.
Disease treatment
Aloe vera can be used effectively to treat various ailments. These include dermatitis, seborrhea, genital herpes, psoriasis, dandruff and even scalp lesions.
Acne control
Aloe vera has already proven to be very effective in combating acne. This is because the plant gel, made up of 99% water, has a repairing action, which increases the production of collagen and skin elasticity, preventing the production of sebum. Therefore, it helps to reduce the appearance of pimples on the skin.
Contraindications
Although it has many benefits, ingesting aloe vera is not recommended for children, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. In addition to people who have inflammation of the uterus and ovaries, anal fissures, varicose veins, cystitis, appendicitis, nephritis, prostatitis. Therefore, in these cases, there may be side effects such as cramps and diarrhea. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms after ingesting products with alo vera, stop using them.
Regarding the external application of aloe vera or products that contain the plant in the composition, there are no contraindications and can be used by anyone, including children. Although it is very rare, its use can cause irritation in people who are allergic to its properties, but in general there are no major problems.
Ways to use aloe vera
Aloe vera is a very versatile plant and can be used in different ways for a variety of purposes. Therefore, we are going to present some recipes for you to use aloe vera.
Gel the aloe vera
Aloe vera gel can be used directly on the affected area or as a compress. Therefore, compresses with this gel can relieve muscle and bone pain, as well as rheumatism and migraines. Due to the plant’s healing action, its gel can be used on burns, sunburns and other wounds.
To make this gel you will need:
- 1 aloe leaf
- 1 glass of water
Preparation mode
- Extract the gel that remains inside the inner part of the leaf, and mix the proportion of one spoonful of liquid with water in a blender. Then just apply it to the desired location.
Aloe vera scrub for hair
To make the exfoliant you will need:
- 1 spoon of brown sugar;
- 2 spoons of aloe vera gel
Method of preparation and use
- Mix all the ingredients in a container and it’s ready to apply to your hair.
- Divide your hair in half and apply the mixture to your scalp and gently massage the area.
- Then, put on a cap and let the exfoliant act for 10 minutes.
- Finally, just wash your hair and let it dry naturally.
Aloe vera and coconut oil conditioner
You will need:
- 3 spoons of aloe vera gel
- 3 spoons of coconut oil
Method of preparation and use
- Heat the oil in a water bath until it melts completely;
- Then mix the gel in the blender
- Apply the conditioner to your hair after washing, and let the mixture act for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse and let it dry.
Mask for oily and acne-prone skin
You will need:
- 1 spoon of clay;
- 1 spoon of aloe vera gel
- 3 drops of tea tree essential oil
Method of preparation and use
- Mix all the ingredients
- Apply the mask to clean skin and let it dry. Finally, rinse with cold water.
Body moisturizer
You will need:
- 20 ml of moisturizing cream
- 1 spoon of aloe vera gel
- 1 spoon of honey
- 1 spoon of vegetable oil of your choice
Method of preparation and use
- Mix all the ingredients
- Apply to the body, especially in dry areas
- Leave it to act for a few minutes and then rinse
Anyway, what did you think of this article? By the way, how about learning how to use coconut oil on your hair?
Sources: NAMU Tua Saúde Ecycle
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