aloe vera General Health/Immunity
Aloe Vera Benefits, Recipes, Products and More
MARCH 21, 2023

About Aloe Vera

Also known as Ghritkumari, Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that has been domesticated for a long time. Almost every household has an aloe vera plant on their patio or balcony – not just for the curb appeal but also for its medicinal properties and beauty benefits.

This potted plant has thick, green leaves. Right beneath the outermost layer lies the yellow pulp called latex, and as you cut deeper, you get the white, viscous gel.

Each part of aloe vera is beneficial for the skin, hair, and digestive system. It is fortified with enzymes, minerals, vitamins, saponins, lignin, salicylic and amino acids, making it one of the most significant herbs in Ayurveda and other alternative medicine systems.

Let’s talk about the significance of aloe vera in Ayurveda.

Significance of Aloe Vera

According to Ayurveda, Aloe Vera is used for treating skin, hair, and digestive disorders. Also, it signifies youthful energy and femininity and supports the female reproductive system. With its rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to prepare various herbal formulations in Ayurveda.

Aloe vera has a cooling effect on the skin and can be used for skincare, sunburns, acne, etc. It is also known to balance all three doshas: pitta, vata, and kapha.

Properties of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a versatile plant with various beauty and medicinal benefits. Here are some of the widely known properties of aloe vera.

Laxative

Aloe latex, the yellow pulp under the outermost layer of aloe lead, is known to possess laxative properties and is consumed with lukewarm water to treat constipation.

Antibacterial

Aloe vera is an excellent antibacterial herb that helps protect the wound from further infections and promotes healing.

Healing

Did you have a sunburn or skin rash? Applying aloe vera gel can help soothe the affected area, giving long-lasting relief. If it’s a minor rash, it can be treated with aloe vera gel. If it doesn’t heal in a week, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Antioxidant

Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants. Using aloe vera gel topically may help reduce wrinkles and fine to restore your youthful appearance. If taken orally, it promotes gut health and may help eliminate disease-causing free radicals from the system.

Moisturizing

Aloe gel helps lock in moisture and prevents skin dryness. Especially when the weather is cold and dry, using aloe gel topically can help nourish and moisturize the skin for a nice and glowing appearance.

With so many positive qualities, no wonder aloe vera is widely used in beauty and wellness products. Let’s look at various aloe vera uses.

Different Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera as a hydrating gel

This is an important medicinal use of aloe vera. Aloe vera gel is the best herbal alternative for you if you wish to keep your skin moisturized but don’t want to use chemical-based products. The penetrating action of aloe gel nourishes the skin from deep within and keeps it soft, supple, and hydrated all day long.

Aloe vera for oily skin

Choosing a moisturizer for oily skin can be challenging since the options available are few and far between. Since oily skin requires careful moisturization, oil-based products are a red flag. This is where aloe vera imparts natural hydration to keep your oily skin healthy and balanced.

As an ingredient in an exfoliator

You can prepare an exfoliator of your own at home by mixing sugar granules with aloe vera gel. While the granules help remove the dead skin, aloe gel soothes the tender skin that’s underneath.

Remove Makeup with Aloe Juice

Those chemical-based makeup removers often leave the skin sore to the touch. If you have sensitive skin, you can use aloe juice to remove your makeup. It’s gentle on the skin and wipes makeup off your face without causing irritation or redness. You can also use it to remove eye makeup.

Detox with aloe juice

Aloe vera juice helps remove toxins from the system and gives your gut the much-needed reset. It is recommended to drink 100 ml of aloe juice in the morning for maximum benefits. Add honey or lemon to enhance the taste.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Now that you know the different ways this succulent plant can be used, let’s have a look at various Aloe Vera benefits:

Aloe Vera For Dark Spots

Aloe Vera For Dark Spots

Dark spots are mainly caused by sun damage or aging, and it’s a hassle to conceal them with makeup every time you go out. Using aloe vera gel can help lighten dark spots, letting you flaunt clear, youthful, and glowing skin.

Aloe Vera For Lips

Aloe Vera For Lips

Are you dealing with dry and chapped lips? Keep your lips hydrated using aloe vera gel. It helps retain the natural gloss and prevent lacerations.

Aloe Vera For Pigmentation

Aloe Vera For Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation can be reduced to some extent by applying aloe vera gel to the affected area. The gel nourishes the skin from within and regulates melanin production to promote a healthy complexion.

Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks

Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are common after pregnancy or excessive weight loss. While some women embrace and give meaning to these stretch marks, others find them unsightly. Fortunately, aloe vera gel can help lighten stretch marks and even make them disappear over time.

Aloe For Face

Aloe For Face

Aloe vera offers many beauty benefits, and as we all know, beauty starts with the face. As you use aloe vera gel to keep your face hydrated, other benefits, like glowing skin and a better complexion, follow. It may even lighten acne scars and promote collagen production for healthy, youthful skin.

Aloe Vera For Fungal Infection

Aloe Vera For Fungal Infection

Fungal infections often occur in the scalp, between toes, or any body part that’s obscure and moist. Aloe vera has antifungal properties, and the fact that it’s all-natural, it can be applied to sensitive areas as well.

Aloe Vera For Eczema

Aloe Vera For Eczema

Eczema is an extreme case of skin rash characterized by visible blisters and redness. The skin becomes itchy, flaky, and sensitive to the touch. Aloe vera gel can help soothe the skin and help reduce the symptoms. If you don’t see improvement in a few days, please consult a dermatologist for proper treatment.

Also read: Ayurveda for Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment!

Aloe Vera For Wrinkles

Aloe Vera For Wrinkles

Having wrinkles is part of getting old, but it’s concerning when they occur before time. Applying aloe vera gel regularly to your face and neck may help prevent wrinkles and other premature signs of aging.

Aloe Vera For Heat Rash

Aloe Vera For Heat Rash

Did you get a heat rash because of too much sun exposure and sweating? If so, you know it’s painful and causes inflammation. Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the best natural remedy for treating a heat rash.

Aloe Vera For Sensitive Skin

Aloe Vera For Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin often struggle to find the right beauty product that won’t give them a rash. If that sounds like you, try aloe vera gel. You can use it as a moisturizer or to treat acne scars, wrinkles, and other skin problems. It’s gentle, effective, and has no significant side effects.

Aloe Vera For Hair

Aloe Vera For Hair

Frizzy, dry hair can spoil your overall look. If you want silky smooth, and gorgeous hair, apply a herbal hair mask with aloe vera gel as the main ingredient. Combined with coconut oil, it can help nourish your scalp and hair to promote growth & shine, prevent dandruff and reduce breakage.

Kerala Ayurveda’s Aloe Vera Products

Some popular products with aloe vera as one of the primary ingredients include:

Kumaryasava

Kumaryasava is a herbal remedy for maintaining optimum period health, improving hemoglobin and treating anemia.

It is also known to treat digestive problems, like loss of appetite, constipation, etc.

Murivenna Thailam

It is known to heal wounds and relieve pain and inflammation. It’s an effective topical remedy for treating first degree burns and boils.

Murivenna Thailam (Oil)
Murivenna Thailam

First Aid Box Oil- for Burns, Cuts & Sprains

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KM Lepam

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, it helps relieve headaches, migraine pain, cramps, sprain and frozen shoulder.

KM Lepam (Ointment)
KM Lepam (Ointment)

Headache Relief Balm

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Precautions

Aloe vera is one of the few herbs that offer skin, hair, and digestive benefits – all in one. On the flip side, there may be certain side effects you should be aware of, and avoid using aloe vera if you fall under the high-risk category of users.

  • Aloe vera is a potent laxative. If you have a weak stomach or are experiencing multiple bowel movements in a day, avoid taking aloe vera as it may worsen the symptom and cause cramps in the lower abdomen.
  • People who are intolerant to onion and garlic may also be allergic to aloe vera. So, use caution.
  • Aloe vera is believed to be unsafe for pregnant and lactating mothers as it may affect both the mother and the baby.
  • People with diabetes may experience a sudden drop in blood sugar levels after taking aloe vera. So, it is recommended to monitor your blood sugar levels if you are taking aloe vera for some other reason whatsoever.
  • Some skin types may be allergic to aloe vera. Therefore, it is advised to do a patch test before you start using aloe vera on your face.

Summary

Aloe Vera is found in abundance across India and the world.

It has a huge significance in Ayurveda, as it is used to prepare a wide range of herbal formulations for digestive and skin health.

It possesses anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and laxative properties.

Aloe vera can be used topically or taken with lukewarm water for many benefits.

Some of the notable benefits of aloe vera include:

It helps reduce pigmentation, combat dryness, improve digestion, promote hair growth, and fight fungal infections.

Just like any other herb, aloe vera has its downside too. Therefore, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and people experiencing gastric discomfort should avoid taking aloe vera in any form or quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aloe vera has strong laxative properties. People with constipation can benefit from taking aloe vera daily. However, people with a healthy digestive system should avoid taking aloe vera daily as it may aggravate bowel movements and cause diarrhea.

Aloe vera is known to nourish hair and prevent scalp infections. However, little evidence validates aloe vera as an active hair stimulant. That said, aloe vera may not be the ideal remedy to tackle excessive hair loss, but it can be used as an alternative therapy to maintain a healthy head of hair.

The best time to take aloe vera is in the morning, on an empty stomach. Aloe vera is a potent laxative that helps cleanse the gut and promote bowel movements. It’s a healthier alternative to your morning tea and can be taken with honey or lemon juice to support your weight loss endeavors. If eating aloe vera in the morning is not possible for you, consider taking it between your meals or 30 minutes before bedtime.

Aloe vera offers several benefits when consumed daily. But there’s a limit to how much aloe juice you can drink in a day. Start with 100-150ml daily and gradually increase your intake as your body becomes accustomed to it. The maximum recommended dosage is 250ml per day. Exceeding this dosage may lead to side effects, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, etc.

That would be unnecessary and won’t do you any better than if you were to apply aloe vera twice a week. Saturating your hair daily with aloe vera may have side effects since aloe has inherent cooling properties. Use aloe vera gel on your scalp and apply it along the length of hair and leave it overnight. Wash it off the following day with herbal shampoo to get smoother, silkier hair.

Aloe vera is completely safe and gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, please perform a patch test on the elbow crease and leave it for a couple of hours. Avoid using aloe vera on the face if you notice a rash or irritation. Consult with an Ayurveda practitioner to discuss other options that can offer similar benefits.

It is considered safe to use aloe vera on the face daily. It helps moisturize the skin and offers protection against sun damage, pollution, and harmful chemicals in cosmetic products. Most people start and end their day with an aloe cleanse to keep their skin hydrated, supple, and glowing.




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